P0345 on 2011-2016 BMW M5 S63: Camshaft Sensor 'A' Bank 2 Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2011-2016 BMW M5

The BMW S63 (specifically the S63B44Tü in the F10 M5) is a 'hot-V' engine, meaning the twin turbochargers are located in the valley between the cylinder banks. This design generates significant heat, which can accelerate the degradation of electronic components like sensors and wiring harnesses located on or near the engine. While camshaft position sensors are a common failure point on many BMW engines, the high-heat environment of the S63 can make them and their connectors more susceptible to premature failure, leading to codes like P0345.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Engine is hard to start or cranks but won't start
• Rough idle and engine vibration
• Engine stalling or hesitating, especially at low speeds
• Reduced engine power and acceleration (limp mode)
• Increased fuel consumption
• Delayed throttle response

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Camshaft Position Sensor (Bank 2) 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Camshaft Position Sensor These sensors are a common failure item across many BMW models. The high heat of the S63 'hot-V' engine design can contribute to a shorter lifespan for electronics.
   How to confirm: The easiest test is to swap the Bank 2 sensor with the corresponding sensor on Bank 1. Clear the codes and run the engine. If the fault code changes to P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit - Bank 1), the sensor is bad. The S63 engine has four identical camshaft sensors (one intake and one exhaust for each bank), making this swap straightforward.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty camshaft position sensor. It is often recommended to replace both sensors on the same bank 🎬 Watch: How to replace sensors to fix rough idle and misfires at the same time.
   Est. part cost: $25-$165
2. Wiring or Connector Issue 🟡 Medium Probability Engine heat can make wiring insulation brittle and connector plastic fragile over time. Oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets can also contaminate the connectors, leading to poor contact.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector for the Bank 2 camshaft sensor. Look for signs of cracking, melting, frayed wires, or oil contamination. Use a multimeter to check for proper voltage (typically 5V reference), ground, and signal continuity at the connector.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wiring harness or clean the connector terminals with electrical contact cleaner. If the connector is broken, it will need to be replaced.
   Est. part cost: $5-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Stretched Timing Chain or VANOS System Fault: → Shop Engine Timing Chain While much less common than a sensor failure, a stretched timing chain or a problem with the VANOS (variable valve timing) system can cause the camshaft and crankshaft correlation to be out of sync, potentially triggering this code. This is a more serious mechanical issue and would likely be accompanied by other timing-related fault codes (like 130104, 130308) and more severe symptoms like rattling noises from the front of the engine.
• Failed Engine Control Module (DME): DME failure is extremely rare but possible. This should only be considered after all other possibilities, including sensors, wiring, and mechanical timing, have been thoroughly ruled out by a professional.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the fault codes with an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0345 is present and check for any other codes.
2. Identify Bank 2 (driver's side in the US) and locate the two camshaft position sensors on the front of the valve cover. 🎬 Watch: How to remove the camshaft sensor on an F10 M5 Sensor 'A' typically refers to the intake camshaft sensor.
3. For diagnosis, swap the suspected faulty intake sensor from Bank 2 with the identical intake sensor from Bank 1.
4. Clear all fault codes using the scanner.
5. Start the engine and let it run for a minute, then re-scan for codes.
6. If code P0340 (Bank 1) now appears, the sensor you moved is confirmed to be faulty and needs replacement.
7. If code P0345 returns, the problem is not the sensor itself. Proceed to inspect the wiring and connector for the Bank 2 sensor for any damage, corrosion, or oil contamination.
8. If the wiring appears intact, use a multimeter to test for power, ground, and signal continuity at the connector.
9. If wiring and sensors are confirmed to be good, the issue may be more complex (timing chain, VANOS, DME) and require professional diagnosis.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Camshaft Position Sensor (OEM #13627525014) — This is the most common cause for code P0345. The sensor fails electronically over time, exacerbated by engine heat. This part number supersedes 13627558518 and 13627546660.
  Trusted brands: Genuine BMW, VDO (often the OEM supplier), Bosch, Meyle
  OEM price range: $150-$165
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$75

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0340 — This code for the Bank 1 camshaft sensor will appear if you swap a faulty Bank 2 sensor over to Bank 1 for diagnostic purposes.
• P0346 — This code indicates a range or performance issue with the same Bank 2 sensor, suggesting the signal is erratic rather than completely gone. It often points to a failing sensor or a wiring issue.
• P0348 / P0349 — These codes indicate high or intermittent signal from the Bank 2 sensor, further pointing to a sensor or wiring problem.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• SI B13 08 15: Service Action for S63 engines in E70/E71 models to check and replace high-pressure fuel injectors if they are not index 11 or higher. While not directly for P0345, failing injectors can cause similar symptoms like misfires and rough running.
• SI B01 03 15 / B01 06 18: Details the extended limited warranty for fuel injectors on S63 engines to 10 years/120,000 miles, acknowledging their high failure rate.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Real-World Repair Story: A user on 6post.com with an M6 (same S63 engine) experienced a sudden engine rattle and shutdown. The initial diagnosis pointed towards internal engine failure (spun rod bearing), a known issue with these engines. This highlights that while P0345 is usually a simple sensor, it's critical to rule out more severe mechanical timing issues if symptoms are severe, like loud knocking.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Camshaft Position Sensor Resistance — expected: 800Ω - 1.2kΩ. Failure: A reading outside of this range indicates an internal failure of the sensor.
• Camshaft Position Sensor Connector Voltage (3-pin) — expected: Pin 1 (Power): ~5V DC with key on. Pin 2 (Ground): Continuity to chassis ground. Pin 3 (Signal): Fluctuating voltage when the engine is cranked.. Failure: No power on Pin 1, no ground on Pin 2, or a static/missing signal on Pin 3 points to a wiring or DME issue, not a sensor failure.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• 130308: VANOS, exhaust: control fault, position not reached. This code often appears alongside camshaft sensor codes and can indicate that the problem is mechanical (VANOS unit, timing) rather than purely electrical (sensor/wiring). (see via BMW-specific diagnostic software like ISTA or a high-end scanner capable of reading manufacturer codes.)
• 130104: VANOS, intake: control fault, camshaft jammed. Similar to the exhaust code, this points towards a mechanical issue with the variable valve timing system on the intake side. (see via BMW-specific diagnostic software like ISTA.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• ISTA (BMW Dealer Software): VANOS System Test — After replacing a sensor or if P0345 returns. This test actuates the VANOS solenoids and measures the camshafts' response time to check the mechanical health of the VANOS units. A failure here confirms the issue is mechanical, not the sensor.
• ISTA (BMW Dealer Software): Timing Chain Stretch Test — If mechanical timing is suspected (e.g., rattling noises, or if VANOS test fails). This function analyzes the correlation between crank and cam sensors to determine if the timing chain has elongated beyond its service limit.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Main Engine Ground Strap — On the F10 chassis with the S63/N63 engine, a primary ground strap is located on the driver's side (US) engine mount, connecting the engine block to the chassis. Another critical ground connects the transmission to the transmission tunnel.. A corroded or loose ground strap can cause a host of electrical issues, including erratic sensor readings. The DME may interpret the unstable ground reference as a sensor fault, triggering codes like P0345. This is often overlooked as technicians focus only on the sensor's local wiring.
• Camshaft Sensor Connector (B6211*1B) — On the front of the Bank 2 (US driver's side) valve cover.. Knowing the pinout is crucial for testing. For the N55/S63 family: Pin 1 is typically the signal, Pin 2 is ground, and Pin 3 is power. However, colors can vary, so testing for 5V power is the most reliable way to orient the connector for diagnosis.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Bimmerpost Forum User (2013 BMW i8 (B38 Engine, but VANOS system is analogous)) — Limp mode with VANOS codes 130304 (camshaft jammed) and 130308 (position not reached).
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replaced VANOS adjustment unit (sprocket), Replaced central VANOS valve, Replaced VANOS actuator/solenoid
  ✅ What actually fixed it The pickup/reluctor ring on the exhaust camshaft itself had physically shifted, throwing off the sensor reading. The final fix was replacing both camshafts and the full VANOS setup from a donor engine. This highlights a rare mechanical failure that mimics a sensor/solenoid issue.
• Bimmerfest Forum User (N63 Engine) (BMW with N63 engine) — Drivetrain malfunction with code 130308 (VANOS exhaust position not reached).
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Cleaned VANOS solenoids, Performed ISTA timing chain stretch test (passed)
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user suspected a bad VANOS gear (actuator) on the exhaust camshaft for Bank 1. Even though the sensor and solenoids were good, the mechanical VANOS unit itself was failing to adjust the cam properly, which was confirmed when an ISTA test of all four VANOS units failed despite the fault only pointing to one.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 13627546660 → 13627558518 — Part revision by BMW.
• 13627558518 → 13627525014 — Part revision by BMW. This is the most current part number.
  Heads up: All three part numbers are interchangeable for this application.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2011-2016: The engine in the 2011-2016 F10 M5 is the S63B44Tü (Technical Update). Compared to the earlier S63 in the X5M/X6M, it features a higher compression ratio (10.0:1 vs 9.3:1), higher boost pressure (1.5 bar), and the addition of VALVETRONIC. While the camshaft position sensors themselves (PN 13627525014) are shared across many engines including the S63 and S63Tü, the engine's operating parameters and control systems are different, which can influence diagnostics.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Rod Bearing Wear/Failure 🔴 High — A widely discussed issue, particularly on earlier models or cars with infrequent oil changes. Failure can be catastrophic, often requiring engine replacement. Some owners opt for preventative replacement with aftermarket bearings.
• Leaking/Failing Fuel Injectors 🔴 High — Common enough that BMW extended the warranty on injectors for many S63-equipped vehicles to 10 years/120,000 miles. A leaking injector can wash oil from cylinder walls, leading to scoring and potentially catastrophic failure. Early index injectors (below 11) are most problematic. (Ref: SI B13 08 15 (Service Action for E70/E71), B01 03 15 (Warranty Extension))
• Excessive Oil Consumption 🟠 Medium — Many S63 engines consume oil, sometimes as much as 1 liter per 1000-1500 km. This is often caused by worn valve stem seals, which is a labor-intensive repair. The 'hot-V' design contributes to the degradation of these seals.
• VANOS Solenoid Failure 🟠 Medium — The four VANOS solenoids can become clogged or fail, typically after 100,000 miles, causing rough idle, hesitation, and performance loss. This is a common issue across many BMW engines.
• Ignition Coil and Spark Plug Failure 🟡 Low — Due to high heat and stress from the turbochargers, ignition coils and spark plugs are considered regular maintenance items and may fail more frequently than on naturally aspirated engines, causing misfires.

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For this repair, a used part only makes sense for a pigtail connector if the original is broken or corroded. The sensor itself is a high-wear electronic component exposed to extreme heat, and a used sensor has an unknown remaining lifespan, making it a poor value.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 50000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• For a pigtail connector, ensure the plastic is not brittle or cracked.
• Check that the locking tab is intact.
• Inspect the wires for any signs of insulation cracking or previous repairs.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• While not strictly OEM-only, it is highly recommended to use either a Genuine BMW sensor or one from the OEM supplier (VDO/Continental). Cheaper aftermarket sensors have a high rate of premature failure or can be dead-on-arrival, wasting time and money.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• VDO (OEM supplier)
• Bosch
• Meyle

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unnamed, no-brand sensors from online marketplaces should be avoided as their quality and accuracy are unverified and often poor.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0340 — This is the companion code for Camshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit - Bank 1; it often appears during diagnosis if you swap the faulty Bank 2 sensor to Bank 1 to confirm it is dead.
• P0300 — Random or multiple cylinder misfires often occur alongside P0345 due to the engine's inability to properly time ignition and fuel injection.
• VANOS FAULTS — Clogged or failing VANOS solenoids cause similar symptoms of rough idle and performance loss and are a common failure point on the S63 engine after 100,000 miles.
• FUEL INJECTOR CODES — Failing or leaking fuel injectors (addressed in SI B13 08 15) can cause similar symptoms like misfires and rough running that may accompany timing-related codes.

Frequently Asked Questions