Hi all,

I’ve had a P0340 CEL getting thrown for a used 2005 R53 I bought last spring. I replaced the camshaft position sensor, but the code would reappear shortly thereafter. I finally got it to the local specialty shop ($$$$) and they said they found the timing to be off by 32 teeth or 20 degrees by using an oscilloscope. The car runs mostly fine, a little low on power at low RPMs but no issues at all from 2,500+.

Am I getting the wool pulled over my eyes? I have enough mechanical knowledge to think I understand what’s going on, which makes me think that the car wouldn’t even run if the timing was that far off. Any clues from those who have an actual understanding of these engines?

Thanks very much for your help, and happy Thanksgiving!

 

Off 32 teeth on the crank or cam? Simple answer is no, it could not be that far off and actually run.

 

Thanks for the quick reply! Here’s the full message from the shop, which makes a little more sense after explanation:
“The cam trigger event occurs 32 tooth impulses late. By calculation that is about 20 crankshaft degrees. The crank gear is a press fit part on the nose of the crankshaft.”

The tech explained that it’s actually only off by one tooth with that reading, which seems much more likely. I have an appointment with another shop next week to redo the timing chain for 40% of the cost the first shop quoted. Any sense of the risk if it’s driven conservatively until then?

 

Your most serious threat with a mistimed engine is a valve hitting a piston since the internal clearances are so tight. If that happens you'll create a heavy paperweight and instantly become very sad. The fact that it hasn't happened to-date is no guarantee that it won't. If you have alternative transportation I would think seriously about parking the Mini until you can get it repaired.

 

*** clowns.
Would have Karen'd the manager over and made them repeat it in his presence with a straight face. Then ask them if they were retarded or just trying to screw you over. Then walk out and drop a fraud report with the state.

People grouse about the Stealerships but have yet to find an indy shop that didn't have attitude like this.

"We're the experts and you shouldn't even be working on that car..."

Yeah f*** you guys.