[Rich NowWhat Mitchell]

How do I replace the camshaft position sensor. Does anyone have a link to video or instructions?

 

[robert_t_wallace]

Just did my wife's Ml500 which was a tough job. I have heard the V6 is easier than the V8.. I tried to go through the drivers side wheel wheel but couldn't get the heat shields out of the way enough to get in there so went from the top. Not sure I would do it again not knowing anything. Now that I have done it, it's easier.. I spent at least 2 hours trying to figure out how to get to it.

 

[ChosenWon]

First off you should know, you will not actually be able to SEE what you are doing while you do it. Unless you have an inspection camera. I did not use a camera, I did it all by feel. Mine was a ML500 V8 so I can only instruct on that. You have to pull out the air filter assembly. Then you have to get a blanket/mat to lay on, because you will be laying on the engine with your hands in over the rear of the engine near/under the firewall. Examine your Crank Shaft Position Sensor you have purchased to put in. Understand how it fits in the hole and what it feels like. Now with your hands feel along the top/back of the engine and feel for the sensor. I don't believe there are any other sensors or anything else at all back there to confuse it with. You'll have to disconnect the wire connector. Now, with a female torx, (sorry, not sure what size) use a small ratchet to take the screw out. DON'T DROP IT. (maybe use a small magnet on the outside of the socket) Set the screw aside, and now start working on pulling the old sensor out. Once out, reverse the above directions. As a side note it should be snug but not impossible to get in. a light coat of anti-seize might help re-entry.

I'd rate this repair at least at a 7 out of 10 difficulty, only because you cannot see, and the possible repercussions of dropping that screw. Your face is about to become very intimate with your front vent.

 

[robert_t_wallace]

I would second everything said here.. I did it and started wishing I had not started an hour into it. I have scratches up and down my arm and wasn't smart enough to put a blanket down till I almost passed out. I had a HUGE fear of dropping that screw into the engine or loosing it. I ended up taping the screw to the socket with electrical tape putting it back in. 7 out of 10 is generous. You cannot see anything and there is a heat shields around it. 1/4 extension is all that will fit. Good news is that the sensor on Amazon was $36 (Bosh) and the exact unit, part number and all that the dealership sells for $200. Now that I have done it, I could do it in an hour. My first time took me over 4 hours and a ton of second guessing what I had attempted. If you can afford it, have the dealership do it. It you can't, prepare for a tough job.

I have heard that the V6 is easier than the V8.. I have also heard you can do it from the drivers wheel well when you remove the liner and heat shield.. I tried and was not possible for me...

 

[Dudeman]

Camshaft or Crankshaft

Just did my wife's Ml500 which was a tough job. I have heard the V6 is easier than the V8.. I tried to go through the drivers side wheel wheel but couldn't get the heat shields out of the way enough to get in there so went from the top. Not sure I would do it again not knowing anything. Now that I have done it, it's easier.. I spent at least 2 hours trying to figure out how to get to it.

The OP asked about the camshaft sensors, which are easy to get to, in fact they're visible right in front of the engine. The crankshaft is another story.

Here is a quick video on the location of the camshaft sensor and magnet: