P0016
HighP0016 — Crankshaft and Camshaft Position Correlation: Implausible Signal
Description
What the Code Means
P0016 points to a correlation fault between the crankshaft position sensor and the bank 1 camshaft position sensor (sensor A). On N20 engines, especially early 2011–2013 builds, this code is often caused by timing chain stretch or wear from the single-row lower chain. The DME compares the sensor signals to verify camshaft timing; any deviation sets the code.
Symptoms
Symptoms
- Engine: knock or rattle on cold start, rough idle, misfires
- Indicators: Check Engine Light comes on
- Conditions: symptoms are most noticeable on a cold engine
Causes and fixes
Diagnosis and Repair
Step 1: Diagnosis
- Connect ISTA to confirm the fault and check timing correlation.
- Check chain tension and guide condition.
Step 2: Replace the Timing Chain Kit
- Replace the upper and lower chains, guides, tensioners, and sprockets.
- Use only genuine BMW parts: timing chain kit (
11317589319,11317589320).
Step 3: Finish
- Reset adaptations and verify timing is set correctly.
- Take a test drive to confirm the fault is gone.
Possible secondary damage
Secondary Damage
Ignoring P0016 can let the chain jump a tooth, which causes valve-to-piston contact. That leads to catastrophic engine failure requiring cylinder head replacement or a full engine swap. The repair bill in that case gets very expensive.