P0342 means the ECU is reading a voltage on the camshaft position sensor signal circuit that is lower than the expected range, usually because the signal wire is shorted to ground, the sensor has failed, or the connector has lost contact. On most modern engines the camshaft signal is essential for sequential fuel injection and for VVT control; without it the engine may still run on crankshaft signal alone but with degraded performance.
DTC/P0342·BMW
P0342 on BMW: Causes, Symptoms and Fix Cost
Quick Answer
Moderate SeverityNot safe to driveBMW
P0342 on a BMW means the ECU is reading a voltage on the camshaft position sensor signal circuit that is lower than the expected range, usually because the signal wire is shorted to ground, the sensor has failed, or the connector has lost contact. On most modern engines the camshaft signal is essential for sequential fuel injection and for VVT control; without it the engine may still run on crankshaft signal alone but with degraded performance.
Repair cost on BMW€84 - €770
What does P0342 mean on a BMW?
BMW 3 Series
2006-2024The N52 commonly sets P0342 after the intake cam sensor wiring fatigues at the back of the cam cover. BMW issued updated cam sensor connectors with improved seals on later builds. Replacement requires removing the engine cover and intake plenum to reach the connector.
What causes P0342 on a BMW?
Beyond the generic causes listed on the main P0342 page, these are the BMW-specific patterns we see most often:
BMW 3 SeriesIntake cam sensor connector fatigue on N52
BMW 3 SeriesOil seepage from cam cover gasket onto the sensor
How to diagnose P0342 on a BMW with OBD2
Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0342:
- Read freeze-frame data and note whether the code is triggered at crank, idle, or during warm operation
- Locate the camshaft position sensor and inspect for oil weeping around the sensor body or connector. Oil intrusion is a strong indicator of cam cover gasket failure
- Unplug the sensor and measure resistance across its terminals if it is a magnetic pickup, or check the 5 V reference and ground pins for a Hall-effect sensor
- Measure resistance from the signal wire to chassis ground with the sensor unplugged. A near-zero reading confirms a wiring short to ground
- After replacing the sensor or repairing wiring, clear codes and verify the cam-to-crank correlation in live data
How much does P0342 cost to fix on a BMW? (EUR)
Estimated repair costs on a BMW (BMW parts and labour typically run 40% above the average for this code).
Prices estimated as of May 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
Related codes that often appear with P0342 on BMW
These codes commonly cluster with P0342 on BMW vehicles:
FAQ: P0342 on BMW
Why won't my engine start with a P0342 code?
Many ECUs use the camshaft position signal at cranking to identify which cylinder is on its compression stroke before firing the first injector. With no cam signal, the ECU has to fall back to crank-only logic, which can take much longer or fail entirely on some engines.
Can oil leaking onto the cam sensor cause P0342?
Yes. A leaking cam cover gasket or spark plug tube seal lets oil pool around the sensor connector. Oil eventually penetrates the connector and damages the contact, producing a low-signal fault. Replacing the sensor without fixing the leak just delays the repeat failure.
How is P0342 different from P0341?
P0341 means the cam signal is present but inconsistent with the crank signal, often pointing to timing chain stretch. P0342 means the signal voltage itself is below threshold, which is almost always an electrical or sensor fault rather than a mechanical timing issue.
Can a stretched timing chain set P0342?
Not directly. A stretched chain typically sets P0341 or P0016 because the cam signal is out of phase, not because its voltage is wrong. If P0342 is set, focus on the sensor, the wiring, and the connector first.
Looking for the full P0342 reference (all makes, full diagnosis flow, complete repair cost matrix)?
See the main P0342 guideSkanyx · BMW
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