Question on Camshaft Position Sensor Testing

excellent info. Bought a 2007 mini cooper S and its been nothing but a night mare. What causes the half engine light to come on. 1 month ago i started my car and it shook, hesitated. Then finally got to idle. Turned it off and started just fine. Two weeks later every time i did a sharp turn, i was getting the oil light. A week after i got a check engine light. The code was P0341. Before I changed the sensor the check engine light went away. I decided to change the sensor, before reading this article kicking myself in the head now for throwing 35 dollars out the window. two-three weeks later i got the half engine check light. Any idea what i can check for. Mini dealer states a timing issue and before they continue they want 900$$. HELP

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This post was auto-generated based upon a question asked on our tech article page here: Pelican Technical Article - Mini R56 - Camshaft Position Sensor Testing

[Nick at Pelican Parts]

What fault code is currently stored?

- Nick

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

A "timing issue" most likely means the timing chain. The tensioner can fail to keep proper tension on the chain, and it can stretch or it can get loose and flail around. There are plastic guides that the chain rides on, and if the chain flops around it can break them. If the chain lets the cams turn too far in relation to the pistons, they can collide. That can result in bent valves and significant engine damage.

Replacing the chain cassette and the associated parts usually runs a couple of times the $900 you were quoted.

Letting the oil get low aggravates the problem. If the oil light comes on, there is very low pressure and you may be doing damage already.

There is a class-action lawsuit in some areas about the timing chains. Some Google research may turn up info on that.

The half-engine light can be caused by literally dozens of things. The dealer or a good independent mechanic will have tools that can read the codes that can help narrow it down. It sounds like the dealer has already checked it over for you, and at least has one thing found out. Note that most readers won't even see many of the MINI-specific (or BMW-specific) codes.

There may be multiple issues, so the timing may not be the only thing. The intake valves get carbon built up on them, which can cause all sorts of symptoms. It can be dealt with by blasting the ports and valves with walnut shells to clean them out.

The high-pressure fuel pump can also start to fail, typically causing poor cold-start behavior.

If you don't trust the dealer, find a good independent MINI specialist and see what they have to say.

--DD