P0019: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor B)
High SeverityNot safe to driveIgnition
P0019 means the crankshaft and the exhaust camshaft on bank 2 are not in the correct rotational relationship. The code only appears on V-engines (V6, V8, V10, V12) because bank 2 is the side that does not house cylinder 1. Common causes include a stretched timing chain, a failed exhaust VVT solenoid on bank 2, a worn camshaft phaser, or oil flow problems.
Estimated repair costFrom €60 to €6000+, varies by vehicle
What does P0019 mean?
P0019 means the crankshaft and the exhaust camshaft on bank 2 are not in the correct rotational relationship. The code only appears on V-engines (V6, V8, V10, V12) because bank 2 is the side that does not house cylinder 1. Common causes include a stretched timing chain, a failed exhaust VVT solenoid on bank 2, a worn camshaft phaser, or oil flow problems.
P0019 is a ignition-related diagnostic trouble code classified as high severity. When your vehicle's ECU detects this condition, it stores P0019 and illuminates the check engine light.
What are the symptoms of P0019?
If your vehicle has triggered P0019, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:
Check engine light illuminated
Loud rattle from the front of the engine at cold start
Rough idle and possible misfires on bank 2
Hard starting, particularly when warm
Noticeable loss of power and hesitation
Increased fuel consumption
What causes P0019?
Here are the most common causes of P0019, ranked by how likely they are to be the culprit:
highStretched timing chain (chronic on Audi 3.0 TFSI, VW 3.0 TDI, Mercedes M276)
highFailed bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid
mediumLow or degraded engine oil restricting VVT operation
mediumWorn timing chain tensioner on bank 2
lowFailed bank 2 exhaust camshaft phaser
lowBank 2 exhaust camshaft position sensor fault
Is it safe to drive with P0019?
No - address this immediately. Drive only short distances to reach a workshop. P0019 indicates the exhaust camshaft on bank 2 is out of correlation with the crankshaft. On an interference V-engine, continued driving risks the chain skipping teeth and bending valves, which on a V6 or V8 means a 5000 EUR or greater engine rebuild.
How do you diagnose P0019?
Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0019:
Check engine oil level and condition. V-engines share oil between banks, so low pressure or contamination affects both. Use only the manufacturer-specified viscosity and approval (BMW LL-04, VW 504.00/507.00, MB 229.5/229.51)
Listen for cold-start rattle from the front of the engine. On V6 and V8, the rattle may originate from one bank specifically. A stethoscope helps localise it
Use a scan tool to monitor live cam phasing data on bank 2 exhaust. Compare actual versus commanded angle. Deviations over 5 to 10 degrees confirm mechanical timing fault
Test the bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid. Resistance typically 6 to 13 ohms. Inspect the mesh screen for sludge debris. A clogged screen is a common quick fix
If the solenoid and oil are good, suspect timing chain stretch or guide wear on bank 2. A workshop will need to remove the bank 2 valve cover or front cover for inspection
How much does P0019 cost to fix?
Repair costs for P0019 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
€40–€100
€20–€50
€60–€150
Easy
Replace bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid
€80–€300
€60–€200
€140–€500
Moderate
Replace timing chain kit on V-engine
€800–€3000
€800–€3000
€1600–€6000
Professional
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
P0019 on specific vehicles
P0019 behaves differently depending on your vehicle. Select your car below for model-specific causes, known issues, and adjusted cost estimates:
P0019 on BMW 3 Series
BMW 3 Series • 2005–2024
P0019 on a 3 Series implies the M3 with the S65 V8 (E90/E92 era) or a sedan equipped with a V8. The S65 has known cylinder bank issues including VANOS solenoid failures on bank 2. Combined with the M3's rod bearing service requirement at 100,000 km, addressing P0019 is often bundled with preventive maintenance.
What causes P0019 on a BMW 3 Series?
BMW 3 SeriesM3 E90/E92 S65 V8 bank 2 VANOS solenoid failure
BMW 3 SeriesStretched timing chain on high-mileage S65 (rare but documented)
P0019 repair cost for BMW 3 Series
Estimated costs for BMW 3 Series ownersadjusted higher than average due to BMW-specific parts pricing
Repair
Parts Cost
Labor Cost
Total Estimate
DIY Difficulty
Oil change with correct spec oil
€56–€140
€28–€70
€84–€210
Easy
Replace bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid
€112–€420
€84–€280
€196–€700
Moderate
Replace timing chain kit on V-engine
€1120–€4200
€1120–€4200
€2240–€8400
Professional
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
P0019 on Audi A6
Audi A6 • 2005–2024
The A6 3.0 TFSI EA837 supercharged V6 sets P0019 frequently around 100,000 to 150,000 km. The bank 2 exhaust camshaft adjuster is one of the most common failures in the EA837 family. Repair requires removing the supercharger. Bundling the bank 1 and bank 2 adjusters together saves significant labour on the second service.
What causes P0019 on a Audi A6?
Audi A63.0 TFSI bank 2 exhaust adjuster failure
Audi A6Timing chain tensioner wear on supercharged V6
P0019 repair cost for Audi A6
Estimated costs for Audi A6 ownersadjusted higher than average due to Audi-specific parts pricing
Repair
Parts Cost
Labor Cost
Total Estimate
DIY Difficulty
Oil change with correct spec oil
€52–€130
€26–€65
€78–€195
Easy
Replace bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid
€104–€390
€78–€260
€182–€650
Moderate
Replace timing chain kit on V-engine
€1040–€3900
€1040–€3900
€2080–€7800
Professional
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
P0019 on Mercedes E-Class
Mercedes-Benz E-Class • 2005–2024
The M276 V6 in the W212 and W213 E-Class commonly sets P0019 due to camshaft adjuster magnet failure on bank 2. Mercedes parts are 250 to 400 EUR per side. The M278 V8 in higher trims has similar issues with more expensive bank 2 access. Always replace both bank adjusters together to avoid a return visit.
What causes P0019 on a Mercedes E-Class?
Mercedes E-ClassM276 V6 bank 2 exhaust adjuster magnet failure
Mercedes E-ClassM278 V8 timing chain wear on bank 2
P0019 repair cost for Mercedes E-Class
Estimated costs for Mercedes E-Class ownersadjusted higher than average due to Mercedes-Benz-specific parts pricing
Repair
Parts Cost
Labor Cost
Total Estimate
DIY Difficulty
Oil change with correct spec oil
€56–€140
€28–€70
€84–€210
Easy
Replace bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid
€112–€420
€84–€280
€196–€700
Moderate
Replace timing chain kit on V-engine
€1120–€4200
€1120–€4200
€2240–€8400
Professional
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
P0019 on Volkswagen Touareg
Volkswagen Touareg • 2005–2024
The Touareg 3.0 TDI V6 (CASA, CASB) is the prime P0019 candidate due to the well-documented timing chain stretch issue. VW issued multiple service campaigns. On the 3.0 TFSI EA837 V6, the bank 2 exhaust adjuster failure is identical to the Audi A6. Plan for 3000 EUR or more for full chain replacement at a VAG specialist.
What causes P0019 on a Volkswagen Touareg?
Volkswagen Touareg3.0 TDI V6 bank 2 chain stretch (CASA/CASB)
Volkswagen Touareg3.0 TFSI bank 2 exhaust adjuster failure
P0019 repair cost for Volkswagen Touareg
Estimated costs for Volkswagen Touareg ownersadjusted higher than average due to Volkswagen-specific parts pricing
Repair
Parts Cost
Labor Cost
Total Estimate
DIY Difficulty
Oil change with correct spec oil
€60–€150
€30–€75
€90–€225
Easy
Replace bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid
€120–€450
€90–€300
€210–€750
Moderate
Replace timing chain kit on V-engine
€1200–€4500
€1200–€4500
€2400–€9000
Professional
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
Related diagnostic codes
These codes are often seen alongside P0019 or indicate related issues:
Bank 2 refers to the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder 1. Inline engines have only one bank, so P0018 and P0019 cannot appear on them. P0019 specifically requires a bank 2 exhaust camshaft sensor, which means the engine is at minimum a V6 or V8.
Is P0019 worse than P0017?
P0017 and P0019 are essentially the same fault on different banks. The mechanical severity is identical. However, P0019 is usually more expensive to repair because it implies a V-engine, where timing chain access requires more disassembly. On engines like the Audi 3.0 TFSI, the supercharger and intake manifold must come off.
Can I just replace the bank 2 VVT solenoid first?
Yes, it is the cheapest first step at 80 to 300 EUR for the solenoid plus 60 to 200 EUR labour. If the solenoid fixes the code, great. If P0019 returns within a few weeks, you are dealing with a stretched chain and the solenoid replacement was diagnostic data, not wasted money. Always change oil at the same time.
How long does a timing chain job take on a V6?
Plan for two to three full days at a workshop. On the Audi 3.0 TFSI, removing the supercharger, intake, and front engine accessories is half a day. The chain work itself is another half day. Setting the chains, reassembly, and test drive is another full day. Labour totals 15 to 25 hours depending on the engine.
