All,

I drove my 2004 545i about 60 miles Friday night and the car performed excellent. When I reached my destination and put the car n park, it began to sputter and the check engine light and "engine malfunction" light came on. I turned it off and took it to auto zone the next day to have the codes read and they gave me p0012 overhead cam retarded or something to that nature. Although I drove there fine, On the drive back the car almost cut off on me. I've been reading and it seems its an solenood that needs to be replaced, which depending the location could b a easy fix.

Has anyone else had that issue?? If so what are the fixes?? I plan to have it towed to the dealer on Monday but am really trying to avoid that if possible.

Btw I just changed the plugs and added "engine restorer" to the oil on 5/2 could that have anything to do with it?

Thanks in advance!!

 

Sounds like the camshaft sensor is bad. If you google the code you will find a lot of info that pertains to this.

 

Thanks for the response. I've been googling and have not been able to find its location on my vehicle. Do you know where it is or point me in the right direction of a way to find it?

Thanks

 

here's a quick google-driven result:
https://wiki.bentleypublishers.com/d...E60+N62+Engine

And the BMW parts diagram might help also:
RealOEM.com BMW E60 525i Cylinder head, electr. add-on parts


Check out a Bentley repair manual for your car, it's certain to have all the info you need.


I have a co-worker with an e39 540i, and he just replaced his. Very easy, and his symptoms were the same as yours.

Best of luck!

 

I had a similar problem about a month ago.
Here is my thread, hope no it helps.
https://5series.net/forums/e60-discu...-p1017-132155/

 

Ronmexico,

Thanks for your input. I just cleaned all four of those solenoids and when I cranked it, it still has the stuttered idle and check engine light remains on. Do your have any other ideas/recommendations that can help with this??

 

You will need to clear the code.

 

Update,

After cleaning the VANOS solenoids with a can of air, the car started and when I attempted to drive again, it cut off on me and the engine malfunction light remained on.

I towed the car to the dealer last Monday (5/6), after hours of diagnostic work they figured out a bolt holding the cam shaft into place backed out (over time) and caused the cam to jump timing which in turn caused bent valves and some other extensive damage. They quoted me about 3600 just in labor.

Moral to the story, Thank God I bought the warranty!! The warranty company is taking care of everything including the rental im driving until I get mine back approx on 5/20.

Thanks everyone for your help.