[Bugo]

So I have been having a ratting noise coming from my engine and around 3-4k rpm it seems to be like a chain rattle. I have switch my vanos solenoids and replaced them and every like 100 miles I get the code P0015: Exhaust “B” Camshaft Position Timing – Over – Retarded (Bank 1). The car does not run rights it shifts very late. I would like a second opinion do you think it is a timing chain or not? The car is a 2007 BMW 328xi N51 with 128k miles on it.

Here are the videos of the noise:
https://youtube.com/shorts/qZHZI1bfNS4?feature=share

[lookalikehuuh]

Maybe im crazy, but isn't there some issue with vanos bolts on N51 engines? Or was that N52 engines.... so much stuff going on nowadays I can't recall. But maybe worth researching a bit for you?

[tturedraider]

I doubt it’s the timing chain. That would be an exceedingly rare failure on an N51/52 motor.

[Bugo]

Originally Posted by tturedraider

I doubt it’s the timing chain. That would be an exceedingly rare failure on an N51/52 motor.

All the signs are there that the timing chain has failed. The engine performance is terrible and the p0015 code comes after I have changed the first steps. The cam sensor and vvt.

[NZE90]

Have you done any proper diagnosis like testing wiring, testing for power and earth at the sensors, testing for shorts to ground etc, or just thrown parts at it? When you say changed the first steps, what does that mean? Replaced parts? What exactly have you replaced?

I highly doubt it is the timing chain. It's extremely rare for them to fail in these engines

[ctuna]

If you had an accessory belt that failed and got sucked in through the
front main oil seal that would cause a timing chain fail and a everything else
fail . The 6 cylinder engines are not noted for timing chain fails the 4cylinders are.

broken belt
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho....php?t=1231881
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...3&postcount=23
https://www.oxwerkzperformance.com/
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1477111
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1305990

[Bugo]

Originally Posted by NZE90

Have you done any proper diagnosis like testing wiring, testing for power and earth at the sensors, testing for shorts to ground etc, or just thrown parts at it? When you say changed the first steps, what does that mean? Replaced parts? What exactly have you replaced?

I highly doubt it is the timing chain. It's extremely rare for them to fail in these engines

I have checked the power and grounds to the sensor and I have installed original BMW sensors. The Vanos Solenoid and the Camshaft Sensor for the exhaust side. I even tried switching the sensor but the same code came up.

[Bugo]

Originally Posted by ctuna

If you had an accessory belt that failed and got sucked in through the
front main oil seal that would cause a timing chain fail and a everything else
fail . The 6 cylinder engines are not noted for timing chain fails the 4cylinders are.

broken belt
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho....php?t=1231881
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...3&postcount=23
https://www.oxwerkzperformance.com/
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1477111
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1305990

The belt has never failed there are not leaks in the car

[NZE90]

Originally Posted by Bugo

I have checked the power and grounds to the sensor and I have installed original BMW sensors. The Vanos Solenoid and the Camshaft Sensor for the exhaust side. I even tried switching the sensor but the same code came up.

Ok, well that still doesn't mean the timing chain is a problem. The code that you are getting translates to the BMW 2a87 code.

Have you checked the VANOS filters/check valves? (Not solenoids)
Have you checked to see if the oil filter cage is present inside the oil filter cap?

Read this tsb below. Found it on this site. Hope it helps. Good luck.

[Bugo]

Originally Posted by NZE90

Ok, well that still doesn't mean the timing chain is a problem. The code that you are getting translates to the BMW 2a87 code.

Have you checked the VANOS filters/check valves? (Not solenoids)
Have you checked to see if the oil filter cage is present inside the oil filter cap?

Read this tsb below. Found it on this site. Hope it helps. Good luck.

So what is that rattling noise. Car has a fresh oil change and oil filter changed. I already checked the oil filter cage. The car idles fine so it is not a check valve issue.

[NZE90]

The check valves DON'T effect idle at all. If they are blocked or restricted they will restict oil flow/pressure to the VANOS adjusters on the camshafts, which then doesn't allow them to adjust, resulting in fault codes.

The rattle could be the DISA flaps rattling in the manifold. Have you checked those? They are known to fall apart.

[Groganrocket]

Wastegate rattle?

[Bugo]

Originally Posted by Groganrocket

Wastegate rattle?

lol it is not a twin turbo

[Bugo]

Originally Posted by NZE90

The check valves DON'T effect idle at all. If they are blocked or restricted they will restict oil flow/pressure to the VANOS adjusters on the camshafts, which then doesn't allow them to adjust, resulting in fault codes.

The rattle could be the DISA flaps rattling in the manifold. Have you checked those? They are known to fall apart.

Which disa is more likely to break the one under the manifold or the one on top?

[NZE90]

Idk. Remove both and visually see if the flap is there and if it has play. You can remove the alternator to access the small inner one. There are quite a few threads on here with failed DISAS. Maybe do a search and see which ones fail the most.

[Bugo]

Originally Posted by NZE90

Idk. Remove both and visually see if the flap is there and if it has play. You can remove the alternator to access the small inner one. There are quite a few threads on here with failed DISAS. Maybe do a search and see which ones fail the most.

Is it true that the disa will cause misfiring if it breaks? I have no engine light for disa and the car does not misfire.

[NZE90]

Originally Posted by Bugo

Is it true that the disa will cause misfiring if it breaks? I have no engine light for disa and the car does not misfire.

No it is not true. Failed disas hardly ever throw fault codes. Unless the flap has broken into small pieces and is restricting or holding a valve open it will NOT cause a misfire.

[Bugo]

Originally Posted by NZE90

No it is not true. Failed disas hardly ever throw fault codes. Unless the flap has broken into small pieces and is restricting or holding a valve open it will NOT cause a misfire.

Do you think the disa would cause a timing chain code cuz I read somewhere someone replace his disa and the issue was fixed.

[Bugo]

Well I have drive 300 miles after resetting this code and the engine light has not come back yet. Could it be fixed? I did not do anything

[whyzee125]

Originally Posted by Bugo

Well I have drive 300 miles after resetting this code and the engine light has not come back yet. Could it be fixed? I did not do anything

IMO issues don't fix themselves. I've been tempted to get excited many times after an issue seemed to clear up but it always comes back. Unfortunately I don't know what could be causing your issue but the car definitely doesn't sound right even near idle. It sounds worse inside than outside to me.

[Bugo]

Originally Posted by whyzee125

IMO issues don't fix themselves. I've been tempted to get excited many times after an issue seemed to clear up but it always comes back. Unfortunately I don't know what could be causing your issue but the car definitely doesn't sound right even near idle. It sounds worse inside than outside to me.

That sound is the DISA valve I need to replace it

[Bugo]

The car is making rattling noises and the car is barely shifting on time. I think I will go ahead to change the timing chain. The Dtc returned p0015