Q: Camshaft position sensor error code P0343

asked by on October 27, 2016

I recently purchased this used 2000 BMW 540i., The previous owner claims that service engine light is always on due to error code P0343. 'Camshaft position sensor'. The car runs fairly well. I changed both sensors and the error code persists. The car runs the same, with the new ones or the old ones, same error code. There is no engine modifications. Any idea what is going on?

My car has 150000 miles.
My car has a manual transmission.

Hello. The P0343 code indicates there is no signal from the passenger side cam position sensor (Bank 1 actually). Given you have changed the sensor, this would suggest a wiring or connector issue. Your mileage would also make me anxious about timing chain guides, tensioner and timing chain - a chronic maintenance item on BMW V8s with this sort of mileage. While the timing chain service is a bit expensive, the alternative is even more so. I recommend having a certified technician from YourMechanic to thoroughly inspect the Check Engine Light and proceed with the appropriate repair.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What Is the Difference Between a Water-Cooled Engine and an Air-Cooled Engine?
There are a few main differences between a water-cooled and air-cooled engine. Air-cooled engines utilize an engine cylinder design that incorporates cooling fins all the way around the cylinder and on top of the piston cylinder head. These fins draw...
Power steering leak on a '95 Dodge Ram 2500
You've got to find where the leak is (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-diagnose-a-fluid-leak-by-mark-vallet) coming from. Power steering pumps (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-power-steering-hose) put out 1500 PSI or more at times. So, wherever the leak is, you are going to see it squirting out. From there you can...
Installed new battery but car won't start - 2005 Honda Civic
Your symptoms could be caused by several components. At first, it sounds like the starter is cranking, but isn't powerful enough to turn over the engine. This could be due to a bad electrical connection or faulty starter. Replacing the...
Low kilometers on the odometer
Hello. The best way to determine if the odometer on a vehicle has been rolled back is to compare the readings with the maintenance and service records. At 20000 kilometers there should be at least a few service records to...
Some one put sugar in my 2000 Ford Taurus and I didn't know I ran my car for a little while until it started to turnLike when r u
The first thing to do is to remove the fuel tank and fill tube. Have the tank and tube flushed out. Replace the fuel filter and disconnect all the lines and flush all the lines out with water and then...
Struggling to go uphill and muffler sounds get louder and strong smell of gas fumes.
It sounds like you may have a clogged catalytic converter. The catalytic converter converts toxic exhaust gases into less harmful pollutants that are suitable to be expelled into the atmosphere. When this is clogged, this causes these gases to be...
Is buying a used Phaeton worth it?
I have owned 4 VW's in my lifetime. One was a 2003 Passat W8 with a 6 speed manual - one of 424 6 speeds ever imported to the US. When my dealership got their first Phaeton, I took one...
Warning Liftgate Open
Hi there. It is very possible that the sensor connected to the lift gate is damaged or simply dirty. Tailgate Open warning light is located on the instrument panel, and will illuminate when the trunk is not properly closed. When...
Experiencing shift shock from 1-2 and a little from 2-3 when car is cold.
Hi there. It really depends on the terms of your purchase as to what I'd recommend. If the vehicle is under warranty then it's best to let the dealership make the repairs. However, if it's not, it would probably be...

Related articles

P0233 OBD-II Trouble Code: Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Intermittent
P0233 P0233 code definition Fuel pump Secondary Circuit Intermittent What the P0233 code means P0233 is a generic OBD-II code that is triggered when the engine control module (ECM) detects that the secondary circuit to the fuel pump has an...
P0476 OBD-II Trouble Code: Exhaust Pressure Control Valve Range/Performance
What What the P0476 code means During the exhaust back pressure step test, the engine control module (ECM) commands and measures a preprogrammed exhaust pressure and then measures time for pressure decay during your vehicle’s engine running test. The exhaust...
P0256 OBD-II Trouble Code: Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control "B" Malfunction (Cam/Rotor/Injector)
P0256 P0256 code definition The P0256 Trouble Code indicates injection pump fuel metering control “B” malfunction (cam/rotor/injector). What the P0256 code means When this code appears, it means that the powertrain control module has found that the signal voltage to...