technical M52B25 Crankshaft sensor (cps)

Ahmedy

Member
Well now . Some time ago I had issues with old crusty wires just above the connector on a camshaft sensor (m52b25 e36 323i) .
Now the same thing happened with the crankshaft sensor.
I replaced the cps with a goldwagen one and it worked, for a while. I'm unsure if maybe because I'm using and obd 2 dme that uses a rear cps sensor could be a reason why it keeps failing. I read up that it's a pretty sensitive sensor working within millimeters of accuracy between sensor and timing wheel.
Sensor types part numbers are different.
The original sensor worked for some time before failing due to crusty wires . Taped it up and it worked for another week before failing again. That's when I used GW . I'm thinking of replacing it with a rear mount cps. Modifying it to front mount with extended harness and making it clear the timing wheel with original specs . Also I hear it needs to be rotated 90⁰ .
Will post my feedback once I'm done .
 

Ahmedy

Member
Nearly forgot about this thread.
For the sake of sanity . Save up and replace all or any sensors with original bmw ones . In my case the original cam and crankshaft sensor lasted an astonishing 25 years .
Here's to another 25 hopefully.
 

Ahmedy

Member
According to Haltech M50 engine -"The cam trigger has a single tooth ring bolted to the end of the camshaft. Both Reluctor and Hall Effect sensors were used on different models. Early non-VANOS models use a Reluctor sensor, and later VANOS models use a Hall Effect sensor"

And for M52 -

"Cam Sensor Non-TU Models​

Early engine models use a unique cam sensor design. The OEM ECU sends the sensor a frequency signal, and the pattern is altered if a cam tooth is present under the sensor. This type of "frequency sensor" is not supported by Haltech or any other aftermarket ECU. A single "half-moon" tooth is used"

It's quite interesting information when delving into chip tuning. I learned that the hard way when I built a speeduino a while back. Actually it was a perfect example of penny wise and pound foolishness... Long story short. Cheap "hall sensor" burned out my speeduino.
 

naeem9

Member
Nearly forgot about this thread.
For the sake of sanity . Save up and replace all or any sensors with original bmw ones . In my case the original cam and crankshaft sensor lasted an astonishing 25 years .
Here's to another 25 hopefully.
Had an issue with the Crankshaft sensor not so long ago and replaced it with OEM, its all good. Better then paying for the labour twice
 

M3boi

Well-known member
Nearly forgot about this thread.
For the sake of sanity . Save up and replace all or any sensors with original bmw ones . In my case the original cam and crankshaft sensor lasted an astonishing 25 years .
Here's to another 25 hopefully.

Buy once, cry once (y)
 
Top