The Quick Answer above is the generic definition. What follows is the model-specific detail for the BMW models that log P0152.
DTC/P0152·BMW
P0152 on BMW: Causes, Symptoms and Fix Cost
Quick Answer
Moderate SeveritySafe to drive (short-term)BMW
P0152 on a BMW means the upstream oxygen sensor on bank 2 has reported a high voltage for too long, which reads as a rich mixture with too little oxygen in the exhaust. Bank 2 is the half of a V6, V8 or flat-six engine that does not contain cylinder 1 (a few inline-sixes with a split exhaust, such as BMW's M54, also have one). It is the same fault as P0132 on the other bank. The cause is either a real rich condition on that bank or a sensor or wiring fault, such as a signal wire shorted to voltage.
Typical repair cost, all makes€65 - €650
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BMW 5 Series (545i/540i/550i)
2003-2010The N62 V8 in the 545i, 540i and 550i has a pre-cat sensor for each bank: bank 1 covers cylinders 1-4 and bank 2 cylinders 5-8. BMW's N62 service training describes broadband (wide-range) sensors ahead of the catalytic converters, so on live data compare the bank 2 lambda reading with bank 1 instead of looking for a 0.1-0.9 V switching signal. For the 550i, BMW parts listings give the bank 1 and bank 2 pre-cat sensors different part numbers, so order the one specified for bank 2. With four cylinders feeding one sensor, a rich-running cylinder on bank 2 also shows up in that bank's fuel trims, so check them before blaming the sensor.
BMW 3 Series (E46 325i/330i)
2000-2006The M54 in the 325i and 330i is an inline-six, but its exhaust is split in two: BMW's training material describes catalytic converters built into the exhaust manifolds, with a narrowband (Bosch LSH 25) pre-cat sensor on top of each manifold, and the MS43 engine management runs a separate mixture control for each half. Cylinders 1-3 are bank 1 and cylinders 4-6 are bank 2, and BMW parts listings name the bank 2 pre-cat sensor as the one for cylinders 4-6, so a bank 2 code on this car is genuine and points at the pre-cat sensor for the rear three cylinders. Check whether the cylinder 1-3 sensor shows the same high reading: if only the cylinder 4-6 sensor is high, the fault is on that side.
What causes P0152 on a BMW?
Beyond the generic causes listed on the main P0152 page, these are the patterns noted for BMW models:
BMW 5 Series (545i/540i/550i)Bank 2 pre-cat sensor or its circuit reading too high on the N62 V8
BMW 5 Series (545i/540i/550i)Rich running on one of the bank 2 cylinders
BMW 3 Series (E46 325i/330i)Pre-cat sensor for cylinders 4-6 stuck high on the M54
BMW 3 Series (E46 325i/330i)Rich running on cylinders 4-6
How to diagnose P0152 on a BMW with OBD2
Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0152:
- Read all stored codes and freeze frame data. P0175 (System Too Rich, Bank 2) alongside P0152 supports a real rich condition on bank 2. Misfire codes on bank 2 cylinders need attention first
- Warm the engine and compare Bank 2 Sensor 1 with Bank 1 Sensor 1 on live data. A narrowband sensor pinned near or above 0.9 volts while the bank 1 sensor keeps switching points at bank 2
- Check the bank 2 fuel trims. Strongly negative trims on bank 2 only mean the engine computer is taking fuel away from that bank, which supports a real rich condition rather than a sensor fault
- Unplug the bank 2 sensor with the key on and watch the reading. If it still shows high voltage with the sensor disconnected, the signal wire is shorted to voltage in the harness
- Inspect the harness for chafing or melting where the sensor wiring runs near other circuits, and check the connector for water or corrosion
- If the sensor looks white, glazed or oily when removed, find the source of the contamination (coolant leak, oil burning) before fitting a new one
- Replace the sensor if the wiring and fuel system test good, clear the code and confirm it stays off after a drive cycle
How much does P0152 cost to fix on a BMW? (EUR)
Estimated repair costs for P0152 in EUR, compiled across makes. Expect BMW parts and labour towards the upper end of each range.
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
Codes related to P0152
These codes are often seen alongside P0152 or point to related issues, on any make:
Looking for the full P0152 reference (all makes, full diagnosis flow, complete repair cost matrix)?
See the main P0152 guideSkanyx · BMW
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