Were is the cam sensor lowcaded on a 1996 crande am 3.1 engine

Assuming you have a 1996 328i convertible based on your photo as there were no US 96 328is.
It is located at the left front end of the the engine cylinder head under the plastic cover behind the VANOS solenoid next to the top of the oil filter housing. In addition to the new sensor, you will need new metal o-rings for the VANOS line, a new rubber o-ring for the camshaft sensor and perhaps a new socket head cap screw if you round out the internal hex trying to loosen this Loctited screw.
See Figures 1 & 3 at the following Pelican Parts link.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/101-Projects-14-Cam-Sensor/101-Projects-14-Cam-Sensor.htm

which 1996 engines, name the exact engine, can fix engines not knowing that.
P1361
this is the TDC sensor error.
loose wires to it
or loose timing belt?
its really the cam sensor, it tells the ECU/PCM where #1 fires and in turn, them all. (know one, know them all due to crank sensor data)

loose wires.
bad sensor
loose belt (or anything that makes the CAM bounce , dig?)

if your engine has the belt on the cam, ever change it , per
the maintenance shedules. 60,000 miles is common
you ignoring service???????
keep in mind i dont know what engine is in car.
but all honda bend the valves when the belt lets go.
so just maybe 1361 is a blessing, its telling you, hey buddy
going run me till i Grenade?

On V6 engines with a distributor, the sensor is inside the distributor.

100 % this is a timing problem don't start replacing sensors waste of money LOOK at your timing!!

I also have a 96 LHS that randomly blows the 20 amp ECM fuse. If this is what you are referring to, the problem may be in one of your ECM sensors. 1-Start by unplugging all ECM sensors (Temp, Cam, Crank, 2-O2, TPS, etc.) and replace the fuse. 2-Crank the starter (the car will not start) and see if the fuse blows. If it does you probably have an electrical problem with the ECM. 2-If the fuse does not blow, plug in only the cam sensor and start the car; it will idle rough and the check engine light will come on. If the fuse blows, the problem is the cam sensor or wiring to it. 3-Continue plugging in sensors one at a time and try starting. When the fuse blows, you will know which sensor and/or wiring to the sensor to check. This process of elimination has worked twice for me.

Try the crank sensor this is the sensor most likely to cause this not the cam sensor. To get to the crank sensor you will have to jack up the passager side of the car and the sensor is located on the transmission bell housing about 3/4 of the way up on the trans were it connects to the engine.(all on the passager side of the trans) It has a 3 wire plug and one 10mm bolt that holds it in. Hope this helps

You always need to check the wiring system when you get a code and not just throw parts at it,I'm sorry this happened to you.

when your engine went into that 5 second sputter,
your computer or "PCM" did not get a constant signal from the crank or cam sensors that the engine was running.
These two sensors tell the computer what RPM the engine is turning so it can adjust fuel and spark.

I find the cam position sensor will act like this, but you should have an engine light coming on.

ON THE TOP HAVE OFF ENGINE ,,