Cam Sensor?

[BulletTooth]

Does anyone know what are the signs of a failing camshaft sensor?

My car (a '97 328i) is working fine, however yesterday my check engine light came on. I took it to the mechanic and after running the diagnostics he pulled the code for bad camshaft sensor so I will have to take the car back in to get that replaced, however I was just wondering if there should be any noticiable signs of this part failing, like bad idle or anything else, because my car seems to be running fine as always.

[Celsdogg]

i dont think u would notice anything wrong, its just sensor.

however i can understand noticing something wrong with it if it takes the data and the OBC changes something kind the way an O2 sensor does. but im not exactly sure what that sensor does.

[bazzie]

I know that it serves as back-up for the crankshaft sensor, not a very good backup, but when the crank sensor fails, the motor cuts out for about 1/4 of a second and then starts running again, but doesn't idle well and power lacks. That's when it's running off the cam sensor (As you could gather, I had that one on my '98 328i). I don't think it is used for cam timing for the VANOS system, cause from what you said, it didn't sound like there was power loss. If anything, it may also be a VANOS sensor, cause you may or may not notice power loss depending on your driving style if VANOS stops working. It may even have a backup for the cam sensor also, not sure about that.