P3012moderate severityPowertrain
Camshaft Profile Actuator B Stuck Bank 1
on 2005 Mini Cooper 1.6L I4 · FWD
What this code means
The camshaft profile switching actuator for Bank 1, exhaust side, is mechanically stuck. The exhaust cam profile affects scavenging and emissions.
Symptoms
- Check Engine Light
- Poor emissions performance
- Reduced engine braking
- Slight power loss
- Failed emissions test
Common causes
- Oil sludge in actuator passages
- Faulty solenoid
- Low oil pressure to actuator
- Worn actuator mechanism
- Carbon deposits
Diagnostic steps
- Check oil condition and level
- Command exhaust cam profile switch
- Monitor cam profile position PID
- Test oil pressure at actuator
- Inspect actuator for carbon buildup
Repair notes
Replace exhaust cam profile actuator. Perform engine oil flush if sludge is present.
🔌 Don't have a code reader?
Any of these will read and clear this code — pick by how deep you want to go.
Budget handheld~$40
ANCEL AD410 →
No-phone-needed handheld — reads, clears, live data, freeze frame.
✓ ANCEL official store
Serious DIY~$100
BlueDriver Pro →
Enhanced codes (ABS, airbag, TPMS) plus repair reports.
SHOP FAVORITEShop-grade tablet~$300
Autel MaxiCOM MK808S →
Bidirectional tests, service resets, all systems.
✓ Autel official store
Pro diagnostics$1,500+
Autel MaxiSys MS906 Pro →
Full-system pro platform — topology mapping, ECU coding, the works.
✓ Autel official store
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Other Powertrain codes on this vehicle
29CC
Misfire Cylinder 1
29CD
Misfire Cylinder 2
29CE
Misfire Cylinder 3
29CF
Misfire Cylinder 4
29D0
Misfire Cylinder 5
29D1
Misfire Cylinder 6
29D2
Misfire Cylinder 7
29E0
Lambda Additive/Idle Adaptation Limit, Bank 1
29E1
Lambda Additive/Idle Adaptation Limit, Bank 2
29E2
Lambda Multiplicative Part-Load Adaptation Limit, Bank 1