DME 2781 Camshaft Sensor Intake

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yohannes

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Hi guys , today while driving I felt that my 03 318i N42 was vibrating badly. After awhile, it seemed to go away. However, just as I exited my office car park and was heading home, the car suddenly became very sluggish. Jabs on the accelerator had no effect and the RPM wouldn't shoot past 2k . As I slowed down the engine died on me. I was quite worried and tried cranking the car. It started but the engine felt like it would die again anytime. I made a quick U-turn and headed over to the mech where I have been sending my car since getting it last week. A quick scan revealed the fault code : DME 2781 Camshaft Sensor Intake. Thus, it was diagnosed that this item has failed and would need to be replaced. Half a day's job. Any bros had similar experience or replaced the same item ? Any estimates on the cost?Appreciate any second opinions. At the same time, I also plan to perform the following : 1. Replacement of the engine oil sump gasket ( Was told that this would be a 2 day job) 2. Replacement of the auto sump gasket and all related partsAnyone can advice the estimated costs and time required for the works? Gonna miss my new toy.. LOL. All constructive opinions are greatly appreciated. =)
 
In my case it was the crank position sensor under intake manifold, got error for cam sensor intake and exhaust but once I changed the crank position sensor all errors gone.

Oil sump gasket replacement requires to dismantle quite a lot of assembly underneath but it's not a 2-day job. It might be so if the workshop load is heavy so it'll take longer together with replacement of auto sump gasket (please change the ATF, ATF filter too by the way).

I estimate it'll be around RM1k for all to be done (ATF, ATF Filter, ATF gasket, oil sump gasket, oil level sensor o-ring as precaution+labour). Check realoem.com for parts...you can purchase yourself.

Please browse the E46 maintenance threads....tons of info there if you are willing to read and save money
 
Hi bro.. Thanks for the reply. Left my car there this morning and went to check it out in the evening. Indeed, there is alot that needs to be dismantled. I've been going through the maintenance threads countless times but since some posts date back to 2005, I'm not sure if the prices are still valid. Anyway, decided to get everything done at once at least for now for peace of mind.

Will slowly learn after this to save money in future.. :) By the way, if i were to purchase the parts myself from say Stuttgart or something, would my normal mechanic know how to fix all these? Sorry if this sounds like a silly question.
 
It is really up to your mechanic preference, when they purchase the parts usually they will mark it up since they have to put in their money, time and take the risk on those parts. My mechanic is ok with me purchasing the parts, have been going to him for the past 4 years with this arrangement.

Take your time also to check the prices between Stuttggart, Bavarian Auto or other places to compare prices before buying. I usually call them first and ask for quotation, but be sure to compare OEM with OEM or BMW parts with BMW parts.
 
Preference wise my mech is fine because I have been bringing my own parts previously for my old car and so far he has been very happy to do it for me. However, what Im more concerned about is his experience with Bimmers, as I dont know whether it is alot different when it comes to servicing/replacing parts compared to a more common local or jap car. For now, I definitely feel safer with a specialist, but I do think that I would be able to save alot going back to my old mech...

Anyway, thanks for advice bro.
 
bro yohannes,
how's the result after u changed the camshaft sensor?
i just changed mine few days ago but it's a used part but at least after changed it dont show this fault code anymore...
BUT just now my engine died again when i was slow moving turning into a petrol station...i tried to started the engine,it started but died again straight away...second time i started it and push the acceleration at the same time...i just felt that i cant get enough fuel for the acceleration and the engine died when i dont do the acceleration...sighz...but the strange thing is i took out the key and put in again to start the engine,this time the engine went back to normal =="

just want to check with you whether u facing this kind of problem after changing the camshaft sensor
 
cythomas83;692544 said:
bro yohannes,
how's the result after u changed the camshaft sensor?
i just changed mine few days ago but it's a used part but at least after changed it dont show this fault code anymore...
BUT just now my engine died again when i was slow moving turning into a petrol station...i tried to started the engine,it started but died again straight away...second time i started it and push the acceleration at the same time...i just felt that i cant get enough fuel for the acceleration and the engine died when i dont do the acceleration...sighz...but the strange thing is i took out the key and put in again to start the engine,this time the engine went back to normal =="

just want to check with you whether u facing this kind of problem after changing the camshaft sensor

Wey, why the silence lately bro? hehe, i got into the same trouble a few months back, replaced the camshaft sensor, deleted the error and things are back to normal..get it diagnosed, which workshop in BP do u go to?
 
quite busy this few months bro.... :)
i go my fren wokshop in yp :)
thanks bro for the info
 
Hey guys...sorry for the late reply, been busy the past week.

In fact, I did not change my cam sensor after all. Had my car sent in to my mech to fix some leaks for my engine and gearbox, changed spark plugs and all the other wear and tear items etc. Finally, when it came to the camshaft sensor, the fault code did not re-appear after being cleared the day before. My mech took out the exisiting sensors and cleaned the sensors.... Then I was told to try out the car again since the fault code did not occur.

So far it has been more than a week and approx 1000km travelled with no issues whatsoever. Only thing is when idling, I can feel my car vibrating subtly... and in the back of my mind Im still wondering if Im gonna get the stalling issue again.
 
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