P0345 on BMW: Causes, Symptoms, Fix Cost

What does P0345 mean on a BMW?

P0345 means the ECM can't get a valid signal from camshaft position sensor A on bank 2 (the bank that doesn't contain cylinder 1). Fuel injection sync and variable valve timing accuracy drop until it's fixed.

BMW 3-Series N52/N54

2006-2013

On N54, bank 2 CMP faults often coincide with exhaust VANOS solenoid problems. The sensor connector is right below the valve cover and gets soaked when the gasket leaks, which is basically a maintenance item on these engines.

What causes P0345 on a BMW?

Beyond the generic causes listed on the main P0345 page, these are the BMW-specific patterns we see most often:

BMW 3-Series N52/N54Oil-soaked CMP connector from a leaking valve cover gasket

BMW 3-Series N52/N54Sticking exhaust VANOS solenoid triggering cam correlation faults

How to diagnose P0345 on a BMW with OBD2

Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0345:

Scan for all stored and pending codes, noting companion codes like P0340, P0341, P0016, or crankshaft position codes that change the diagnostic path
Confirm which bank is bank 2 for your specific engine using a factory diagram, bank 2 is the side without cylinder 1 and it varies by manufacturer
Visually inspect the bank 2 CMP connector for oil intrusion, green corrosion, bent pins, and chafed wires near the valve cover
With key on engine off, verify reference voltage (5V or 12V depending on sensor type) and a clean ground at the sensor connector
Use a scope or graphing scan tool to capture the CMP waveform while cranking, a missing or ragged square wave points at the sensor or reluctor
Remove the sensor and inspect the tip for metal shavings, sludge, or physical damage to the pole piece
Check cam-to-crank correlation in live data, a phase error over 5-8 degrees suggests chain stretch or a failed VVT actuator rather than a bad sensor
If sensor, wiring, and reference voltage all pass, back-probe at the ECM connector while cranking to isolate a harness break from an ECM fault

How much does P0345 cost to fix on a BMW? (EUR)

Estimated repair costs on a BMW (BMW parts and labour typically run 30% above the average for this code).

Repair	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Total Estimate	DIY Difficulty
Replace bank 2 camshaft position sensor	€33–€156	€52–€195	€85–€351	Easy
Repair wiring harness or replace connector pigtail at sensor	€13–€65	€78–€234	€91–€299	Moderate
Replace VVT/VCT solenoid or phaser on bank 2	€104–€585	€195–€780	€299–€1365	Moderate
Timing chain, tensioner and guides replacement	€325–€910	€780–€2340	€1105–€3250	Professional
ECM repair or replacement with programming	€520–€1560	€130–€390	€650–€1950	Professional

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

These codes commonly cluster with P0345 on BMW vehicles:

P0340BMW P0341BMWP0344P0346P0016BMW P0022BMW

FAQ: P0345 on BMW

Which side is bank 2 on my V6 or V8?

Bank 2 is the side that doesn't contain cylinder 1. On most transverse Japanese V6s (VQ35, J35) it's the firewall-side bank. On Ford Modular V8s it's the driver side. On GM LS engines it's the passenger side. Check a factory bank diagram before ordering parts, this is the single most common wasted repair on P0345.

Can I just clear P0345 and keep driving?

You can clear it, but if the fault is still present it'll return in a few drive cycles. The real cost of ignoring it is catalyst wear, fuel trims and injector timing get sloppy and a €600 cat converter is a lot worse than a €50 sensor.

Will a new sensor fix it, or do I need a timing chain job?

On engines under about 120,000 km a sensor or connector fix is usually enough. On known chain-stretch platforms (VAG 2.0 TFSI EA888 Gen 2, BMW N20/N47, Nissan VQ35) verify cam-to-crank phase before assuming the sensor. Replacing a sensor on a stretched chain is throwing money away.

Why did P0345 appear right after an oil change?

Two things: an overfill can push oil past the cam seal and drown the sensor connector, or the tech bumped the connector loose while working around the valve cover. Pull the connector, dry it, dielectric-grease it, and reseat it before buying anything.

Does P0345 cause a no-start?

Rarely on its own. Most modern engines can start on crank signal alone and then sync the cam. A hard no-start with P0345 usually means the CKP signal is also gone, or the timing chain has jumped teeth, at that point you're diagnosing mechanical damage, not a sensor.

P0345 on BMW: Causes, Symptoms and Fix Cost