I have a 1998 316i BMW hatch back. It only has 15,000 miles on it but recently it has been hard to start after I drive it for a while and then shut it down. If I go back to start it the car when it's warm, it cranks over and takes long to start. When it starts I smell gas and I have to put it in neutral to rev it before I can drive off. It sounds and smells like the mixture is richand the engine is flooding. When I drive it, it's fine. I took it to garage and had it hooked up to the computer. The mechanic said to me about camshaft sensor light is defective and that I need a new one. I need help! Anyone experience this problem?

If a local mechanic did an OBD II diagnostic and reported a CAM sensor is bad, you will have a hard time getting someone, online, to provide a different findings.

All o2 sensor controlled cars will go to a "limp home mode", very rich, if one of the sensors is not providing the signal the ECU expects.

Later,

Hi Ron,

Thanks for your advice regarding the cam shaft sensor. I called my local BMW dealer today and will place a special order with them to get a new one. He said it will cost me around $150. I just hope that this is the answer to my problem.
If anyone else has any input on this subject I'd really appreciate it!