[simexous]

I have an auto 2005 330i (EU model) at 130KKms. Started getting codes 2A82 and 2A87 a few months ago accompanied with these symptoms. Some of these symptoms have been there for a while but they just became worse after the codes started showing:

- rough idle, especially after I got the Valve Cover Gasket replaced.
- Engine feels "empty" and noisy after pre-heating. It takes a while for it to get to a half-decent performance.
- Very inconsistent and sluggish performance where car hesitates to pick up speed after coming to a stop then accelerating. I find myself using DS mode quite often to give it a boost. Problem is exacerbated w/ AC. This was already happening 20-30% of the time before the codes, but now seems to happen most of the time.
- Engine pinging/misfiring 70-80% of the time when starting engine after AC was on.
- Sometimes (might be a coincidence) when car is parked on a street which has slanted sides, I get the ping/misfire after I start the engine :/
- Car gets super hot in the cabin when the sluggishness happens. Cooling issue? no related codes are thrown though. I replaced the radiator around 110K.
- Low mpg ~ 13 (US) mpg in the city 26 on highway.
- Used Chevron Techron to clean up the fuel system.. made the problem way worse.. Engine started feeling even emptier and more sluggish the first few days.

I am quite surprised at how sluggish the engine has become given it's a 3L. Sometimes, it feels like I am driving a 4 cylinder.

I haven't taken the car to the dealership yet after I started getting the codes because I heard they might just starting replacing stuff (vanos and other related parts)..

Do these issues sound familiar/related? Any suggestions on what to do? Do I get the solenoids replaced/cleaned? Replace the coils even though they don't throw any codes?

Where I am there aren't very many qualified BMW mechanics, so I am trying to do my homework before taking it anywhere.

Thanks so much!

[simexous]

Good stuff. Thanks!

[roundle]

Honestly, sounds like plugs.

Given your car's age, I would replace the following all at once:

*6 plugs
*6 ignition coils

While you are in there, pop-out the VANOS solenoids and clean them thoroughly with brake cleaner. Given your car's age, you may want to replace the VANOS solenoid rubber seals (they get quite hard and tend to leak after a while).

I did this same exact job about a month ago. I was a little nervous about doing it but it turned out to be REALLY easy and took just over an hour (only simple hand tools required). The most time consuming part was ensuring that I was buying the correct part-numbers. However, once I confirmed part numbers (via http://www.realoem.com/), I was able to find everything cheap and easily on amazon.de.

Take pics of your plugs so we can see a before and after post.

*My related post: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1227723

[fravel]

It's your VANOS solenoids; you can try cleaning them, but if you pull them out and they look discolored (that golden color that you get from overheated metal) replace both.

[ZeroSum]

Sounds like plugs. Just had mine done for a similiar issue.

[matteblue3er]

It's a vanos issue. Vanos is responsible for camshaft timing. If your timing is off, you will have poor performance and misfires. The valves will not open/close at the correct time to allow proper operation.

[Three_thirty_I]

Originally Posted by fravel

It's your VANOS solenoids; you can try cleaning them, but if you pull them out and they look discolored (that golden color that you get from overheated metal) replace both.

As in, they got too hot, or from oil sludge?

Like these which are from my car, or so you mean more on the actual forward part when the action takes place? BTW, no error codes, so these were just out for a general clean, again.

[fravel]

Originally Posted by Three_thirty_I

As in, they got too hot, or from oil sludge?

Like these which are from my car, or so you mean more on the actual forward part when the action takes place? BTW, no error codes, so these were just out for a general clean, again.

As in they got too hot, ie from friction. 2A87 relates to a mechanical jam in one of the solenoids, which makes sense.

In my case the whole forward part of one of my solenoids was no longer silver, but gold. It was pretty easy to tell by looking at it that it had been "cooked" so-to-speak. Yours look ok to me.

[simexous]

Wow, all great answers. Thanks so much! I will have my mechanic replace the coils, plugs and the solenoids all at once. I have been advised to change the coils for a while, so might as well do it now. Will let you know how that turns out and maybe some pics for future reference.

[Three_thirty_I]

Thanks guys, was just checking. Not sure what that discolouration is from on the thicker part, maybe just some baked on oil from no oil flow in that area, not sure what else.

[simexous]

Planning on getting used OEM solenoids (vs. new after market ones) which look like this (http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/UT8AAO...gR/s-l1600.jpg). Buyer says they're in good working condition and come w/ a warranty. Do you think it's a good idea to buy them used or should I buy news ones.

If new ones, which brands should I be looking for?

Thanks so much!

[fravel]

Those look ok, assuming you aren't paying "new" prices for them.

Are there any aftermarket brands for these? I recall that I got OEM because that was my only option.

[Taskmaster]

There are new ones for like 60?