Where the Camshaft Sensor Is Located on a BMW 328i

The camshaft position sensor on most BMW 328i models is mounted at the front of the engine, near the top of the cylinder head, on the timing-chain side—typically one sensor for the intake camshaft and, on many models, a second sensor for the exhaust camshaft. Its exact appearance and access points vary slightly by engine generation, but you will always find it on or very close to the camshaft housing at the front of the engine.

Understanding the BMW 328i and Its Engine Generations

The BMW 328i name has been used across several generations of the 3 Series, with different engines and slightly different locations for key components like the camshaft sensor. Knowing which generation and engine code you have helps pinpoint the sensor location more precisely, though the general area remains consistent: front of the engine, at the camshaft area on the timing-chain side.

Main 328i Generations Relevant to Camshaft Sensor Location

The following list outlines major BMW 328i generations and the engines most commonly associated with them, which affects exactly how you’ll find and see the camshaft sensor.

• E36 328i (1995–1999, depending on market) – M52 inline‑six engine.
• E46 328i (1998–2000, limited markets) – M52TU inline‑six engine.
• E90/E91/E92/E93 328i (2007–2013) – Mostly N52 or N51 inline‑six engines.
• F30/F31 328i (2012–2016) – N20 turbocharged inline‑four engine.

While the sensor design and exact mounting point differ from engine to engine, each of these platforms follows the same basic principle: the camshaft sensor sits where it can read the position of the camshaft—directly on the cylinder head at the front of the engine.

General Camshaft Sensor Location on a BMW 328i

Across virtually all BMW 328i models, the camshaft sensor is installed in the cylinder head, positioned close to the front of the engine on the side where the timing chain runs. It is held in with a small bolt and connected to the wiring harness with a plug-style connector. Many models use one sensor on the intake side and another on the exhaust side.

What You’ll Typically See When You Look for It

Before listing the common visual cues to identify the camshaft sensor, it is important to know that access may require removing cosmetic covers, air intake components, or other minor parts. However, the basic appearance of the sensor is similar across engines.

• A small, cylindrical or slightly rectangular sensor body mounted into the cylinder head.
• A single small bolt (commonly a Torx or hex) securing it in place.
• An electrical connector and short wiring pigtail going to the engine harness.
• Location at the top or upper side of the engine, near the front, close to where the camshaft sprockets and timing chain sit behind the front cover.

Together, these visual cues guide you toward identifying the camshaft sensor once you’ve removed the engine cover and other obstructions that might hide it from view.

Location by Generation and Engine Type

Because “BMW 328i” spans different platforms and engines, the exact place you’ll reach your hand or wrench differs a bit. The following sections break down location by the most common engine families found in 328i models.

E90/E91/E92/E93 328i (N52/N51 Inline‑Six, Approx. 2007–2013)

On the N52/N51 engines, widely used in the E90-generation 328i, the camshaft sensors are at the front of the engine on the passenger side (in left-hand-drive markets), near the top of the cylinder head.

How to Find the N52/N51 Camshaft Sensors

When locating the camshaft sensors on the N52/N51, you can follow a straightforward visual/physical path once the plastic engine cover is removed.

1. Stand in front of the car with the hood open, facing the engine.
2. Remove the plastic engine cover (usually held by plastic caps or Torx screws).
3. Look at the front of the cylinder head, near the top, on the intake side (right-hand side of the engine as you face the car).
4. Identify two small sensors:
   

   • Intake camshaft sensor: Usually positioned toward the front/right side of the cylinder head, near the VANOS solenoids.
   • Exhaust camshaft sensor: Located slightly higher or more toward the rear but still on the front/top portion of the head.

5. Look for an electrical plug attached to each sensor, with a small retaining bolt holding the sensor into the head.

These steps lead you directly to both camshaft sensors on the N52/N51 engines, with the intake and exhaust sensors positioned close to each other in the front head area.

F30/F31 328i (N20 Turbocharged Inline‑Four, Approx. 2012–2016)

The F30 328i uses the N20 2.0‑liter turbocharged engine. This is a four‑cylinder, so the layout is more compact than the inline‑six. The camshaft sensors are still located in the cylinder head at the front of the engine, one for the intake cam and one for the exhaust cam.

How to Find the N20 Camshaft Sensors

On the N20, both sensors are mounted near the front of the cylinder head, but because of the turbo plumbing and intake layout, access may be a bit tighter.

1. Open the hood and remove the top plastic engine cover.
2. Look toward the front of the engine, top of the cylinder head, near the timing-chain cover.
3. Locate the intake camshaft sensor on the intake (usually left-hand) side of the head as you face the engine, near the VANOS actuator area.
4. Find the exhaust camshaft sensor on the exhaust side of the cylinder head, also near the front, slightly offset from the intake sensor.
5. Identify the characteristic small sensor bodies with an electrical connector and a single retaining bolt.

Once the engine cover is off, these sensors are typically visible from above, though reaching them may require carefully moving hoses or intake ducting aside.

Older 328i Models (E36/E46 with M52/M52TU Engines)

On older 328i models equipped with the M52 or M52TU inline‑six engines, the camshaft sensor is again mounted at the front of the engine in the cylinder head, generally on the intake side.

How to Find the Camshaft Sensor on M52/M52TU

Although these engines are older, the sensor location remains logically tied to the front of the camshaft area.

1. Open the hood and, if installed, remove any decorative engine cover panels.
2. Locate the front of the cylinder head, near the VANOS unit (the “bulge” at the front of the head).
3. On the intake side of the engine (typically toward the passenger side in left-hand-drive markets), look for a small sensor inserted into the head just behind or above the VANOS housing.
4. Identify the sensor by its single electrical connector and retaining bolt.
5. In some later M52TU setups, an additional sensor may exist for improved timing control, also on the head near the front.

Even though the appearance of these older engines differs from newer N‑series engines, the sensor still resides at the front of the camshaft area, maintaining the same functional relationship to the timing system.

How to Confirm You’ve Found the Camshaft Sensor

Because multiple components sit near the front of the cylinder head—such as VANOS solenoids, oil pressure switches, and temperature sensors—it’s helpful to verify you’re actually looking at the camshaft sensor before attempting removal or replacement.

Identification Tips

Several common characteristics can help distinguish the camshaft sensor from other nearby components.

• Sensor shape: Typically a small cylinder or rectangular plastic body inserted horizontally into the head.
• Single bolt: Usually secured with a single small Torx or hex bolt going through a mounting tab.
• Three‑wire connector: Often has a three‑pin connector (signal, power, ground), although the external plug might vary slightly.
• Position on the head: Located directly on the aluminum cylinder head casting, near the timing-chain cover, not on rubber hoses or brackets.
• Proximity to camshaft ends: Always close to where the camshaft ends would be, just behind the front timing cover.

Matching these traits with your service manual or an online parts diagram (using your VIN) provides strong confirmation that you’ve correctly identified the camshaft sensor.

Safety and Access Considerations

Reaching and working on the camshaft sensor is generally a straightforward job on a BMW 328i, but there are basic safety and access principles to keep in mind before you start unbolting anything.

Basic Precautions When Working Near the Sensor

To avoid damaging engine components or injuring yourself, it is important to prepare properly before handling the camshaft sensor area.

• Disconnect the battery: Especially if you plan to unplug sensors, disconnect the negative terminal to avoid accidental shorts or error spikes.
• Let the engine cool: The front of the head and surrounding components can become very hot after driving.
• Avoid pulling on wiring: Always release the locking tab on the connector; never yank the wire harness.
• Use correct tools: Typically small Torx or hex sockets; using the wrong size can strip the retaining bolt.
• Keep debris out of the head: When the sensor is removed, avoid dropping dirt or tools into the opening.

Following these steps ensures you can access and handle the sensor without causing additional issues or complicating later diagnostics.

Why Camshaft Sensor Location Matters

Knowing exactly where the camshaft sensor sits is crucial not just for replacement, but also for diagnosing driveability problems on the BMW 328i, since sensor faults can cause symptoms that mimic other issues.

Common Symptoms of Camshaft Sensor Issues

Understanding the typical symptoms can help confirm that your work around this area is justified when troubleshooting engine problems.

• Check Engine Light with codes such as P0340/P0341 or BMW-specific camshaft correlation faults.
• Hard starting or no-start, especially when hot.
• Rough idle or occasional stalling at low speed.
• Reduced power or limp mode, as the DME falls back to default timing maps.
• Poor fuel economy due to inaccurate timing information.

Recognizing these symptoms, then using the location information above, allows you to quickly inspect or replace the camshaft sensor as part of a logical diagnostic process.

Summary

On a BMW 328i, the camshaft position sensor is mounted on the cylinder head near the front of the engine, on the timing-chain side, with most modern versions having separate sensors for the intake and exhaust camshafts. On N52/N51 inline‑six engines (E90-era 328i) and the N20 four‑cylinder (F30 328i), you’ll find these sensors beneath the plastic engine cover, at the top-front of the head near the VANOS assemblies. Older M52-based 328i models place the sensor in a similar front-of-head location near the VANOS unit.

In all cases, remove the engine cover, look at the top-front of the cylinder head, and identify a small sensor inserted into the head with a single bolt and electrical connector. Knowing this exact location not only simplifies replacement, but also helps you diagnose timing-related issues when your BMW 328i shows check-engine lights, rough running, or starting problems.