How To Remove Replace Install The VALVETRONIC MOTOR BMW N20 N26 N55 With Torque Specs

In this video I go over how to replace the valvetronic motor on a BMW engine. This can be applied to the N20 N26 And N55 Engines. This includes torque specifications and tips and tricks. I also go over how to check for a secondary failure of the eccentric shaft that could lead to having to remove the valve cover a second time. I provide you with information on the tools you need to get the valvetronic motor replaced.
I

[@a.b.ripper9908]

For my n55 people your maxximum and minimum stroke stoppers are located left toward cyilinder number 5, instead of right toward the timing chain like the n20/n26 do

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks for adding this note to help others!

[@a.b.ripper9908]

@@AskTheCarExperts i have the code 2DCF and orderd the motor yesterday, hoping that it is just the vvt motor that failed 🤞

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@a.b.ripper9908 I hope so! 🙏

[@andygarcia2266]

was it just the motor @@a.b.ripper9908

[@ikome20022000]

This is an extremely good video. Your analysis are just extremely good and makes it very simple for anyone to replace the motor. Please I have a question. Can a failed Valvetronic motor or system cause a car not to have a spark and also not to start.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Usually a failed motor would not cause a loss of spark.

[@agwojames5302]

Excellent video, thanks for sharing this.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

I am glad to hear you found it helpful! Thanks for commenting!

[@MuhammadBilal-qh3dc]

Very nice information video keep upload

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks! Lots of content to come. 😀 I wish I had more free time to produce videos but it doesn't pay the bills.

[@V10PDTDI]

I'm getting a 2014 F30 with the N20 engine with a 5 volt supply fault like you said it affect most of the components that have the same 5 volt supply like ex. the venturi sensor the voltage goes around 10 volts when the car is running with the motor connected and 5 volts with it unplug but with the key on and engine not running it goes a bit bellow 5 volts thank for the video I have yet to replace one I did a few timing chain on them and I did the angle pick test on the timing chain thru the oil cap hole and the chain is loose this engine is at around 80 000 milles .

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Make sure to run the engine for a minute then recheck the chain. Sometimes the chain tensioner will bleed down and give a false sense of play. If it is tight after a quick idle you may still be good.

[@jeffreytaylor8103]

Great job

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hi Jeffrey! Thank you and I hope you found the video helpful!

[@jeffreytaylor8103]

​@@AskTheCarExpertswas great work tbh. Less pain than reading ISTA instructions! You happen to know of there is a default setting on this motor? We just swapped one from engine to engine.. guessing its open circuit but ginna find out the hard way prolly

[@ianyoung6829]

great job

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks Ian!

[@camariel24]

I almost gave up on my BMW N55 engine because the shops qoutes me $2500 for replacement of valvetronic motor. I thought it was complicated, but i will give it a try as long as the intermediate shaft gear is not damaged.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

I have a video on a trick way to replace the shaft. I do this on the N20 engine but the procedure is the same.

[@dnup9392]

Did you get your motor replaced? Was the shaft damaged? I have a rattle sound when unlocking the car.

[@kawakx333]

@@dnup9392 any updates on your car? I also have rattle sound

[@dnup9392]

@@kawakx333 didnt get a chance to do anything yet. Have you showed thencar to anyone?

[@joselira3273]

Great video! I’m having an issue where the car randomly just goes into limp mode and once it threw the code for P1030. Would this be related to this issue?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello Jose, P1030 can be a sign of binding between the eccentric shaft and the valaveteonic motor. Both should be replaced.

[@snoopy81]

Show me more pls, interesting ,love to learn it.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Lots more coming. This week I have a video release on checking spark using a spark tester and a home made device.

[@snoopy81]

@@AskTheCarExperts video shows very clear, good to understand.cant wait next video! 👍👍

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@snoopy81 Thanks bud!

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Awesome video, Roger! 👏🏻 I learned a lot as it’s the first I’ve seen of this perspective on an N20. I didn’t know about the wells until this video. My first thought was, hm any gasket there? Of course, you had that covered 👍🏻 Quite a difference in execution from the N52, which I had to remove when I did my valve cover gasket job on my E82. Super closeups you did thanks especially the Allen where it turns the worm gear. Those shots make a big difference to the uninitiated. Looking fwd to the next one! Btw, what happened to your drywall? You didn’t leave Zion in the garage one day…? 😜🐶 I read once a couple left their German Shepard in their garage one weekend with plenty of food and water etc, I guess they went away (not exactly what I would do to my pet…) and the dog bored through the drywall and exterior siding for the great escape!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hi Bud! This was a fun video to make showing how the gearing works. The drywall issue is a funny story to me but not so funny story for my wife when I had to use a come along attached to the wall to put it back in place LOL! I don't think she would appreciate me giving the details here. I never fixed the sheetrock because I want to pull it all out and insulate the garage for better heat retention in the winter. It was a challenge making some videos in the winter. I still have to make the next video but I have an awesome timing tool set I purchased for the next tutorial 😊

[@MarioDallaRiva]

@@AskTheCarExperts hm, wonder if it’s anything like my wife “kissing” the casing and jamb of our garage entry a few years ago with the passenger side of her X1…bmw exterior plastic cladding bloody expensive! Lucky for her, I’m a certified professional detailer that happens to specialize in premium German marques 😎 Special tool?! That’ll be another great lesson. Maybe when you have a Premium pay channel your members can get the scoop on your wall 👍🏻 Btw I recommend the rock wool insulation for the wall cavities.

[@MarioDallaRiva]

And thanks for the Shoutout! 💪🏼

[@advanceautoparts1769]

@@AskTheCarExperts Ihave the n55 dont i need a special tool to remove the injectors?

[@tkl7663]

Thanks; it’s very helpful step by steps

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thank you glad it helped!

[@atreviews1212]

This exact thing happened to me and I’m about to try and fix it myself on me 2013 BMW 328i. The codes I got are 134F02 and 135B11. Are these similar codes you got???

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hi AT, This may be a bad Actuator but often the eccentric shaft is part of the problem. Before installing just plug a new motor in externally and cycle to key to make sure it sweeps. If it does not run you have a voltage problem from the IVM or DME. If it does I install them and then with the valve cover off and the fuel disabled cycle the key to make sure it sweeps the valvetronic without binding. If it does not the eccentric shaft has to be replaced as well.

[@PNW_z71]

No mention of the injectors being removed before the injector wells come out? Any tricks for that?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello, This tutorial was with an engine I have already removed from a vehicle. To remove the injectors there is a special tool that helps extract them. amzn.to/3Qef0uc This tool screws into the top of the injector and then lifts them out.

[@PNW_z71]

@@AskTheCarExperts looks like a pod racer haha

[@mascho22]

Hi, I timed my n26 engine based on your other video and engine runs drives good but still getting code fault code 135808 : "valvetronic servo motor, position sensors, electrical". Plus it makes loud clicking noise for a few seconds when you unlock car. Do i replace just the motor? Where are the position sensors on the N20/N26 that the code is referring to? Thanks!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Sorry for the delay. Just getting caught up on comments. Great to hear my video helped. The symptom you have can be from a failing valvetronic motor and eccentric shaft. The clicking is usually heard when the gear is binding on the shaft. In most cases the valvetronic motor and eccentric shaft need to be replaced. I have a video on that as well :)

[@zunaids4036]

Thanks for the awesome content. do you by any chance know of any possible causes of error code 133E10 valve tronics system: deactivated, too frequent adjustment errors? car idles from a cold start but then about 15min later it stalls

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hi Zunai, Adjustment too frequent is often caused by a failing valvetronic motor and eccentric shaft.

[@zunaids4036]

@@AskTheCarExperts thanks, is there a way to test the valve valvetronic motor

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@zunaids4036 Yes, but it may be a bit complicated. The dealer had a test plan they can run to test the system. For a home test you would need another motor and plug it in externally to see if it cycles with the key turned on. Or remove the valve cover (fuel system disabled) and turn the key on not starting and watch the motor run and move the eccentric shaft. Usually you can see binding or slipping.

[@zunaids4036]

@@AskTheCarExperts thanks, you are really the best car expert 👌

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@zunaids4036 Glad to help! I wish I had an N20 at home to do more videos with. Hopefully in the future sometime after I finish with the Z3 engine.

[@jeremyhbr5890]

Hello, Does it matter whether I'm on the max stop side or the min stop side? Thanks

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello, The eccentric shaft has to be in between the two stops as shown in the video. If not correct the relearn procedure will not take.

[@MuhammadBilal-qh3dc]

After installing it's need to relearn moter position by scanner ?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

That would work if you had a scanner. However just cycling the key on for a minute and off again will relearn the valvetronic if the system is operating correctly.

[@NCF80M3]

002E0F only code on my n55 … adjustment fault too frequent, any advice? Can I replace just the motor

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Usually the motor and eccentric shaft is the issue and the wear is between both components.

[@michaelkerr662]

Are there any fuses or relays to the Valvetronic? If so, where are they?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

The valvetronic is controlled by the engine computer. If the system detects a problem the DME can cut power to the valvetronic motor. This means that it may look like a bad DME but the issue still could be another component.

[@820performancecomptonbro4]

Hey what up buddy I just replace 2 injector on my n20 engine and now don’t want to start when cracking sound like it doesn’t have compression can the can the valve tronic motor couse a no start or compression issue

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello, make sure your seals are good on the injectors. Do a compression and leak down test. Valvetronic can cause something like this but you should have faults for this system.

[@820performancecomptonbro4]

@@AskTheCarExperts OK thank you the only thing that I did reuse decoupling from old injector and I remove the other two injectors to clean the tips on them and reinstalled with the same decoupling Can that cause my no compression issue?

[@bmwloverforlife8091]

I baught a 2011 bmw 116i with the N13 engine, the Valvetronick is on the side almost to the back of the engine When I got it the person told me it shuts down on them and when we scan it I got the Vavetronick code so I baught a new valvertronic moto and just take out the old one and put back the new one it was tight to get in but use an aulinkey at the back of it to spin it in and tighten the bolts every time in goes in a little. When we got it all the way in, we try to start it and it never starts just turn over so we put an autel scanner on it and whenever we try to relearn it, it come to a part that it says voltage low or not reach something like that but we get the car to start and it runs a little and start to vibrate and have a little sound like it wants to back fire if that make sense, then shut back down about 4 times so I am trying to find out if there is a relay or fuse or even ECU problem, Please let me know what you think? I check all fuse in the engen area I pull out the box under the glove compartment nex to the door and check it for burn or broken fuse also in the trunk nex to the battery and I pull out the side peace in the trunk and check those fuse as well but all looks good to me, the phues I check with a tester and I ask a electrician to test the black regulator that is in the engine bay nex to the inches on the car bonnet and he say it was working, also take out that little black box at the front of the engine that you have to cut open to check fuse and they all good as well

[@AskTheCarExperts]

I have a few of the ISM (integrated supply module) black boxes that I have cut open to use as testers. Works great!

[@tato.2938]

replaced my timing chain on my n55 but i got multiple codes like : 134F01 Valvetronic, adjustment range: master adaptation outside tolerances and Valvetronic, adjustment range: fault, range check would this mean my valvetronic motor is bad? i also have codes for vanos saying intake and exhaust cold start not available codes: 131401 and 131501

[@AskTheCarExperts]

To me this sounds like your timing is not correct.

[@jackoibarra2614]

Does the engine has to be on **TDC** or it can be removed on any position??

[@AskTheCarExperts]

For the VVT motor the engine does not need to be a TDC.

[@jaimearredondo4131]

Is this similar to the S55?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello, Yes this procedure would be very similar.

[@JoseMartinez-gf2tu]

Hi, I have the code (P10F5)-VVL-Control Phase V Circuit Open (Bank 1). Would replacing the value motor fix this problem? I’ve been having rough starts. I would really appreciate a response 😊

[@AskTheCarExperts]

I would plug in a new unit externally and make sure it runs a sweep with the key cycled on and off. If the control phase V fault is not present I would start with the motor.

[@JoseMartinez-gf2tu]

@@AskTheCarExperts thank you so much for the reply 🙏🏻

[@keatonhaycraft6921]

when i turn my n20 on i don’t hear the valvetronic do a sweep and it also says it’s disabled due to too many errors. since it doesn’t do a sweep does that mean the motor is bad?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

You have to check the integrated power supply as well and the DME could also be faulty. But often it is the motor and eccentric shaft. Try to test fit one externally and see if it spins when you cycle the key. If it does the DME and wiring are good.

[@lxizzHD]

Can I get help on my valvetronic motor repair? I replaced it twice this year. I just want my car running back normally without these codes. 2E41, 2E43, 2D0F. I don’t hear the Servomotor as bad like before now that it is my third one. Even right before the original one I replaced my car was sounding poorly, then after the first replace my car still acted the same. Right now, it is somewhat better but I haven’t done the relearn yet. My questions. Should I do go ahead and do a relearn with this new Servomotor? Do I give up on the car? If relearn fails again, will it be Shaft or DME at fault? Thank u. Btw an Indy shop is helping me here.

[@ikome20022000]

Hi tell me. When your Valvetronic motor failed all those times, was your car engine able to start ? Or it was cranking but failed to start

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Normally this would be a crank no start saturation.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Sorry for the late reply, Did you get your issue fixed?

[@lxizzHD]

@@AskTheCarExperts yea it was a connection wire to do with the Servomotor mechanic said. Another shop said they had a similar situation just takes time to figure it out

[@matthewmiller8065]

My n20 says no movement detected could this be the sensor or would Ot be the motor

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello Matt, On your N20 the motor and the sensor are the same component. This could be an issue with the power supply, jamming of the eccentric shaft, or a failed motor.

[@AudioAwakening411]

I have the same code after completing the valvetronic motor replacement. The gear seemed to turn well by hand. There was light scoring on the eccentric shaft gear. I’m using the top don scan tool to try to relearn the position. It fails every time due to voltage and is in emergency mode. The battery is fully charged. When you try to start the car it cranks and that’s it. When you shut it off and remove the key you can hear the valvetronic motor move. What would be your next step at diagnosing this issue?

[@aishx1740]

Does anyone have part numbers or names for the 2 metal gaskets that need replacing at the same time?? Thanks

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Which gaskets? The ones for the buckets?

[@aishx1740]

@@AskTheCarExperts the ones where you said these a one time use, sorry if I sound dumb af

[@aishx1740]

@@AskTheCarExperts8:15 mins

[@kingpete3160]

Do you twist the vv eccentric back in I have a 2008 bmw 550i

[@AskTheCarExperts]

For your VVT motor there should be an Allen at the top end that you can use to thread in the VVT to the eccentric shaft.

[@kingpete3160]

@@AskTheCarExperts ok só you just screw it back

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@kingpete3160 Yes, you can use some light pressure to help mesh the worm gear and use the Allen to walk it in. Then tighten it at each bolt a bit to walk it in. After cycle the key on for a minute to relearn it. Use caution if you touched any harness grounds as if not installed correctly you can cause module failures.

[@kingpete3160]

@@AskTheCarExperts wha u mean by that

[@kingpete3160]

@@AskTheCarExperts I put it back on myself my uncle took it off Im missing one bolt so I tightened down 3 bolts and I tried to turn it over to see what it would’ve do but it didn’t nothing but click it was clicking before we took it out thou it want fire I haven’t check the starter because my uncle thought that was the starter I told him no that’s not the starter

[@thomaskong5]

my valvetronic motor is "unable to properly set a minimum and maximum value to operate properly and is throwing codes during only harder driving". My mechanic is recommending replacing the eccentric shaft in order "to ensure a complete fix". Is it really necessary to replace the eccentric shaft?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hi Thomas, It is definately smart to get a second opinion. Your mechanic is 100% correct. This code sets with wear between the valvetronic motor and the eccentric shaft. Both parts are needed to fix this failure. I have seen techs try to just do the motor and most have to take it apart again as the new motor and old shaft does not mesh correctly. Also the higher amperage can sometimes cause the engine computer to get over loaded and fail the internal final stages. I hope this help!

[@DouglasB65]

Hi..I have 2014 640i xdrive and just got the P10E2 code, took it to BMW and they said it is is Valvetronic Servomotor failure and quoted $2300 to fix and if they have to change the injectors the cost jumps to $4400. Don't understand if they damage the injectors while changing out the servomotor I would have to pay that. Any thoughts?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hi Douglas, The injectos have a removal torque spec. If they exceed that because they are stuck it damages the injector. I had a tech exceed the torque and not quote them and we needed up replacing each one because they started causing misfires. Better to replace the stressed ones with everything removed than to have to pay to take it apart again. Sometimes none need replacement.

[@DouglasB65]

@@AskTheCarExperts I appreciate the reply. Do the injectors need to be removed to change out the servomotor?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@DouglasB65 Can you post the last seven of the VIN and I can check for you.

[@DouglasB65]

@@AskTheCarExperts D452732....2014 BMW 640i Gran Coupe XDrive...49k miles

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@DouglasB65 Yes the motor is under the valve cover and the center buckets need to come off on the N55 so the injectors need to be removed.

[@tylertran93nsx]

How much would a BMW dealer charge for that replacement? I have a code P10E2 code with the check engine light on… is that a bad valvetronic?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello Tyler, I would call you local BMW dealer to find the price. Labor rates vary greatly by state and dealer. I would call a few and get a general price range.

[@jeremyhbr5890]

Hello, i have changed thé motor on the my 335i f30 2014 but i can’t make thé apprentice to the new motor Fault code 134F04

[@AskTheCarExperts]

In some cases you need a new eccentric shaft and motor to fix a binding component.

[@Mr2231314]

How much is just do it yourself job? I am the time to get it done.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello, This is a bit more difficult of a repair but it can be done in about 5 hours.

[@zzayyad1]

Unrelated but hopefully the comment helps your video! I watched a video you made several years ago about a problem in my current E46 trunk: (kzbin.info/www/bejne/mp-Wh5iiZZKohqs). I really would appreciate any help as the handle of the trunk has broken twice and the lights taking a beating from whenever anyone else has to use my car trunk! You said this may be resolved by "installing two thin plates under the lower catch that eliminates the upper latch from rubbing on the stricker". I just want to understand what exactly you mean by this! Currently subscribed and liking actively lol. Please help

[@AskTheCarExperts]

HI Zaid, I would be happy to try and help. Can you contact me via my website at www.askthecarexperts.com and use the contact me tab. Then we can talk via email. I don't always get notifications from youtube. Can you go over in detail the issue with the trunk and provide the last seven digits of the VIN number. Talk to you soon!

[@rubenaguilera4527]

U have to take the engine out

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello Ruben, No you do not need to take the engine out. I just happen to have one out to make the video with :)