Today’s Symptoms:

Another 2001 BMW 525i Problem was given by an ATS customer yesterday morning regarding an engine code P0344. According to him, the car was sluggish and the fault code light came on for 2 hours but later disappeared. When scanned at his shop, the same light came out and has code P0344.

Diagnostics for 2001 BMW 525i Problem:

This driveability code P0344 refers to camshaft sensor fault in the sensor circuit. Looking at BMW service bulletins, the camshaft sensors for this car have a high rate of failure. There are 2 types of cam sensors being used in this car: one for the inlet manifold side which is usually fixed if the inlet cam sensor is replaced. The exhaust cam sensor is for the exhaust which is displayed by P0014 exhaust cam circuit code. Again, this last one is fixed by replacing the exhaust cam sensor.

BMW recommends that both cam sensors be replaced because if one cam sensor is going, the other sensor is not far behind. (for economy, ATS suggested to the member to replace the inlet cam sensor only which can be distinguish from the 2 sensors because it has no cable connected to it).

The customer did replace the engine manifold inlet cam sensor and later in the afternoon, informed me by email that this 2001 BMW 525i problem was fixed.

Notes on 2001 BMW 525i problem:

BMW wiring diagram uses different terms for it’s engine computer; it calls the engine computer digital motor control unit or DME. However, once you see the wiring diagram layout, it is very easy to understand and I can even see the 3 wires of each cam sensors with 2 wires going to the DME terminal pins.

Please be careful when working on this 2001 BMW 525i circuits; if possible get a licensed mechanic to help you to prevent damage to your engine.

Feel free to leave your comments below if you have any BMW car problems.

Thanks,

Richard