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The camshaft sensor — also known as the CMP sensor, cam sensor, or cam position sensor — monitors the rotational position of the camshaft to enable the ECU to time fuel injection and ignition precisely for each cylinder. On variable valve timing engines it also provides feedback to the VVT control solenoid. A failed camshaft position sensor causes rough running, misfires, hard starting, or a no-start condition. CarParts247 stocks OEM and aftermarket camshaft sensors from Bosch, Continental, and Hella for the vast majority of petrol and diesel engines, including BMW N-series, Ford EcoBoost, and Volkswagen TSI platforms.
The camshaft sensor works alongside the crankshaft sensor to give the ECU full engine cycle information. When it fails, the ECU often defaults to crankshaft-only timing, which degrades performance.
Camshaft sensors are usually mounted in the valve cover, timing chain cover, or cylinder head. A single bolt or clip secures them. Remove the wiring connector, undo the retaining fastener, and pull the sensor straight out. Note whether the sensor body has an O-ring — fit a new one if so, lightly oiled. Torque to the manufacturer's specification to avoid cracking the sensor body.
On some engines with variable valve timing, the replacement sensor must be sourced from the correct side of the engine (intake or exhaust cam) — verify this using the OE part number or vehicle registration lookup.
Confirm the fault is the sensor rather than the trigger wheel or wiring. A Hall-effect camshaft sensor requires a supply voltage (typically 5 V or 12 V), an earth, and should produce a clear square wave signal on an oscilloscope during cranking. A corroded connector is a very common cause of apparent sensor failure on BMW and Volkswagen Group engines.
Commonly searched OE numbers fitting Camshaft Sensor from the TecDoc catalogue.
Common original equipment numbers linked to stocked alternatives.