BMW Repair: camshaft position sensor, bmw 325ci, camshaft position sensor

Question
i saw you working with a guy about his 01 bmw 325ci about a camshaft position sensor. the engine says it is a camshaft position sensor on the intake side is the problem. does that mean the sensor is bad and i need to replace it? could you please walk me through step by step on replacing it. thank you.

Answer
Colin, please replace the sensor. Purchase the intake cam sensor and o-ring. Remove the Intake Vanos solenoid with a 32mm open end wrench and disconnect connector. The solenoid is up by the engine lifting bracket by the front of the valve cover on the side. Place a rag under the solenoid as you remove it because oil will spill. Remove intake air box. With the back half of the vanos solenoid out of the way you will be able to access the Intake cam solenoid and it's 5mm allen head retaining bolt. The wiring for the sensor goes behind several engine components and to the lower left hand corner of the engine harness junction that should now be accessible after air box removal. Route the sensor connector as the current faulty sensor is routed.  Remove old sensor. Lube O-ring and install on sensor, then install sensor and bolt. Reassemble all components and clear fault memory of the intake cam sensor fault. You will notice the new design of the cam sensor. It is an updated style. I would also replace the exhaust cam sensor because it will eventually fail like intake.
-Evan