P0017: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B)
High SeverityNot safe to driveIgnition
P0017 means the crankshaft and the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 are not in the correct rotational relationship. The ECU compares the crankshaft position sensor signal to the bank 1 exhaust camshaft position sensor and finds the camshaft timing is off by more than the allowed tolerance. The root cause is typically a stretched timing chain, a failed VVT solenoid for the exhaust cam, or a worn cam phaser.
Estimated repair costFrom €60 to €5500+, varies by vehicle
What does P0017 mean?
P0017 means the crankshaft and the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 are not in the correct rotational relationship. The ECU compares the crankshaft position sensor signal to the bank 1 exhaust camshaft position sensor and finds the camshaft timing is off by more than the allowed tolerance. The root cause is typically a stretched timing chain, a failed VVT solenoid for the exhaust cam, or a worn cam phaser.
P0017 is a ignition-related diagnostic trouble code classified as high severity. When your vehicle's ECU detects this condition, it stores P0017 and illuminates the check engine light.
What are the symptoms of P0017?
If your vehicle has triggered P0017, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:
Check engine light illuminated
Distinct rattle from the front of the engine at cold start (1 to 5 seconds)
Rough idle, possible misfires
Hard starting, particularly when warm
Reduced power and hesitation under acceleration
Increased fuel consumption
What causes P0017?
Here are the most common causes of P0017, ranked by how likely they are to be the culprit:
highStretched timing chain (chronic on BMW N20, N47, VAG EA888)
highFailed exhaust VVT/VVL solenoid (oil control valve)
mediumLow or degraded engine oil affecting VVT operation
mediumWorn timing chain tensioner or guides
lowFailed exhaust camshaft phaser
lowFaulty exhaust camshaft position sensor
Is it safe to drive with P0017?
No - address this immediately. Drive only short distances to reach a workshop. P0017 specifically flags the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 being out of correlation with the crankshaft. On interference engines (most modern petrol designs), a skipped chain can bend valves and destroy the engine. If you hear a cold-start rattle, do not drive further.
How do you diagnose P0017?
Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0017:
Check engine oil level and condition. Low or contaminated oil causes 20 to 30 percent of P0017 cases. Top up or change with the manufacturer-specified viscosity and clear the code
Listen for a 1 to 5 second rattle from the front of the engine on cold start. This is the classic stretched timing chain symptom and confirms a mechanical fault rather than a sensor issue
Use a scan tool to monitor live data. Look at the actual versus commanded exhaust camshaft angle on bank 1. Deviations over 5 to 10 degrees confirm the timing is mechanically off
Test the exhaust VVT solenoid with a multimeter. Resistance is typically 6 to 13 ohms. Inspect the mesh screen on the solenoid for debris, which is a common quick fix
If the solenoid and oil are good, the timing chain is the next suspect. A workshop can confirm with a timing chain wear measurement or by removing the valve cover to inspect the chain slack
How much does P0017 cost to fix?
Repair costs for P0017 vary depending on the root cause and your vehicle. Here are typical estimates:
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
P0017 on specific vehicles
P0017 behaves differently depending on your vehicle. Select your car below for model-specific causes, known issues, and adjusted cost estimates:
P0017 on BMW 3 Series
BMW 3 Series • 2005–2024
The N47 diesel and N20 4-cylinder turbo petrol are the major P0017 risk engines. The N47 has the timing chain at the rear of the engine, making replacement an engine-out or gearbox-out job costing 3000 EUR or more at a specialist. The N20 chain is also at the gearbox side. The N52/N55 inline-6 is less prone to chain stretch but still suffers VANOS solenoid failures at high mileage.
What causes P0017 on a BMW 3 Series?
BMW 3 SeriesN47 diesel rear timing chain stretch (catastrophic and expensive)
BMW 3 SeriesN20 timing chain stretch around 80,000 to 100,000 km
BMW 3 SeriesVANOS solenoid failure on N52/N55
P0017 repair cost for BMW 3 Series
Estimated costs for BMW 3 Series ownersadjusted higher than average due to BMW-specific parts pricing
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
P0017 on Audi A6
Audi A6 • 2005–2024
The 3.0 TFSI EA837 supercharged V6 in the A6 is known for camshaft adjuster and timing chain tensioner issues that can set P0017. The job requires removing the supercharger to access the front-mounted timing components, with labour at a specialist running 1500 to 2500 EUR. Always replace the full chain kit, not just the failed part.
What causes P0017 on a Audi A6?
Audi A63.0 TFSI camshaft adjuster failure (chronic at 100,000 to 150,000 km)
Audi A6Timing chain tensioner wear on supercharged V6
P0017 repair cost for Audi A6
Estimated costs for Audi A6 ownersadjusted higher than average due to Audi-specific parts pricing
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
P0017 on Mercedes E-Class
Mercedes-Benz E-Class • 2005–2024
The M276 V6 and M278 V8 use camshaft adjusters that are a known weak point. Mercedes calls these solenoids the Magnet Stellglieder and they typically fail around 100,000 to 150,000 km. Replacement is a moderate job once you have access. Avoid using non-MB-approved oil because the adjusters are sensitive to oil quality.
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
P0017 on Volkswagen Touareg
Volkswagen Touareg • 2005–2024
The Touareg 3.0 TFSI shares the EA837 V6 with the Audi A6 and has the same camshaft adjuster failure pattern. The 3.0 TDI V6 (CASA, CASB engines) has a well-documented timing chain stretch issue that can set P0017 alongside P0016. Repair on either engine requires significant disassembly and 1500 to 3000 EUR labour at a specialist.
Is the BMW timing chain really that expensive to fix?
Yes, especially on the N47 diesel where the timing chain is at the rear of the engine (gearbox side). Replacing the chain requires removing the gearbox or dropping the engine, with labour alone reaching 1500 to 2500 EUR. The N20 4-cylinder petrol is similar. Parts (chain, guides, tensioner, sprockets) add 800 to 1500 EUR. Total: 2300 to 4000 EUR at an independent specialist.
Can I drive with P0017?
Only short distances to a workshop. P0017 indicates mechanical timing is off. On an interference engine, a chain that slips one or more teeth will cause valves to contact pistons, bending valves and potentially destroying the engine. The cost of a tow is dramatically less than a rebuilt engine.
Will an oil change fix P0017?
In about 20 to 30 percent of cases, yes, particularly when the engine has been on extended oil change intervals or is using the wrong viscosity. Fresh oil can free a stuck VVT solenoid and restore proper operation. It is always the cheapest first step before committing to chain or solenoid replacement.
What is the difference between P0016 and P0017?
Both are correlation codes on bank 1. P0016 refers to sensor A, which on most engines is the intake camshaft. P0017 refers to sensor B, the exhaust camshaft. The diagnostic approach is similar, but P0017 specifically points to the exhaust cam phaser or solenoid as the prime suspect.
