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M44 Camshaft Position Sensor

Author : bmv Posted on : 12/12/2004
Model : BMW, 3 - Series (E36) 1991-99 Category : Engine
Source : http://bimmer.roadfly.org
 
General Outline

You'll need to disconnect, but not remove, the upper intake housing to get at the receptacle, that the Cam Sensor's wire plugs into. Replacing the Cam Sensor end is simple.

Two concerns: First, snaking the plug end of the wire into the computer's receptacle is like pushing a rope in mid air; and, second, the cheapo plastic race/bracket that holds the wire around the head's corner is not affix by a screw or bolt, and can be easily broken (Ask me how!).


Tools

flat screwdriver
5mm hex key
10mm socket
11mm socket
11mm open/box wrench
chock of wood, or something to prop
snaking device


Removal

1. Disconnect one of the 'upstream' hose clamps, between the intake & air filter housings. Your choice.

2. Remove the small hose (vacuum?) just above the oil filter cap.

3. There are five bolts/nuts to the upper intake housing. One is right on top; two near the oil dipstick; another in front that attaches, via a bracket (I believe), to the head. These four are to be removed. And, all are 11mm.

The fifth one, also 11mm, is in back, securing it to the cowl/bulkhead area. Use an 11mm box wrench to LOOSEN IT ONLY - DO NOT REMOVE.

4. Okay, you should now be able to lift up the upper intake housing from the lower & rest of engine. Use chock of wood or whatever to prop up the upper intake housing, in order to give yourself enough room to see & work.

5. Remove old Cam Sensor, from the sensor end, on the front of the head, with a 5mm hex key. Simple.

6. Follow the wire, as it goes from the head to the engine.

7. Near the Sensor is a 10mm bolt to be removed.

8. Next is one of the tricky aspects. Around the corner of the head is the aforementioned cheapo plastic race. I broke mine. After getting a replacement later (BMW doesn't sell the complete part, BTW) it looks like it's secured by plugging into a boss. No bolt, nut, or screw. Not exactly sure what to advise here...

9. CAUTION! EXTREME CARE REQUIRE HERE. Down by the engine, disconnect the plug end, by gently pinching the wire "C" clamp enough until you can remove it. Obviously, extreme care must be taken here, so as the "C" clamp doesn't go 'boing' and end up where it shouldn't. :-O Oh, yeah, BMW doesn't sell those separately either.

Installation

10. Install new Cam Sensor, with new o-ring.

11. Put 10mm bolt that holds bracket near the Sensor back in.

12. Put new wire in the bracket (Good Luck!), and replug the bracket into head.

13. The other tricky part, since you're not totally removing the upper intake housing, is snaking the wire end through little voids to get to its receptacle. And, of course, there's not enough room to get both of your hands on it, let alone completely see what you're doing. Sorry, I haven't haven't figured out yet what would be the best method to do this - That's why I haven't publicly posted DIY instructions so far. Anyway, you might want to consider temporarily twist-tie'ing the wire to something long, thin, and rigid to snake it through.

14. Reattach upper intake housing.

15. Reconnect upstream hose clamp.

16. Reattach the small hose above the oil filter housing.

 

Pictures

Picture 1

Click on the thumbnails to see larger images.

 

References

  • http://bimmer.roadfly.org
    •  


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