Eccentric shaft sensor leak
Attaches to N52 at engine level · Electrical · carried by 18 variants across 8 chassis
Overview
Eccentric shaft sensor leak is a occasional fault recorded against N52 at engine level, typically from 100–200k km. It shows up as oil seeping from the Valvetronic sensor on the side of the head; in the worst case oil tracks into the wiring. Where it's documented, the repair runs €250–€450 (sensor and seal at an independent, costs dated 2026-07), and it can be checked before you buy. 18 variants across 8 chassis in this database inherit it.
What happens
Symptom. Oil seeping from the Valvetronic sensor on the side of the head; in the worst case oil tracks into the wiring.
Cause. The sensor's seal hardens.
How to check it
Static checks
Look at the intake side of the head for a wet sensor body and oil tracking down the loom.
Engine off, ideally on a lift.
Every variant that carries this
| Variant | Chassis | Body | Years | Risk | Good buy | Cost as % of good buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 323i N52 | E90 | sedan | 2005–2007 | R2 | €4,050 | 9% |
| 323i N52 | E91 | wagon | 2005–2007 | R2 | €4,300 | 8% |
| 323i N52 | E92 | coupe | 2006–2007 | R2 | €4,650 | 8% |
| 325i N52 | E90 | sedan | 2005–2007 | R2 | €4,750 | 7% |
| 325i N52 | E91 | wagon | 2005–2007 | R2 | €5,050 | 7% |
| 325i N52 | E92 | coupe | 2006–2007 | R2 | €5,450 | 6% |
| 325i N52 | E93 | convertible | 2007 | R2 | €5,350 | 7% |
| 328i N52 | E90 | sedan | 2006–2011 | R2 | €5,150 | 7% |
| 328i N52 | E91 | wagon | 2006–2012 | R2 | €5,450 | 6% |
| 328i N52 | E92 | coupe | 2006–2013 | R2 | €5,950 | 6% |
| 328i N52 | E93 | convertible | 2007–2013 | R2 | €5,750 | 6% |
| 330i N52 | E90 | sedan | 2005–2007 | R2 | €5,600 | 6% |
| 330i N52 | E91 | wagon | 2005–2007 | R2 | €5,950 | 6% |
| 330i N52 | E92 | coupe | 2006–2007 | R2 | €6,450 | 5% |
| 125i N52 | E82 | coupe | 2008–2013 | R2 | €7,000 | 5% |
| 125i N52 | E88 | convertible | 2008–2013 | R2 | €7,400 | 5% |
| 130i N52 | E87 | hatchback | 2005–2011 | R2 | €7,000 | 5% |
| 130i N52 | E81 | hatchback | 2007–2011 | R2 | €6,800 | 5% |
The last column is the point. The same repair is an inconvenience on one variant and a reason to scrap the car on another. A failure costing a quarter of the vehicle's value changes the purchase decision regardless of how rare it is.