The intake camshaft timing on bank 1 is more retarded than commanded.
P0012 — also written POO12, P 0012, 0012 — is the OBD-II code for camshaft position over-retarded (bank 1). Same code, same fix: this page covers every spelling of it.
Your engine's intake timing is running late, usually because the oil pressure isn't moving the VVT pulley fast enough. It’s a classic headache on Minis and older Peugeots that haven't had enough oil changes.
P0012 is a engine fault code, typically costing £100–£1200 to put right in a UK garage.
What P0012 actually feels like to drive
- The car feels 'gutless' pulling out of junctions, especially when warm.
- A distinct 'rattle' from the top of the engine that sounds like a diesel, even if it's a petrol.
- Rough idling at traffic lights, sometimes stalling if you don't keep the revs up.
- Fuel economy has gone through the floor—losing maybe 5–8 mpg.
- The car 'kangaroos' or hesitates when you try to overtake on the A-road.
What causes P0012?
- VVT solenoid failure
- Oil flow restriction
- Worn timing components
UK vehicles that throw P0012 most often
- Mini Cooper/One 1.6 (N12/N16 engines) 2007-2013
- Peugeot 207/308 1.4 & 1.6 VTi (Prince engine) 2008-2015
- BMW 1 Series & 3 Series (N42/N46 engines) 2004-2012
- Ford Focus 1.6 Ti-VCT (Sigma engine) 2005-2014
- Vauxhall Insignia 1.8 VVT (A18XER) 2008-2015
- Toyota Yaris 1.33 VVT-i (1NR-FE) 2009-2018
How P0012 is fixed
- Replace VVT solenoid
- Oil service
- Inspect timing chain
The P0012 misdiagnosis that wastes money
I see a lot of lads jump straight to swapping out the camshaft sensors because the code says 'Camshaft'. That's a waste of a fifty quid Bosch sensor. The sensor is usually doing its job just fine—it's telling you the timing is physically wrong. Another one is garages telling folk they need a new engine because of 'sludge.' While oil flow is the culprit, nine times out of ten, it’s just the little gauze filter inside the VVT solenoid being choked with bits of carbon or cheap supermarket oil. Clear the solenoid, flush the system, and she often rights herself.
What a UK garage should charge for P0012
A basic diagnostic plug-in will run you £50 to £80 in most UK indies. If it's just a VVT solenoid, you're looking at £120 to £220 fitted for a Pierburg or Febi part. However, if the timing chain has stretched—which is common on the Prince engines—you’re looking at a £600 to £900 bill for a full kit and fresh oil. Main dealers like BMW or Mini will easily quote you £1,200 plus for the same job, mostly because their hourly labour rate is triple what I charge here in Perthshire.
P0012 repair cost in the UK
Most P0012 repairs land between £100–£1200 including parts and labour. The spread is wide because the cheap fix (a sensor, a hose, a leak) and the expensive fix (a major component) throw the same code — which is why a proper diagnosis before parts are bought saves the most money.
Bob's tip on P0012
If you've got a Mini or a BMW with this code, ask the garage to check the 'hook-ring' seals on the end of the camshaft first. They wear a groove into the bearing cap, and oil pressure leaks out, meaning the VVT phaser can't advance the timing. Don't let them just throw a £400 solenoid at it. Insist on a 'VVT adaptation reset' via the diagnostic tool after any work is done; otherwise, the ECU stays confused by its old learned values and the EML (Engine Management Light) will pop right back on before you’ve left the forecourt.
Can you drive with P0012?
Drivable, but get checked promptly.
Urgency: medium.