Buy BMW 535xi Camshaft Position Sensors

The BMW 535xi uses a camshaft position sensor (also called a cam sensor, CMP sensor, camshaft sensor, cam position sensor, or timing sensor) to tell the engine computer where the cams are. Your 2008-era 535xi is the E60 5 Series with the turbocharged N54 inline-six, and it relies on this signal for spark and fuel timing. Without a good signal, the car may hard-start, run rough, or go into limp mode. For background, see the BMW N54 engine and E60 5 Series. (Wikipedia)

The camshaft sensor works with the crankshaft sensor to keep engine timing in sync. It's typically a Hall-effect sensor that ÒreadsÓ a toothed wheel on the cam. The engine control unit (ECU) uses both signals to decide when to fire the spark plugs and inject fuel. Learn more about cam sensors and the Hall effect from Hella TechWorld and Hall-effect sensors. (FORVIA HELLA, Wikipedia)

On the N54 in a 535xi, there are two cam sensors-one for the intake cam and one for the exhaust cam-mounted at the front of the cylinder head near the VANOS area under the plastic engine cover. Short videos show the location and quick replacement on the N54: exhaust cam sensor swap. Forum guides also call out the spots relative to the VANOS solenoids. (, e90post.com)

A failing camshaft sensor (cam sensor / CMP) can cause: long crank/no start, rough idle, stalling, misfires, poor acceleration, poor fuel economy, and a check-engine light. These match typical cam-sensor fault behavior described by Kelley Blue Book on P0340.

Frequent codes tied to this part include generic OBD-II codes like P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor ÒAÓ Circuit) and sometimes P0016 (Crankshaft/Camshaft correlation). On BMW scanners, you may see 2A9A / 2A9B (cam/crank sync-intake or exhaust). Good primers: and P0016 basics. (Kbb.com, OBD-Codes.com)

Don't confuse the camshaft sensor with the crankshaft sensor. The crank sensor on the N54 sits low, near the starter/bellhousing area, not up top at the timing cover. DIY threads show that crank sensor location clearly. (e90post.com)

BMW used the N54 in the 535i/535xi of this era. Many N5x engines share similar-looking sensors, but pinouts and part numbers can vary. Always confirm by VIN in the factory catalog at RealOEM.

* Scan for codes first. P0340-series points to the cam sensor circuit, while P0016 points to cam/crank sync (which can also be mechanical timing). See P0340 and P0016.
* Check the connector: look for oil intrusion, broken locks, and bent pins.
* Check wiring: verify the 5 V reference, ground, and signal continuity with a multimeter (the sensor is typically a 3-wire Hall sensor). Hella's tech brief explains the Hall setup. (Kbb.com, OBD-Codes.com, FORVIA HELLA)

This is a straightforward job on the N54 intake/exhaust cams: remove the engine cover, unplug the sensor, remove the single E-Torx hold-down bolt, twist/pull the sensor out, lube the new O-ring with clean oil, seat it fully, reinstall the bolt, reconnect, clear codes, and test-drive. A short demo is here: N54 cam sensor replacement video.

Work on a cool engine, disconnect the battery if you'll be touching wiring near the starter or alternator, and keep debris out of the sensor bore. If you see P0016 with noise or metal in the oil, stop driving and inspect timing components-correlation faults can be serious. P0016 overview.

Clear codes with a scan tool and road-test. If P0340 returns right away, check wiring and the connector again; the code refers to the circuit, not just the sensor. That's emphasized in generic diagnostics for P0340. (OBD-Codes.com)

A typical shop can swap a cam sensor quickly (often under an hour of labor). For ballpark pricing on a similar 535i, see RepairPal's estimator. Actual price depends on your location and which cam (intake vs. exhaust).

On these engines, VANOS solenoids and gunky oil can cause cam/crank sync faults too. If you still see correlation codes after a new sensor, check VANOS solenoids, oil level/quality, chain/tensioners, and wiring before assuming the new sensor is bad. High-level primers on correlation faults: P0016.

* Engine & model background: BMW N54, E60 5 Series model info (Wikipedia)
* How the sensor works: Camshaft position sensor basics, Hall-effect sensor, Crank/Cam sensor primer (FORVIA HELLA, Wikipedia, cecas.clemson.edu)
* DIY visual: N54 cam sensor video
* Codes & diagnostics: P0340, P0016 (Kbb.com, OBD-Codes.com)
* VIN-based fitment: RealOEM BMW catalog
* Official recall check (any issue): NHTSA VIN lookup (NHTSA)

BMW 535xi camshaft sensor, cam position sensor, CMP sensor, cam sensor, timing sensor, N54 cam sensor, intake cam sensor, exhaust cam sensor, BMW camshaft sensor replacement, camshaft sensor symptoms, P0340, P0016.

* Keep the connector clean and locked.
* Change oil on time to help VANOS and cam timing.
* If you see P0016 with noise, investigate timing immediately. Start with the basics: scan, inspect, test, then replace as needed with the correct sensor for intake or exhaust. For background reading: cam sensor function and E60/N54 platform context. (FORVIA HELLA, Wikipedia)

If you want, tell me your exact model year and the last 7 of your VIN-I can point you to the exact listing in the BMW catalog and tailor this further.