Camshaft Position Sensor?

Afternoon Gents

My FL1 TD4 2005 facelift is play up when starting. When I go out to her first thing or after work (if she's been stood all day) then she starts fine as she always has, however, leave her for a few hours, like get to work for 8, pop out for lunch at 12 kinda hours and she is a right c0w to start. Turns over for maybe 20 to 40 seconds before she catches, kickes out a cloud of white smoke then runs rough as a bears what sit for 30 or 40 seconds then behaves. If I make a short stop and get back in whilst she's fairly hot she also starts on the button. Its a bit odd.

Anyone any ideas please? I was leaning to Camshaft position sensor but on reading more threads i am now not sure if thats correct....

As always, any advise greatly appreciated.

Rgds Simon

have you changed fuel filter ? could have water in the fuel. start at the easy and cheap ones

usually if the cam shaft sensor is on its way out , the symptons are when hot and left for 20 mins or so will not start , but i would go for it with a new sensor as it sounds familiar with the way mine did

Cheers Teddywood, just before I click buy it now, what's the rules on these things? Looking at MAF replacement it's quite clear - buy Bosch or throw your money away. Are there any such thoughts with cam sensors please? Done a fair bit of reading and there does seem to be some cheap and cheerful uns being bought! Did these turn out ok or was it a case of buy cheap an pay twice please?

Could be an injector on its last legs

The BMW forums seem to agree that you must buy original or throw your money away

sorry i was not here to answer but i brought genuine