P0352 means the ECU saw an abnormal voltage pattern on the primary control circuit of ignition coil #2. In plain terms: cylinder 2 isn't getting a reliable spark command, so it misfires.
DTC/P0352·BMW
P0352 on BMW: Causes, Symptoms and Fix Cost
Quick Answer
Moderate SeverityNot safe to driveBMW
P0352 on a BMW means the ECU saw an abnormal voltage pattern on the primary control circuit of ignition coil #2. In plain terms: cylinder 2 isn't getting a reliable spark command, so it misfires.
Repair cost on BMW€75 - €1063
What does P0352 mean on a BMW?
BMW 3-Series (E90/E92)
2006-2013N52 and N54 engines run Bosch or Delphi pencil coils that typically fail between 100,000 and 140,000 km. Cylinder 2 is second back from the radiator on the inline-six.
What causes P0352 on a BMW?
Beyond the generic causes listed on the main P0352 page, these are the BMW-specific patterns we see most often:
BMW 3-Series (E90/E92)Valve cover gasket leak soaking coil boots (very common on N52 past 150,000 km)
BMW 3-Series (E90/E92)Heat-cracked coil housings on N54 turbo, especially cylinders 2 and 5
How to diagnose P0352 on a BMW with OBD2
Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0352:
- Scan for all stored codes and freeze frame data. If P0302 is also present, you've confirmed cylinder 2 is the misfiring one
- Pull coil #2 and inspect the boot for cracks, carbon tracking, and oil. Check the connector pins for green corrosion or a backed-out terminal
- Swap coil #2 with coil #1 or #3, clear codes, drive and rescan. If the P0352 becomes P0351 or P0353, the coil is bad
- If the code stays on cylinder 2, pull spark plug #2. Look for wide gap, oil fouling, cracked insulator, or wrong heat range
- Measure primary resistance across the coil terminals (typical 0.4 to 2.0 ohms) and secondary if accessible (5k to 15k ohms). Compare to service manual spec, not gut feel
- Key on, engine off: back-probe the coil connector for switched 12V on the supply pin. Cranking: verify the PCM is pulsing the trigger wire (test light flicker or scope)
- If supply, ground, trigger, coil, and plug all check out, scope the primary waveform. A missing or flat trigger points to the PCM ignition driver
- After repair, clear codes and run a drive cycle covering idle, part-throttle, and full-throttle to confirm the misfire counter stays at zero
How much does P0352 cost to fix on a BMW? (EUR)
Estimated repair costs on a BMW (BMW parts and labour typically run 25% 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 P0352 on BMW
These codes commonly cluster with P0352 on BMW vehicles:
FAQ: P0352 on BMW
Which cylinder is coil B on my engine?
Coil B is cylinder 2 by the engine's factory numbering, not the second coil from the front of the valve cover. On transverse V6s, boxer fours, and some inline sixes the numbering isn't obvious. Check the service manual or a decal on the intake before you start swapping parts.
Can I just swap coils and drive on it?
Swapping coil #2 with coil #1 to see if the code follows is a legit diagnostic step. But if the CEL is flashing, you're melting the catalytic converter every kilometer. Do the swap, then either fix it or park it within a day or two.
I replaced the coil and P0352 came back the next day. Why?
Three usual suspects: a defective new coil (common with €10 no-name parts from marketplaces), a worn spark plug you didn't replace, or a wiring/connector fault that killed the original and just killed the new one. Check the plug and connector before buying a third coil.
Should I replace all coils at once or just #2?
If the coils are original and past 150,000 km, replacing the set saves you from chasing P0351, P0353, and P0354 over the next year. If the car is newer or the coil failed from something external like oil intrusion, just do the one.
Will P0352 fail a technical inspection?
Yes. An active CEL is an automatic fail on MOT/emissions checks across the EU and most US states. Clearing the code right before the test also fails, since readiness monitors won't be set.
Looking for the full P0352 reference (all makes, full diagnosis flow, complete repair cost matrix)?
See the main P0352 guideSkanyx · BMW
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