Update: It’s cured! (It’s spreading)

"CompactLuxuryFan" (compactluxury) 03/15/2019 at 12:41 • Filed to: Unnecessary CELs with E90M3

4

15

Update: this morning I decided to drive to the gym and work on the off chance that my mechanic (which is like a block from my office) could see the car today. Well, I’m happy to report your thoughts and prayers worked :P The light has gone away on its own! For now...

I think I have an idea of what happened. The car had already gotten the engine power reduced malfunction like 6 months ago and it returned some sort of VANOS code. They checked for crimped vacuum hoses but didn’t find any. I’m guessing the same error state ocurred but slightly worse so it threw more of a fit. So this is a repair that’s definitely coming up but I think it’s not too bad (should be under $500 all in I think, even with SF’s $190/hour rate ). For now, I’ll let it soldier on.

Original post:

N ot much else to add... I was popping over to a friend’s when I got a “soft” CEL (half engine sign, power reduced, etc.). I turned it off and back on and it went away, but a block later I got the same, along with the “SERVICE ENGINE SOON” illuminated.

Car drives just fine, I can’t detect any symptoms (drove softly after so who knows). Keep me in your prayers I guess.

NKato > CompactLuxuryFan 03/15/2019 at 01:09

1

 check oil and trans fluid levels, coolant too, if nothing looks out of place, it might be a component of the emissions system crapping out. 

MrDakka > CompactLuxuryFan 03/15/2019 at 01:13

0

The BMW equivalent of tapping the dial for good news is burning money

pip bip - choose Corrour > CompactLuxuryFan 03/15/2019 at 01:53

0

Buy a new car 

Dogsatemypants > CompactLuxuryFan 03/15/2019 at 02:44

0

Thats bmw trouble code for lease milage up start breaking things.

Montalvo > CompactLuxuryFan 03/15/2019 at 07:08

1

YOU STAY AWAY!!! QUARANTINE! QUARANTINE!

I want to look at new Camaros tomorrow and don't need this lol.

CompactLuxuryFan > Dogsatemypants 03/15/2019 at 12:34

0

This one must’ve had that phase a loong time ago. 

Brickman > CompactLuxuryFan 03/15/2019 at 12:56

0

Did you buy my sisters BMW? Had the exact same stuff. I worked on it, replaces the eccentric cam sensor, same VANOS crap, then the starter died and sold it.

Its a great car, but when something doesn’t work, it all goes to hell

jimz > CompactLuxuryFan 03/15/2019 at 13:04

0

I still get an intermittent catalyst efficiency CEL every couple of weeks or so on my Ranger.

which is something I didn’t know was possible.  

diplodicus forgot his password > CompactLuxuryFan 03/15/2019 at 13:05

0

Why would they check vacuum hoses for a vanos code? Vanos is controlled by oil flow which is manipulated by solenoids.

Matt Nichelson > CompactLuxuryFan 03/15/2019 at 13:20

0

It was just giving you it’s friendly reminder that it is still a BMW and it can  and will fuck your day up at a moment’s notice.

CompactLuxuryFan > diplodicus forgot his password 03/15/2019 at 14:23

0

I couldn’t tell ya, maybe they were actually oil hoses but I don’t think so. I’ll find the paperwork and get back to you. The code is for “exhaust VANOS something or other on bank 1" haha Good thing I have a little folder with all these things.

diplodicus forgot his password > CompactLuxuryFan 03/15/2019 at 14:45

0

The double vanos systems on the 6 cylinders do have oil hoses running to the solenoids. http://www.beisansystems.com/procedures/vanos_procedure.htm  slightly older than yours. Your seals are probably worn out.

CompactLuxuryFan > diplodicus forgot his password 03/16/2019 at 16:02

0

So back in November they pulled two codes: 2a87 exhaust VANOS mechanism and 3100 boost pressure control deactivation.

Checking the vacuum hoses was for 3100 as part of technical bulletin SI B12 28 07.

My insurance dongle is now saying it’s code P0015 “B c amshaft position - timing over-retarded bank 1”. So pretty much an exhaust VANOS fault again. Thanks for the tip about the seals! I’m looking into it now. 

diplodicus forgot his password > CompactLuxuryFan 03/16/2019 at 16:38

0

Coul d be your cam position sensor going bad too. But as the seals wear out the vanos just won't work as well do to oil pressure losses.

CompactLuxuryFan > diplodicus forgot his password 03/16/2019 at 16:42

0

After some quick research I’m thinking the first step to take is to clean out the exhaust VANOS solenoid.