Ok here’s another vanos unit off a 2011 328 N51 engine,,,,this is the intake vanos unit that is now in several pieces,,,,the customer was just driving on the highway when the engine just lost power.
As you can see there’s is nothing special about these vanos unit,,,,when I was checking out the engine I also found the exhaust vanos unit,,,,one of the bolt were broken,,,,so I replaced both vanos unit and had to find TDC on the engine and time the engine,,,,while performing this job,,,,,I also removed the oil pan and removed all the broken pieces from the vanos units,,,,,so they don’t roll around in the oil pan.,,,,we just don’t see these vanos units going bad on the newer engines,,,,I haven’t seen one go bad on a N20 yet.,,,,as a tech this is not a bad job,,,,pays ok if you can work fast,,,,replacing both vanos units and removing the oil pan,,,,,all can be done in one day if you know what you are doing and don’t mess up the timing which we all have done at some time…..lol
-
Recent Comments
vic san on N20 vanos unit broken Mark on N55 intake camshaft beari… JC on F30 A/C noise Jordan on New B engine mechanical water… jmiddle204 on X3 4×4 transfer case
bmwtechnician 
are vanos bolts T T Y bolts?
LikeLike
There are 4 torque bolts that hold the gear sprocket and vanos together,,,,those bolt are made of aluminum
LikeLike
Yes they are
LikeLike
wondering if you got an answer…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Andrea, I just found your blog looking for answers for my used/ new to me 2013 328i with N20 engine.
Im getting error codes 120408 Charging Pressure Control: Switched off.
130304 Vanos exhaust control fault camshaft jammed
131401 vanos exhaust cold start not controllable
1d2404 Map thermostat, activation, line disconnection
CDA904 No message Status of trailer, 0X2e4 DME receiver AHM transmitter.
I would like the tackle the Vanos issue first and go from there. I know I might be looking at replacing Vanos Actuator, central valve or the whole vanos unit. My question is, when I remove the central valve, will the timing chain or sprockets will slip their position? should I buy timing lock kit to lock the cams and cranksshaft in place?
or can I slowly unscrew the center valve and insert a new one?
Any input will be greatly appreciated.
LikeLike
Yes you need to buy the camshaft locking tools,,,,the timing will slip,,,,you need a t-stat also,,,,the charge pressure fault may be due to the vanos unit,,,,the trailer issue is a random fault,,,,hope this helps
LikeLike
for this problem there is a software update available. You should ask the dealer about it.
LikeLike
I thinks it just some random fault that comes up.
LikeLike
Andreas first and foremost thank you for sharing your knowledge. now I have a question for you and hoping to get a direction. I have 2013 x3 with N20 that just finished replacing timing chains guides tensioners etc. due to a low oil pressure and chain noise.now iam having inlet and outlet vanos dtc . I tried to reset vanos with no success. also it has a start stall initially. unfortunately info on this N20 is almost none exist at best. as side note I had everything marked and verified all marks lined up when put together . dtc are 131401 and 131501 . your input is much apreciated
LikeLike
There a BMW sib 12 15 13 which says this problem is due to a software issue with the DME ,,,,you need to program the vehicle,,,,you can see the bulletin on the Internet
LikeLike
No one knows what this CDA904 code means. 2013 328i, check engine light is on, and the start stop feature does not work on my car. When I go to accelerate now, the engine lags. Today my engine shut off while I was driving. The head mechanics at BMW Santa Monica have no idea either. Please help!
LikeLike
Ok you have a couple of things going on here,,,,that fault code just ignore,,,that fault code is a bogus fault some kind of software bug,,,,,ok you start stop function not working I don’t know without looking at the car,,,,now the car shutting off while driving sound like the fuel pump and the fuel pump relay EKPS module is going bad,,,,I would have those checked out next time.
LikeLike
Hi bmwtechnician,
I want to reset the timing on my N55 but I can’t lock the Vanos units in it’s default position.
Seems like the locking pins are stuck. Do you replace the units in such case, or do you know a trick to lose them?
LikeLike
First you lock out the engine in TDC and then there is a tool to hold both camshafts in place then you can loosen the vanos bolts,,,,,question why do you want to time the engine,,,,the timing doesn’t change unless something else is wrong,,,,or if one of the vanos units are locked in place.
LikeLike
I had to replace the valve lifters. I have the alignment tool to lock the crankshaft, camshafts and impulse sending wheel. Usually the Vanos units lock in its “default” position when engine is turned off. There are locking pins integrated inside the units. They unlock only when oil pressure is applied. To set the timing properly you have to be sure the Vanos units are locked its end position, so it’s moving 1:1 with the camshaft. Problem is, mine aren’t locked. Seems like the locking pins inside the units are jammed …
LikeLike
I know that’s what BMW wants you to do for repairs,,,,but we never use the vanos lock out default,,,,we just lock out the flywheel,lock out both camshafts and sensor wheels on the vanos unit,,,,we tighten the chain tensioner then torque down both vanos units,,,we then turn the motor over by hand and pin the motor and vanos again to make sure everything is at TDC again.,,,I hope this helps
LikeLike
Hi, I have N20 with rough idle. ISTA says these errors:
Charging pressure control: Switch-off as consequence
Intake Camshaft: Installation faulty.
Exhaust Camshaft: Installation faulty.
Also after cold start also misfire error pops up. Tried test with ista for vanos solenoid test removed – solenoid stiff does not move when activated. Tried to read live camshaft sensors read – ista says that currenty no data is sent from them to DME. All wiring lines are good. What could be the problem?
LikeLike
It’s hard to say but you might have a problem with vanos units
LikeLike
Could it be electrical fault?
LikeLike
It could be electrical,,,but it doesn’t say no signal or short circuit,,,,you could clear the faults and see what faults come back
LikeLike
Yes it does not say no signal. But when I try to test VANOS data via ISTA it gives no data, only 0. Also camshaft sensors also does not give any data to DME. It should show something like incorrect angle/position. I dont know if failing VANOS system should give any data to computer and should show somekind bad data or shouldnt show anything. Also can sparkplugs have any influence to this situation? Maybe I should replace them?
LikeLike
The spark plug have nothing to do with this problem,,,,they would cause misfires,,,I would think you should get some kind of signal from camshaft angle,,,,are you sure everything is plugged in correctly
LikeLike
Hello, My exhaust cam is retarding to the most far point , I time the engine with kit, locking crank, cam shaft and vanos. When engine starts cam shaft on exhaust goes all the way to the end. and cam shaft are not in alignment any more. I manually crank engine over few time but after start it always goes retarded on exhaust cam shaft. reference point is the same? What me be causing this? Thanks Regards
LikeLike
After you time the engine you should only turn it over by hand one time and the blocks should lock down,,,,if you turn it over a few times it will never align again that is normal.,,,my question is does the the engine run and are there any faults
LikeLike
Hello there, loving your info. Just replaced timing chain and oil pump module on n20 13 528i xdrive. Now im getting vanos inlet, outlet codes, along with vanos camshaft jammed for both intake and exhaust. Would you suspect this is more related to the software reprogram or is the timing off? I used my scope when inserting the crank pin holder and i assumed the hole in the flywheel closest to cams at tdc was the locking point, Is this correct? Thanks for any input.
LikeLike
I don’t remember which hole it is in the flywheel,,,I do know once you have it in the correct hole you can not turn the motor back or forward that when you have found the correct TDC,,,,you should also make sure cylinder 1 piston is up.
LikeLike
The crank pin to hold at TDC goes through the tiny hole pointing to the rear of the car by the catalytic converter, the only thing this would be able to hold onto would be the flex plate/flywheel. And yes the crank wouldnt rotate after being inserted. Im more concerned with the multiple vanos codes which happened after the fact. There are no timing codes.
LikeLike
I would check the timing again
LikeLike
Hi. I bought a BMW F20 118i with N13 1.6 engine. The engine was low water damaged. Cleaned spark plugs and as the mileage was 65000 so I changed the timing chain with a TOOL also. The engine start ok. no misfiring. no hesitation. but after 3-4 minutes these fault codes with a message -Drivetrain problem – comes in the display. three fault codes are
1; 120408 Charging pressure control: switch-off as consequence
2: 12A701 Catalytic converter downstream oxygen sensor, electrical fault: circuit short to battery (+)
3: 130304 VANOS (Variable camshaft timing) exhaust: control fault, camshaft stuck
Changed the solenoid valves. Changed the exhaust VANOS. Changed the oil filter and OIL. Opened oil pan and checked pick up screen. still the same problem.
Please advice. Thanks
LikeLike
The charge pressure fault is probably due to the the vanos fault,,,,it looks like you replaced all the general stuff already and you are sure the timing is correct,,,,,you said the engine had low water damage what does that mean,,,is it possible the exhaust camshaft is binding,,,,you might want to check the exhaust camshaft journal caps
LikeLike
Thanks for your time.
Checked the Camshaft Journal Caps. They look ok. Do you think it can be a ECU or software related issue? Or anything else you have come across?
LikeLike
It possible a software issue,,,we have seen that before.
LikeLike
Check your timing an solenoid
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi bmw technician.
I’m wondering if I can just replace those bolts with new steel ones , my car is out of warranty and it has not develop any issues yet , but as precautionary measure I was wondering if this is possible?
This way I don’t have to set up any timing if I do it one at the time.
also by any chance would you know the torque specs for this bolts? and any advice to eliminate galvanic corrosion since I think they bolt onto aluminum casing correct?
if you can direct me in the right path I will really appreciated .
Nic.
LikeLike
Sorry there are no replacement bolts for the N20 vanes unit that I know of,,,,,yes they are aluminum,,,the N20 and N26 vanes unit are not common to break not like the older one on N51 and N52
LikeLike
No, no
My engine is N52
Sorry for the confusion…
LikeLike
No,
My engine is N52
Sorry for the confusion…
Thank you again!
LikeLike
I understand you have the N20 engine,,,,what I’m saying on the N20 engine the vans unit failing is not a common problem like the N51,,,,,on the N20 engine there are no replacement bolts for the vanos unit not like the N51
LikeLike
Hi bmw technician,
Recently purchased 2104 BMW X1 28i x drive. What symptoms and codes might you get if your timing chain had failed?
My engine shut of while idle in park. Won’t restart. Everything works, radio, windows, Locks. No turnover on start at all. Tried new battery. Same. Had mechanic put on Autel code reader diagnostics and got 10 or so codes relating to things such as the dinamic stability control, fuel pump. Dash lights up with transmission gear exclamation point and lift ramp both in yellow.
Could this be the timing chain? or ground from chassis to engine? as suggested by dealer over phone or something else?
Thanks
LikeLike
Symptoms when timing chain fails is engine won’t start,,,engine won’t turn over,,,,have your mechanics see if he can turn the motor over by hand with a breaker bar on the front crank bolt.
LikeLike
Ok I’ll do that. What codes would come up when the timing chain fails?
Thanks
LikeLike
Here is a video of whatâs happening today.
I checked the timing chain, it looks fine.
I appreciate any input. The starter and engine appear to make no attempt to start. New battery installed.
Sent from my iPhone
LikeLike
Sorry I don’t see any video,,,,ok when you say the starter and engine don’t appear to make attempt to start,,,,,question does the engine turn over when you are trying to start the car,,,,,question does the engine make any sound when trying to start the car,,,if the engine does not turn over when trying to start car,,,,try and turn the engine by hand from the front lower crankshaft bolt and see if the engine will turn.
LikeLike
Brought it to a second mechanic. He discovered it was the engine to chassis ground strap. It had deteriorated and failed. Cost for the strap $7.49.
Just need to clear the check engine light. I learned that if you touch the neg and positive battery cable together while the battery is disconnected it clears the light. Is this true?
Thank you.
LikeLike
Yes it should,,,,but sometimes some random faults might still be their
LikeLike
The service engine light has not cleared. I called the mechanic he said it was a fault related to the emissions. Not sure if he meant evap leak. I’ll check my gas cap but I need to clear this code. I’d rather not pay more money. I’m going to trade. Is there a or way trick to clear the code without seeing a mechanic or using a code reader?ledrew
Thanks.
LikeLike
No there is no way to trick it,,,you would have to scan it and clear it with a diagnostic scanner,,,it will clear as long as it is not a permanent fault then it won’t clear
LikeLike
Hi bmw technician,
My 320i with N20 engine have problem with light accelerator or cruise on hightway, about 1.100-1450 rpm.Engine noise u u u like we’ve a drone around and with little vibration on steering.
I’ve search, alot of people have it problem but no solution.It don’t like bmw :). Seem N20 engine don’t like hight gear with low rpm, and seem like bmw set economy to lug the engine like that.
My car have no error code, product 4/2012 with no tune.
Coul it be timming change or leak some where? I’ve change engine mount, spark plug, coil but problem is the same.
Thanks alot.
LikeLike
It’s hard to say what the problem is with out hearing and driving the car,,,,I don’t think the noise is timing chain because that makes a whining noise,,,the only leak could be a exhaust leak but you said the steering also shakes,,,have you had the tires and rims checked make sure rims are not bent,,,also check the rear transmission mount make sure they are not cracked or broken,,,also check the drive belt tensioner could be a problem.
LikeLike
hi,
i am getting the following error codes on my 2013 BMW X3 (107k miles):
133E10 -permanent – valvetronic system: deactivated, adjustment fault too frequent
131401 – Intermittent – VANOS (variable cam shaft timing) exhaust cold start not controllable
120408 – Intermittent – Charging pressure control: switch-off as consequence
130304 – Intermittent – VANOS (variable cam shaft timing) exhaust: control fault, camshaft stuck
131808 – Intermittent – Exhaust variable camshaft timing control (VANOS) cost start position not reached.
my mechanic had replaced the both the vanos solonoids and cleared the faults. when he took a test drive, the codes again cam back. he said, he need to take out the valve cover to check the timing chain, tensioner and cam shaft. Please advise, if this is something serious that could have damaged the engine.
LikeLike
I don’t know how serious this is,,,but your mechanic is right to remove the valve cover and inspect the timing chain and guide rails,,,,if that is ok the check the exhaust vanos unit and intake vanos units,,,,your faults are for the exhaust side,,,the boost charge fault is due to the exhaust vanos faults.
LikeLike
Hi, thank you for the reply. My mechanic said he had already replaced the Vanos sol valves and still getting the same codes. Do you think is this something related to eccentric shaft sensor? Or turbo charger
LikeLike
Do you guys fix the issue ?! I have changed timing chain on 2013 BMW 328i xdrive this is the codes Im getting 131501 120408 131908 . thanks for the input
LikeLiked by 1 person
131908-VANOS inlet: cold start, Position not reached.
131501-VANOS inlet, cold start not consolable.
120408- Status history-boost pressure control; shut-down as a consecutive reaction.
Thanks For your help
LikeLike
Ok the charge boost pressure fault is related to the vanos faults,,,,the vanos faults could be a couple of things but since you just replaced the timing chain maybe the timing is not correct on the intake vanos unit?
LikeLike
Thank You very much for the reply !! I have checked timing multiple times, I found this article online and this is what Im thinking right now!!
This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B12 15 13 dated September 2013.
designates changes to this revision
SUBJECT
N20 and N26 Engine: Various VANOS System Faults Stored in DME
MODEL
E84
E89
F10
F25
F30
F31
F34
SITUATION
The Service Engine Soon lamp and Engine Malfunction warning are illuminated, and the vehicle
has reduced power output. This situation can occur as a customer complaint, or after performing
repairs to the engine valve train assembly. One or more of the following faults is stored in the
DME.
F10, F25, F30, F31 and F34:
131401 VANOS, exhaust, starting from cold: Non-adjustable
131501 VANOS, intake, starting from cold: Non-adjustable
131808 VANOS, exhaust, starting from cold: Position not reached
131908 VANOS, intake, starting from cold: Position not reached
130104 VANOS, intake, control fault, camshaft jammed
130304 VANOS, exhaust, control fault, camshaft jammed
130308 VANOS, exhaust, control fault, position not reached
130108 VANOS, intake, control fault, position not reached
SI B12 15 13
Engine
December 2013
Technical Service
Page 1 of 4
https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/158… 1/6/2014
SB-10053485-8362
E84 and E89:
2D54 VANOS, exhaust, starting from cold: Non-adjustable
2D55 VANOS, intake, starting from cold: Non-adjustable
2D56 VANOS, exhaust, starting from cold: Position not reached
2D57 VANOS, intake, starting from cold: Position not reached
2D60 VANOS, exhaust, control fault, camshaft jammed
2D5A VANOS, intake, control fault, camshaft jammed
2D5B VANOS, intake, control fault, position not reached
2D61 VANOS, exhaust, control fault, position not reached
If one of the applicable faults listed above is not stored in the DME fault memory then continue
troubleshooting with the applicable test plan for the fault(s) stored.
CAUSE
This is due to a diagnostic programming error in the DME.
PROCEDURE
If one of the applicable faults listed above is stored in the DME then continue with the
procedure outlined below.
Do not replace any parts.
Perform a vehicle test.
F10, F25, F30, F31 and F34:
Reprogram the vehicle ISTA/P 2.50.4 or higher. The improved DME software was introduced
with the following integration levels:
F010-13-07-506 for the F10
F020-13-07-506 for the F3x
F025-13-07-506 for the F25
E84 and E89:
Reprogram the vehicle ISTA/P 2.51.0 or higher. The improved DME software was introduced
with the following integration levels:
E89X-13 -11-505 for the E84 and E89
Page 2 of 4
https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/158… 1/6/2014
Note that ISTA/P will automatically reprogram and code all programmable control modules that do
not have the latest software. For information on programming and coding with ISTA/P, refer to
CenterNet / Aftersales Portal / Service / Workshop Technology / Vehicle Programming.
Note: When the ISTA system message displays: Battery voltage only “XX.XX” V. Please connect
charger. Please note the displayed battery voltage reading in the repair order comments section.
This documentation is not necessary when part of an approved Technical Service repair procedure;
the battery charger is required to be attached before performing the Vehicle Test.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Car/SAV Limited Warranty or the BMW Certified Pre-
Owned Program.
Specific eligible repairs may also be covered by the terms of the Federal, State or BMW Emissions
Warranty.
To determine if any applicable Federal, State or BMW Emissions Warranty coverage applies prior
to performing repairs, please see SI B01 02 11 for “Emissions Warranty Coverage” and refer to the
“Glossary of Emission Coverage” attachment for more information.
The BMW Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty applies to BMW CPO vehicles that are still
within the BMW Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty and this coverage extends beyond the
Emissions Warranty coverage that applies.
Labor operation code 00 00 006 is a Main labor operation. If you are using a Main labor code for
another repair, use the Plus code labor operation 00 00 556 instead.
Even though work time labor operation code 61 00 006 ends in “006,” it is not considered a Main
labor operation.
Work time (WT) labor operation 61 00 006 requires an individual punch time.
and
Defect Code: 11 36 01 96 00
Labor Operation: Labor Allowance: Description:
00 00 006 Refer to KSD2 Performing “vehicle test” (with vehicle
diagnosis system – checking faults)
and if necessary, also
61 21 528 Refer to KSD2 Charging battery
and as necessary
61 00 006 WT Performing vehicle diagnosis – test
module.
Page 3 of 4
https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/158… 1/6/2014
E84 and E89
or
F10, F25, F30, F31 and F34
Refer to KSD2 for the corresponding flat rate unit (FRU) allowance. Enter the Chassis Number,
which consists of the last 7 digits of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Click on the
“Search” button, and then enter the applicable flat rate labor operation in the FR code field.
If a control module was working properly and/or had no related faults stored prior to vehicle
programming and it fails to program correctly or requires initialization, this additional work must
be claimed with separate labor operations under the defect code listed above; refer to KSD2.
Other Repairs
If performing other ISTA diagnostics and related test plans results with eligible and covered
work, claim this work with the applicable defect code and labor operations listed in KSD2.
Labor Operation: Labor Allowance: Description:
61 00 710 Refer to KSD2 Programming / encoding control unit(s)
(not including CAS)
or
61 00 720 Refer to KSD2 Programming / encoding control unit(s)
(with CAS)
Labor Operation: Labor Allowance: Description:
61 00 730 Refer to KSD2 Programming/encoding control unit(s)
[ Copyright ©2013 BMW of North America, Inc. ]
Page 4 of 4
https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/158… 1/6/2014
LikeLike
Boy that’s a old bulletin,,,,but yes this could be your issue,,,,you just need to check your integration level and make sure it’s below what is required
LikeLike
Hello again, hope you having great day!! Is there possible timing not to be correct on the intake vanos unit?! I know impulse sending wheels and camshaft they need to be lined up using a special tool. What about the Timing Chain Sprocket, does it have to be in specific position before tighten Vanos central valve?!
if I have used the tool how it is possible no to be on timing ?! Car start very well but no power and check engine light on code po52b.
Thank You very much for your help.
LikeLike
Ok,,,,no the sprocket does not have to be in a special position,,,,you have to lock down both camshaft with special tool,,,engine on TDC,,,,you have to tighten the chain tensioner and then you can tighten both vanos unit,,,you should be able to hand turn over the engine to TDC and lock down the camshafts again with the tool and you should be fine after that.
LikeLike
Hello BMW Technician, I have a 2011 BMW 535i with N55 engine. I have ISTA-D and scared the following codes. The engine is running rough at idle. During highway driving the car drives fine. Stop and starting the car – there is no difference. Any help would be appreciated
Code 132408 – Vanos Exhaust – Intake camshaft not locking at start up
Code 130104 – Vanos intake – control fault camshaft stuck
Code 120408 – Charging Pressure control – Switch off as consequence
Code 131501 – Variable camshaft timing control VANOS – intake cold start- not controllable
Code 130308 – VANOS – Exhaust – Control fault position reached
Code 131401 – Variable camshaft timing control VANOS exhaust cold start not controllable
LikeLike
Your problem could be a programming issue or it could could both vanos units as per sib bulletin 12 14 12
LikeLike
Hello, I replaced the oil filter, inspected the oil filter basket and the green O ring at the bottom. The old oil filter was stuck onto the basket. The oil filter element appears to collapsed / sucked in at the center. I am not sure if it was the wrong filter. Reset codes and adaptations without increment wheel. Code 131501 returned. I am thinking switching vanos solenoids and see result. What would happen if I resent the adaptations with increment wheel/
Thanks
LikeLike
Did you also change the oil when you replaced the filter,,,yes switch vanos solenoids,,,no need to reset adaptation values,,,just test drive and see what happens,,,but change the oil also.
LikeLike
Do you know if the new Vanos assemblies comes with the upgraded bolts or do I still need to change out the 4 Vanos Gear bolts on a new assembly?
Thanks Ted
LikeLike
The new vanos has new bolts
LikeLike
Hi Andreas, This question has appeared in your blog before. But the solutions haven’t worked for me. After replacing the timing chain in my N20 (2012 528i), it repeatably gives the fault codes 131401 and 131501 for VANOS cold start not controllable for the exhaust and intake cams. The first start up gave many more codes but I have cleared the fault codes several times and these two appear along with the consequence fault code of 120408 Charge pressure control off. Even if the engine is warm it still gives these same fault codes. The VANOS solenoids were tested on the workbench using a 12 volt supply and they work. With the engine running the function test for the exhaust and intake VANOS passes. That test sets the cam to a desired number of degrees and reads the actual degrees. The I-level is newer than the I-level specified in SI B12 15 13. You referenced this TSB in your comment to “Ronnie” back in 2017.
The timing was checked several times after installing the new chain. The car started fine the first time and every time since. It idles fine and sounds much better than before. It revs fine but with the turbo disabled a drive around the block is at a pedestrian pace. When the VANOS solenoids were removed for testing I checked the marks I made on the VANOS impulse wheels and on the harmonic balancer and they looked perfect.
Whether the engine is cold or warm, the VANOS faults appear within 15 seconds of startup.
I appreciate your help. I’ve enjoyed your blog and I hope you will start posting again. Thanks.
LikeLike
Ok,,,a couple of question,,,you said you tested the vanos solenoid but have you replaced them,,,also have the vanos unit been replaced?,,,,and one more thing has oil and filter change been done recently,,,,because dirty filter and oil can cause a sticky solenoid
LikeLike
Thanks for responding. Neither the VANOS units nor the solenoids have been replaced. The oil and filter were changed along with the timing chain. The last oil change was two years ago but only 2200 miles were driven. The oil was black though. The oil and filter have always been genuine BMW. The car has 103,000 miles.
The short version of this story is that the car is working now. For reasons I don’t understand the faults are cleared. Today I drove it 20 miles to several stores and it worked fine.
If you are interested here is the rest of the story. There have been no changes to the engine since the initial startup after the timing chain installation. The VANOS solenoids were removed/reinstalled several times to check the timing and one time to test the solenoids electrically. But that is all.
Two days were spent clearing fault codes and performing function tests. The VANOS function test showed that both VANOS units were “working”. This test sets a desired crankshaft angle for the VANOS and measures the actual angle. Note that the desired angle was constant. That’s important to know for later.
The intake cam had the following desired/actual degrees: 0/-8, -20/-20, -10.4/-10, -20/-20 and -10.4/-10. The exhaust cam had the following desired/actual degrees: 0.6/-9, 20/17, 11/9, 20/17. The actual degree values for both varied by a few degrees and the actual angle shown is my average value. The only odd result is that the desired angles of 0 and 0.6 had actual angles that were off by ~8 degrees.
The process of deleting the faults and restarting the car was performed many times. The VANOS cold start faults would reappear within 15 seconds of startup. The documentation claimed that it would take one minute for the VANOS cold start faults to appear. But that’s not what happened.
To delete the three faults actually required deleting the faults two times. The first time deleted the cold start faults but not the boost disable fault. The boost disable was cleared by itself. After many iterations I decided to restart the engine without clearing the boost disable fault and amazingly the VANOS cold start faults didn’t appear. The only fault was still the boost disable fault. The boost disable fault was cleared and the engine restarted. There were no faults. After several engine stop/start cycles there were still no faults.
The engine sounds exactly the same as the first time it started after the timing chain installation. It is a total mystery (to me) as to why it works now. Was it how the faults were cleared that made the difference? Was it coincidental and maybe the bits of trash in the both VANOS spool valves cleared at the exact same time?
Risking my good fortune I had to run the VANOS function test again. This time the desired angle was not a constant as in the previous tests. The actual angle also varied as in the previous test but on average was nearly equal to the desired angle. Maybe the function test is different with cold start faults present.
One other odd problem during this time was the oil level test did not work. It would get to 17% and quit. The oil temperature was 90 C. Once the car started without faults the oil level check worked fine.
One last question about dirty oil. With the VANOS solenoids removed, the spring loaded VANOS spool valve moved in and out easily. But one of the passages might have had some trash in it. Is it possible to remove the snap ring and take out the VANOS spool valve, spring and check ball for cleaning with the VANOS unit in the engine? When the VANOS units were removed there was no visible trash.
Thanks again for your time.
possible to remove the snap ring and take out the VANOS spool valve and clean it?
Yesterday I did get all the fault codes cleared
LikeLike
My rule if it’s not broken don’t fix it,,,,don’t take the solenoids apart ok,,,,the turbo boost fault was related to the vanos faults.
LikeLike
Thank you. Looking forward to the return of your blog.
LikeLike
Hi Andreas,
I have a X1 E84 with the N20 engine. I am troubleshooting an issue with it already for weeks now and unfortunately I was not able to find the root cause yet.
It started during a hot day waiting at a traffic light. Suddenly the half yellow engine light came on and was telling me that reduced engine power bla bla…. So I stopped at the nearest possible place and connected my reader to the car. It gave the code 2D61 VANOS Outlet control, position not reached.
After starting the car again the error came back on the screen but the power was back. Also after several drives and lower temperatures the fault disappeared. The fault returns when it’s hot outside and comes back even faster when I turn on the air conditioning. So temperatures make difference. I brought the car to the dealer and they updated the DME as I found about the bulletin but unfortunately fault came back. Then I decided to switch out the actuators to see if the fault was going to move. Also that didn’t make a difference and fault is still on outlet side. Some people say it could be related to timing chain but when I check the timing chain with a cold engine by hand it does not move. Looks all good. Dealer wants almost 300 euro to check the timing chain….
The car is as we speak back to the dealer for further diagnose and they have seen a slight difference in the crankshaft position or something like that….. one of the shafts was not in the correct angle.
What is your opinion about the above? Did you hear anything like this before?
Thanks in advance!
Ilyas
LikeLike
It’s hard to say what the problem might be,,,but with the timing chain issue on that engine,,,I would look into that and maybe the exhaust vanos unit?
LikeLike
Hi Hi, I have little complicated problem with F30 N20B20 2012 engine….. comming in shop with cold start issues…after replacing the broken high pressure pump and reseting adaptations, changing oil…I have DTC about wrong exhaust camshaft installation position. So I thing exhaust vanos is not working, or not working correctly…can I get in touch with you? thanks
LikeLike
You might want to look at the timing chain on a N20,,,that can cause a lot of different problem
LikeLike
hi….. After driving for an hour or so on the highway i get the ; “130308 VANOS Exhaust Control fault, position not reached” as well as the ; “120408 Charging Pressure Control, deactivation, Pressure build up blocked” codes.
I guess one affects the other. I don’t have that issue with city driving.
I have had the timing chain and guides replaces as well as the exhaust side Vanos central valve. Tested both soleniods as well.
Is one fault causing the other? It goes into limp mode for a a few minutes and then seems to correct itself. Code stays on though.
2013 BW X3 2.8i N20
Thanks
LikeLike