Symptoms & Diagnosis of a Failing VANOS Solenoid!

[@friguy4444]

Thank you for your help in explaining the symptoms of this trouble. Well done video! A couple of things to note. The S54 doesn't use those solenoids. As well BMW doesn't Use "P" codes. Generic readers use them and they are fine except when we're using the actual BMW reader we won't know what you're codes mean as we don't get them.

[@8020Media]

F - True. Thanks for the feedback and sharing this insight!

[@sleepydragonzarinthal3533]

but if you are using a BMW specific scanner, wouldn't it define the codes for you anyway?

[@MingeShagger]

I have an 08 550i with n62 engine, i believe i have the same problem. On my car, it only happens if the car has been parked overnight with temp dropping below 40F, it will misfire until the engine warms up and then no issues after that. I've changed coils and spark plugs and didn't fix the issue. This morning, i disconnected the vanos before starting up and sue enough no misfire and no rough idle. I will clean them first before replacing, great video, Thanks.

[@8020Media]

M - Thanks for the feedback! Hope it helps.

[@TheNascar991]

THIS MAN IS 100% SPOT ON..!!

[@8020Media]

N - Thanks for the feedback! We appreciate the support.

[@Bandwidth24]

The number one cause of rough idle and vanos codes in BMW is the vanos cage missing from the oil filter because it was thrown away with the old oil filter, the second is low oil and clogged vanos. If you find black fiberous stuff on one of them, your car sucked a serpentine belt at one point and the cams are probably damaged as well or the cam vanos stuck.

[@8020Media]

B - Thanks for sharing this insight!

[@findlaywilliams1867]

thanks for this. my n63tu went in for a misfire. need to check one of three things, oil in the solenoids, solenoids and the actuators

[@8020Media]

F - Thanks for the feedback, we hope it was helpful. Keep us updated!

[@TheNascar991]

I absolutely agree..but bad Vanos will also cause codes for different sensors acting up..ie throttle range..studdering...pressure sensor and so on..also causing you to run in limp mode.

[@8020Media]

N - This is true. Thanks for sharing.

[@igorcvetkovic2112]

i had a N54 exhaust camshaft sensor / vanos error code. did a liquimoly oil additive cleaner and oil change, also cleansed the two non-return valve metal filters under the right wheel well. seems to have solved the problem. got new vanos from FCPeuro, but have not installed them yet, as i have not had any further issues. i do my oil changes every 10k km.

[@8020Media]

I - Thanks for taking the time to share your experience!

[@4rturh]

o correto para troca de oleo não é por km rodado e sim por horas de motor ligado,

[@MrGhastlyMonkey]

Hey man thanks so much for this video , have a e92 n54 , car just randomly threw up 2A82 , 3100 boost deactivation today , had alittle bit of white smoke for afew seconds from both exhaust , car instantly went into limp mode

[@8020Media]

M - Sounds like a Vanos issue. Keep us updated.

[@krabes8613]

Just happened to me did replacing them fix it?

[@MrGhastlyMonkey]

@@krabes8613 yeah it was my intake side cam ledge bearings

[@MrGhastlyMonkey]

@@8020Media yeap! Used ISTA+ to diagnose , was a intake side cam ledge bearing failure , it wore out just alil which cause vanos not to be able to hold pressure Reason why i kinda knew it was the bearings was because code didnt come up until it changed gears which led me to believe pressure was not sufficient to support the vanos

[@8020Media]

M - Thanks for coming back and updating. This will certainly help future viewers!

[@the_homie_me]

Thank you, imma clean mine, the buy some maybe a week or 2 later, just need to know what the actual problem off

[@8020Media]

T - Thanks for the feedback. Keep us updated here!

[@iceberg220]

Thank you for the awesome video! I have a 2009 328i E92 with N52 engine; it runs really well, for 201k miles but, it now, kind of vibrates on idling and I got a 2A87 - "DME: Exhaust VANOS mechanism" code; thanks for the valuable info; I'm sure I need to replace the solenoids

[@8020Media]

Yepp likely the solenoids giving you trouble! bmwtuning.co/product/bmw-vanos-solenoid-n52-n54/

[@moabimmale2199]

Hey mate..did replacing solenoids solve the issue?

[@adasterdezaster2865]

Good video for the most part. I 100% disagree about not using the BMW solenoid. I own 11 BMW’s right now from E46’s to E70’s. I’ve replaced about a dozen of the vanos solenoids and after the first four Pierburg failed within 6k miles I started only using BMW. Yes you can save about 50% using Pierburg but to state they’re better quality than BMW is a false statement

[@8020Media]

A - Thanks for the feedback. Our statements are based on our experience. Everyone is held to their own opinions.

[@Aron.05.e60]

I have m54 with same sympthoms. Got the 28b6 code

[@8020Media]

G - Keep us updated! We hope this video helps.

[@voodoocars2134]

I’ve had one fail on my M62tu. No codes. The symptoms for me were a sharp deceleration when switching off the cruise control. Odd.

[@8020Media]

V - Thanks for sharing your first hand experience!

[@rileymobley76]

Explained everything very thoroughly. Thanks for the insight and your time for making this video.

[@8020Media]

R - Thanks for the feedback! We hope it was helpful.

[@gideonjura1597]

Thanks for this im going to check mine now! Im not showing a code for the vanos though. However after I tuned it with a mhd ost whenever i wide open throttle and it hits 4k rpms it misfires on cylinders 1 and 6 has rough idle at start up too then smooths out and as long as i drive it normally and dont get on the throttle hard or do any pulls it doesn't misfire.

[@8020Media]

G - Check your ignition components as well! Keep us updated.

[@MichaelsPaintingChannel]

Those solenoids.. will they bring always errors?

[@8020Media]

M - Not always!

[@NotMoby24]

Thanks for the video! To diagnose a bad solenoid, is it requiered to have all or most of the symptoms? After changing, injectors, coils, spark plugs and run a desalphation of the NOx catalytic converter, I only have rough idle with no code at all.

[@8020Media]

N - Definitely not required! Sounds like you're on the right track.

[@Wizard-jo8zg]

could a failed vanos solenoid cause the engine to stall? i replaced both cam position sensors in my 99 328i but no have no power in low rpms and a stalling issue.

[@8020Media]

Wizard - Certainly could!

[@hmendoza1998]

Thanks that was solid information about what brands and cost.!

[@8020Media]

H - Thanks for the feedback. Glad we could help!

[@benjaminhollar7462]

Can you have this issue on n55 without a code popping up?

[@8020Media]

B - This is definitely possible, but rare.

[@EyeAmWhoEyeAm]

Thankyou for your knowledge and help 🙏💜☮️

[@8020Media]

Eye - Thanks for the feedback! We hope it helps.

[@8020Media]

Eye - Thanks for the feedback! We hope it helps.

[@svenkalina2567]

hey i have a n53b30 and rough idle only when its cold and only when it drops to idle at around 650 rpm then it shakes a lot and throws yellow check engine. when i hold it at 1000 no problem and when warm its running perfect. I think its the injectors what do you think?

[@8020Media]

S - Are you getting any engine codes? That would be the best place to start.

[@svenkalina2567]

@@8020Media misfire cylinder 4 and 5 and nox sensor heating

[@Ricys]

Have those EXACT issues, but my 330i throws vaccum leak codes. Couldn't visibly find a vaccum leak not sure what to do high miles

[@8020Media]

R - Have you taken it to a shop? What drivability issues are you seeing?

[@Ricys]

@@8020Media basically you start driving even with your foot to the floor and its as if it has 50 horsepower. the revs go up so slow that the ecu takes a second or two to gear down and then i get a high rev jump of speed, that makes daily driving it uncomfortable as i struggle to merge smoothly every single time. also some cold startups struggle and need me to gas it up to keep it starting, sometimes not always. rarely it also has a rough idle, or should i say a jumpy one. i havent felt any misfiring nor do i think it went into limp mode as far as i know but it's too slow and running lean as it is (bad gas mileage). also, manouvering on parking lots going from drive to reverse to drive or whanot has a chance of it stalling. i took it to the dealership for an oil change and coolant to be done, they didnt find the exact leak nor gave me an estimate or told me what to fix kind of useless to get an inspection there. same driving with new oil. if it's not the solenoids and it's some sort of air leak causing this as well as it running lean i am not sure at all where to start looking. else it could be a weakening fuel pump as it is a high milage car with no record of it having been changed

[@8020Media]

R - Based on the drivability issues... it could be multiple things. Might be worth taking it to an independent shop to diagnose it.

[@Ricys]

@@8020Media thank you for your reply

[@lucasc2063]

Can the vanos system on n52 engine cause transmission issues such as rough shifting?

[@8020Media]

L - Definitely can!

[@terrenceyap5937]

My n52 which clocked 220k km in milleage has weak power deliver, had catalyzer flush by pro shop and cylinder head clearance done a month ago, no fault code.... Scratching my scalp now... Any advice ?

[@8020Media]

T - We have a video about losing power that we hope can be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6HNin-Gf8yjp5o

[@chadriddle3517]

Have you checked disa flaps

[@steel_stainless]

Is there a difference between the n54 and n55 solenoids? Apparently the n55 is an updated version but i wonder if they're interchangeable..

[@8020Media]

They are different (and more expensive for n55) but I've never tried switching them out. Haven't heard of anyone that has but all of the aftermarket manufacturers too have different part #'s for N54 and N55 so that's a pretty good indication that there is something different enough

[@adasterdezaster2865]

@@8020Media They are not interchangable

[@mnewgin]

Thanks for this informative video. I have an E87 118i (2008). It’s been stalling lately while driving, and recently stalls after I start the car. No codes are coming up. I’ve cleaning MAF, plugs, solenoids (2x) and the camshaft sensor.It’s stalling less now. I used a 9V battery to test the solenoids and it moves freely - do you think the solenoids have gone bad?

[@8020Media]

M - It's certainly possible. We have a video for stalling that may be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZPUcnyYjreXpMU

[@ahmadalghunaim2467]

thank you for the brief explanation much love from State of Kuwait

[@8020Media]

A - Thanks for the feedback! We hope it helped.

[@richardbraida9176]

excellent explanation!

[@8020Media]

R - Thanks for the feedback!

[@lc7123]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO. I have a question my car has p0015 code. I was looking for symptoms of this vanos sensor and none of the videos mentioned a horrible squeaking noise my car makes. At the same time the noise starts the car loses power and it runs off. will changing this sensor help??

[@8020Media]

Have you noticed any trends with when the noise starts? Is it completely random or does it start after you do something? Like give it gas, turn the AC on, etc.

[@Plumbtired]

Will that bad exhaust Vanoss solenoid, cause spark knock?

[@8020Media]

P - It could!

[@Plumbtired]

@@8020Media Thank you.

[@gregorydixon6697]

Hey man gfeat video. My 535xi is in complete limp mode, i press fhe gas when running and in drive absolutely nothing happens. Will this fix the problem??

[@8020Media]

G - It could. Do you have any engines codes?

[@ronpersaud529]

Also, the N53 engines which is an N54 without turbo.

[@8020Media]

R - What about it?

[@theoutsider6191]

If oil quality is likely to impact the solenoids getting gunked up, would doing more frequent oil and filter changes help mittigate this problem? BMW have moved to 2 year service intervals for oil and filter now, certainly in the UK and Europe. Although i have never gone over 12 months, and being as i now own a mid 2019 M240i i am considering no more than 6k miles or 12 months whichever is first.

[@8020Media]

T - Absolutely, we always recommend performing more than normal oil changes..

[@theoutsider6191]

@@8020Media Yeah i thought you may say that. When i was looking at cars i saw a JCW mini that had been 3 years since it's last oil service... didn't buy that one, and decided to go M240i in the end.... Same basic engine block though and components are similar... people sometimes really don't look after very nice cars they own. For the sake of a couple of hundred bucks. Always surprises me.

[@8020Media]

T - So true.. it's quite unfortunate.

[@geoffreuter4033]

I'm looking to buy a 2004 525i with an N52 engine which they reckon smokes a bit, could this be a symptom of a VANOS system problem too? TIA

[@8020Media]

G - It's possible. But could be a wide array of other things.

[@bigrow1872]

How many vanos are on a bmw 2013 750li

[@vagooro4641]

4

[@8020Media]

4

[@8020Media]

V - Thanks for helping him here.

[@adasterdezaster2865]

2 exhaust 2 intake

[@MrWaheedulHaque]

BMW 130E20 CODE, P1338, Intake Camshaft Angle Deviation with respect to crankshaft outside tolerance, what would you suggest for this, my timing chain and everythign was done only 30k miles ago, im confused

[@ricardomejia5804]

Lmk if u fix it, I have the same problem 😐

[@MrWaheedulHaque]

@@ricardomejia5804 what have your mechanics said?

[@ryno7110]

Will these being bad make my acceleration weak at start?

[@8020Media]

R - Certainly can!

[@worksmartnothard163]

Hello , I have a 28a3 code intake Vanos , I have checked my oil filter housing it’s not cracked. I have 2006 n62 , on start up I have a 2 second oil light then it doesn’t come back. Do you think it may be the 6 non return check valves or just a solenoid.

[@8020Media]

W - We would guess it's the solenoid.

[@andreyzozulya1181]

Thanks for video 📹 I have question I saw on my vanos solenoid metal hair cut ,what it can be?

[@8020Media]

A - Thanks for the feedback! Not too sure what this means though.

[@andreyzozulya1181]

​@8020Media thank you for answer!I mean that I saw on my vanos solenoid metal shavings

[@8020Media]

A - There is potential that this could be very bad.. metal shavings in oil is not the greatest sign. Are you having any drivability issues?

[@pinkyme679]

I just rebuild my B48 engine, after driving for about 90km, a fault code P0012. Changed Vanos actuators, camshaft sensor, pistons, oil pump, etc. but i did not changed the Vanos solenoid, could this be faulty, thats why the P0012 is coming on?

[@8020Media]

P - It's very possible!

[@punniemi]

Hi. my N52 with 200k kms is weak, high consuptions and jerking at low rotation (form 800 to 1,5k rpm). But no alarm in BC and by diagnosis (no codes you showed), how come?

[@8020Media]

Punnie - Do you have any codes at all? Have you scanned for them?

[@punniemi]

@@8020Media i scanned by DeepOBD. I have to try with ISTA?

[@punniemi]

I think my PCV has some problem because when I open the oil cap I hear a strong suction of air@@8020Media

[@punniemi]

Due to high blow-by the oil vapors get dirty the NOX sensor and get lean carburetion. The engine is at end of life @@8020Media

[@94tontonche]

Hello, I have a 325i 2010 N53 slows down unstable and shakes when cold, it lasts 1 minute and afterward the car runs very well. When she does that I accelerate slightly and that prevents the shaking and slows it down unstable, do you have any idea, said the vanos? No smoke, no smell of gasoline. New spark plug and coil. I'm French, sorry for the translation.

[@Holdeenio]

I have the exactly same issue on my 2010 N53. I have replaced all 6 injectors, spark plugs, coil packs and PCV, still getting the intermittent lumpy idle.

[@94tontonche]

@@Holdeenio Vanos and filter for vanos ? Admission d'air and disa ? How much did you pay for the injectors, did you do the adaptation mode? Before changing your injectors, the exhaust smelled of gasoline, was there smoke?

[@8020Media]

Definitely change out the vanos solenoids before jumping into anything crazy expensive like fuel injectors. Sounds like it could definitely be the vanos causing those problems.

[@94tontonche]

@@8020Media Thank you very much, yes from the least expensive to the most expensive, continue the videos, I don't know if you talked about the vanos filters, a video on them would be good.

[@8020Media]

94 - Thanks for the feedback! We will add it to the list.

[@przemekkrawczynski8477]

I have 2A7C issue code in my N51. Car has a cold start problem- chocke(not always). Is it not a solenoid issue?

[@8020Media]

P - It is certainly possible. You can try cleaning the solenoid to see if it alleviates the problem.

[@Jordxn_504]

Hey man I have a 2008 135i and I’m having a cylinder 4 misfire. I went to get it diagnosed and they’re telling me to REMOVE AND REPLACE EXHAUST AND INTAKE VANOS ACTUATORS. Does this sound right? I thought if it would be just my spark plugs or cam shaft sensor but now they’re quoting me 2.6K. If you could respond with some insight or your thoughts I’d appreciate it

[@8020Media]

J - It could be your ignition components (spark plug/ignition coil) or the VANOS solenoid. What engine codes are you getting?

[@singhbrijinder]

2006 330i n52, idle is jumping little bit, sometimes shakes after start for bit, here is what is done 1. changed spark plugs and ignition coils 2. cleaned throttle body 3. cleaned check valves 4 just changed vanos solenoids as well. No Vaccum leaks car runs fine but idle issue not going away, what could be the issue?

[@8020Media]

Two questions: Do you have a CEL? How many miles?

[@singhbrijinder]

@@8020Media no CEL, 81k

[@Kxoxo-x]

Same thing’s happening to my 2007 120i. Does your car misfire when stopping then taking off?

[@8020Media]

Sounds like a rough idle. We have a video dedicated to this that we think will assist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJq8pKSIf6h_nqc Keep us updated.

[@MikeSmith-nu9wt]

Fuel pressure ? Koeo and when accelerated ? Maybe idle air control valve stuck , leaking intake gaskets ( same as vaccum leak ), throttle position sensor ..plugged egr ...just a couple more things to check​@@Kxoxo-x

[@paultatalovich8233]

Great video many thanks.

[@8020Media]

P - Thanks for the feedback! We hope it was helpful.

[@MohtasimAhmedSiddiqui]

waht does it mean by p1554 error bmw 5 series 2006 straight 6 engine n52

[@8020Media]

M - More than likely means the VANOS solenoid is sticking. Try to remove it and clean it.

[@ShahNawaz-dv3qq]

Would this also apply to the F36 B58?

[@8020Media]

S - It certainly can.

[@TheNascar991]

I've got the x5 4.4 50i..and my exhaust solenoid is bad..limp mode

[@8020Media]

N - Sorry to hear! We hope this video helps you.

[@BeardsandCars]

Can these cause long start ups hot or cold?

[@8020Media]

B - Very possible!

[@BeardsandCars]

@8020Media getting a cam shaft position sensor code. Changed it and did nothing so maybe vanos

[@8020Media]

B - Did you clear the code? How long has it been since you replaced the sensor?

[@BeardsandCars]

@8020Media yes and months. The code comes on if the car stumbles on take off etc amd goes off on its own then return ls again when it repeats the problem

[@8020Media]

B - We have some videos that may help with your research: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZPUcnyYjreXpMU

[@normanderson01]

I have a p30ff code that nobody can figure out. I've taken the car to 3 shops and they can't find any boost leak.

[@8020Media]

N - Maybe this thread will be helpful: www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1182425

[@damyangjonov6874]

What about a 28B8 code, would that relate?

[@8020Media]

D - Yes.

[@astro8760]

Hello i have a 06 bmw 330i and the rpms have been fluctuating after i replace my ccv system and when i ran it on mycarly my car was pulling throttle valve codes, throttle valve adaptation, vanos code and a cps code as well. I replaced the battery the throttle body and the maf sensor i just recently put in a new camshaft position sensor. I started the car and it was kinda still fluctuating up and down. Ive been trying to figure this out for a few months now i have a vanos solenoid code but i want to know would the solenoids be the reason of why the throttle codes are being pulled.

[@8020Media]

Astro - Definitely possible. Think the best thing to do would be to clean the VANOS solenoid to see if that alleviates anything. Keep us updated.

[@astro8760]

I will be im getting the solenoids tomorrow

[@astro8760]

But ima gonna clean the ones already in there today

[@8020Media]

Astro - Keep us updated. Hopefully this alleviates your issues.

[@adasterdezaster2865]

If the 06 is a M54 engine it doesn't have solenoids

[@jonnomarko7072]

gr8 info thnx ..... cheers.

[@8020Media]

J - Thanks for the feedback. We hope it helps!

[@stephanesilvaa]

Hey there! After replacing spark plugs, coils and injectors i came across this solenoit variation between target vs actual position and i was able to replace the two eletrical vanos actuators on my Mini Cooper S F56 B48 engine. I noticed some slight improvements but the variatons still persist, specially at constant light acceleration. Would you say that if i was able to remove the eletrical actuator i could also try and extract/replace the VANOS central valve aswell? If yes what would be the ttool?

[@8020Media]

S - Certainly could! What engine codes are you getting?

[@stephanesilvaa]

@@8020Media I get no error codes. Logging the data I see variations between the target VANOS vs actual with differences of up to 10º, mainly on the exhaust one. Like I said I already changed the two actuators but I’m a bit scared to remove the central valves themselves, I don’t know if it changes anything with the timing or something like that

[@8020Media]

S - What drivability issues are you getting?

[@stephanesilvaa]

@@8020Media jittering acceleration on constant light throttle application. After trying to replace Vanos actuators myself I just noticed my 2014 copper S has 2017 components so I’m thinking the car never went a full calibration process

[@8020Media]

S - Certainly possible! Keep us updated.

[@Darrick-u2c]

I cleaned mine’s to get me thru till my part came in from 1aauto

[@8020Media]

D- Great idea!

[@ShowMeWhatINeedToKnow]

What about GAITS or VAICO brand?

[@8020Media]

Vaico had a ton of quality issues - we used to sell a ton of them but ended up having some big quality control issues so wouldn't recommend them anymore. Gates is solid quality

[@ShowMeWhatINeedToKnow]

@@8020Media awesome, thanks!

[@RDLC-pilot]

I just watched a video where the guy spent $3 on brake cleaner to clean them and some compressed air and they were fine.

[@8020Media]

R - We specify cleaning them before replacing them. We always advise this.

[@vtechdohc]

Long start?

[@8020Media]

V - Possible symptom for sure.

[@stevenshi9012]

informative! thanks alotw

[@8020Media]

S - Thanks for the feedback! We hope it helped.

[@LeTigre22]

Seems like adding a cleaning agent to oil before changing to help remove sludge….would be wise just for the solenoids

[@8020Media]

M - Certainly could be!

[@mhasanuddin8278]

Does n43 have that too?

[@8020Media]

M - Yes.

[@chadriddle3517]

Go oem solenoid 2nd best febi

[@8020Media]

C - Thanks for the insight here.

[@TheNascar991]

Hey, also, I have to admit I used the cheap Chinese crap solenoids and now I'm changing them to Pierburg..yes it's throwing crazy codes..!! My fault..SO DON'T DO WHAT I DID..!!😆😆

[@8020Media]

N - Haha. Unfortunately, get what you pay for. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@svenkalina2567]

​@@8020Media misfire cyl 4 and 5 and nox sensor heating

[@ElHickey]

These are definitely a part you want to get OEM 😂 thanks test piggy

[@TheNascar991]

Don't foget N63

[@8020Media]

N - Thanks for sharing!

[@MJoshification]

And N53, we’re always left out :(

[@8020Media]

M - Sorry

[@Sb_b58]

Patrick Mahomes???

[@8020Media]

S - ?