[franekkopec]

Hi,

I have been experiencing persistent VANOS issues with my N54 engine for some time. Although the car generally drives well, shifting from 1st to 2nd gear occasionally triggers fault codes 2A82 (Inlet VANOS) and P0012 (Inlet Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Retarded).

The idle is mostly stable, though I occasionally experience 'idle wobble' where the RPMs drop by about 100 and returns to normal. To resolve this, I have already replaced the following:

• VANOS Solenoids
  
• Camshaft Position Sensor
  
• Oil and Filter
  
• Oil Filter Cap (Non-OEM)

Also when it comes to an Oil Filter Cap I changed it 500 miles later than the Oil and Filter.

Any help would be really appreciated.

[StradaRedlands]

Swap the solenoids and see if the code migrates to the exhaust side. Pretty good chance it's the solenoid. If it persists on inlet side, swap the sensors in the same way. If it still stays on the inlet side, I'm out of ideas.

[lookalikehuuh]

It says you replaced the VANOS solenoids, etc... where did you source the parts and what brands are they?

[lordnikon]

2A82 fault code may trigger if your oil filter basket is missing or broken.

[lordnikon]

In my experience, the car is picky with VANOS solenoids. I installed genuine ones and no more issues.

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by lookalikehuuh

It says you replaced the VANOS solenoids, etc... where did you source the parts and what brands are they?

I put on some used low mileage BMW ones from a wrecker.

[lookalikehuuh]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

I put on some used low mileage BMW ones from a wrecker.

Yeah I was going to recommend OP had purchased genine BMW ones, or at least used some known good used units... since it appears there are 0 other companies that can make good VANOS solenoids nowadays.

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by lookalikehuuh

Yeah I was going to recommend OP had purchased genine BMW ones, or at least used some known good used units... since it appears there are 0 other companies that can make good VANOS solenoids nowadays.

Yep, and even original BMW parts aren't holding up like the original. At least BMW does a good job keeping maintenance items for out of production cars in stock! But anecdotally, the quality of those is slipping as well.

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

I put on some used low mileage BMW ones from a wrecker.

Dude really??

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by GoRomeo

Dude really??

Yep. Got 'em from a car that had 42k on them (Jackie Robinson Day!). Got the solenoids, cam sensors, and check valves. Heck, I stripped that car clean:

Blower & Resistor
Fuel Injectors (6)
Windshield washer pump
Heated Sport Seats
3SIM with DISAs
Starter
Ground Strap
MAF Sensor
Crank Position Sensor
Fuel vapor valve
Fuel vaport tank/pump
N51 Radiator & Sensor
Radiator Fan
Upper radiator hose
Lower radiator hose
Heater hoses (U & L)
VANOS solenoids (2)
VANOS sensors (2)
VANOS Check Valves (2)

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

Yep. Got 'em from a car that had 42k on them (Jackie Robinson Day!). Got the solenoids, cam sensors, and check valves. Heck, I stripped that car clean:

Blower & Resistor
Fuel Injectors (6)
Windshield washer pump
Heated Sport Seats
3SIM with DISAs
Starter
Ground Strap
MAF Sensor
Crank Position Sensor
Fuel vapor valve
Fuel vaport tank/pump
N51 Radiator & Sensor
Radiator Fan
Upper radiator hose
Lower radiator hose
Heater hoses (U & L)
VANOS solenoids (2)
VANOS sensors (2)
VANOS Check Valves (2)

I wouldn’t get used solenoids for mine but I guess it can work out for you.
👍

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by GoRomeo

I wouldn’t get used solenoids for mine but I guess it can work out for you.
👍

Yep, they work like a charm! Like I mentioned above... I'd rather have used BMW ones than new OE ones at this point.