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?

Often 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.

P0017: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B)

Quick Answer

Not safe to drive

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.

Severity: High · Ignition
Estimated repair cost: From €60 to €5500+, varies by vehicle

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What does P0017 mean?

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.

Where it is on the car

Crankshaft sprocket and position sensor
Timing chain or belt
Camshaft sprockets with VVT phasers
Camshaft position sensor
VVT oil control solenoid

Crank and camshaft correlation codes are often a stretched timing chain or a jumped tooth, or a worn or slipped belt. A weak sensor signal or low oil can set them too, so check the oil level and the sensors before you assume the chain.

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:

Stretched timing chain (chronic on BMW N20, N47, VAG EA888)
: high
Failed exhaust VVT/VVL solenoid (oil control valve)
: high
Low or degraded engine oil affecting VVT operation
: medium
Worn timing chain tensioner or guides
: medium
Failed exhaust camshaft phaser
: low
Faulty exhaust camshaft position sensor
: low

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 is one of the most common causes of P0017. 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
Monitor live cam phasing data on bank 1 with manufacturer-level software (actual and target cam angles are not part of the standard OBD2 data set; a generic reader shows the code, freeze frame and fuel trims). Compare actual versus commanded exhaust camshaft angle. 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:

Repair	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Total Estimate	DIY Difficulty
Oil change with correct spec oil and clear code	€40–€100	€20–€50	€60–€150	Easy
Replace exhaust VVT solenoid	€80–€300	€60–€150	€140–€450	Moderate
Replace timing chain kit (chain, guides, tensioner)	€800–€3000	€600–€2500	€1400–€5500	Professional

Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.

Full repair guides

Engines known for this code

P0017 on specific vehicles

P0017 behaves differently depending on your vehicle. Select your car below for model-specific causes and known issues:

P0017 on BMW

BMW 3 Series

See BMW-specific causes & cost

P0017 on Audi

Audi A6

See Audi-specific causes & cost

P0017 on Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes E-Class

See Mercedes-Benz-specific causes & cost

P0017 on Volkswagen

Volkswagen Touareg

See Volkswagen-specific causes & cost

These codes are often seen alongside P0017 or indicate related issues:

Common questions about P0017

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?: Often 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.

Read our detailed guides

Scan your car with Skanyx to diagnose P0017

Your car logged P0017. Skanyx reads it on a standard OBD2 adapter (Bluetooth LE on iPhone), tells you whether it is safe to keep driving, and shows the €60-€5500 repair range so you know the number before a shop quotes you. Free on iPhone and Android, and you do not need to be a mechanic to read it.