[rponti]

Can a Vanos be running at sub par condition without any codes or loss of power? I guess at 165k it wont hurt

[Jeffeypoo]

07 328xi at 44,500 miles (2 months ago) I had a slight hiccup, threw knock sensor code. Took to shop and both Vanos Solenoids were sub-par. Replaced both exterior solenoids and havent had issue yet. Plus better mpg

[Three_thirty_I]

Have you tried cleaning them and swapping their positions? Also, at that mileage, I would pull the Check Valves and inspect/clean. If you decide to replace the solenoids, then may as well replace those Check Valves too - they are quite cheap compared to the solenoids, and their job is quite important.

[rponti]

Just doing this now. Haven't had any real issue except for a CC-ID 24 twice in the last 4k, car goes into limp, brake light turns yellow and 4x4 light is on, turn car off then back on then all is good. Drives fine and after 5-10 miles everything goes off. Took it to BMW and scanned it and looks like possible Vanos issue. Will replace both, so the $1,000,000 question is to go OEM BMW parts or try Brennman or other aftermarket ones? Half the price is tempting but don't want to be left stranded with a sub par part.

[hassmaschine]

if you're getting 4x4 lights I don't think it has anything to do with VANOS.

Also, the solenoids rarely actually fail. They need cleaned once in a while but I wouldn't be paying BMW labor costs to do something that should cost about $10 in some cleaning fluid and an hour of your time. The solenoids on my parts motor had 258,000 miles on them and they still worked fine.

[rponti]

I was going to swap/clean them myself. Hmmmm, my buddy did the scan and Vanos code came up. Nothing came up with any other sensors relating to AWD or trans. Maybe I'll try and clean them instead then since otherwise the car seems to drive fine?

[frisbeeguy]

I'm assuming you're using ISTA-D and INPA.
If there are no codes in the history memory, then to diagnose do what others said plus disconnect the servomotor wires (there are 2) for the transfer case and drive around without it connected. If you have no issues, you found the issue (the t-case). Also make sure the tranny fluid was swapped recently along with tranny adaptations. Vanos issues always trigger fault codes. Drivetrain issues most of the time do not. edit: saw you have vanos: swap both solenoids with brand new ones if cleaning doesn't work. If the codes disappear after 2 weeks, you're good. Otherwise replace both check valves. If you still have codes for vanos (I assume intake/exhaust jamming), then there's an issue with the camshaft and you have to follow BMW TIS cylinder head checkup.

[rponti]

So I did get a code list:

2A82
2A98
2D59
D355
D354
6F77
55C3

Again Everything is normal, no stalls rough idle and it pulls well. No lights or issues, this was just stored from last week. So I'm not sure if 1 is triggering the others possible. The fact that it goes back to normal doesnt make me worried, but it did do this twice in 3k. Car now has 171k

[frisbeeguy]

It seems you just have some stored codes.... 55C3 is linked to the transfer-case, and the rest of the codes seem to be triggered by the intake vanos issue. I would clean the intake + exhaust solenoids (also test the actuation with a battery (if you google testing a vanos solenoid there should be a guide) and replace the "non-return" valves for both the exhaust and intake (the springs inside go away after about 100K miles, I had this issue, and got no jamming codes once I replaced the non-return valves)....then clear all the codes and drive like normal. If the car acts up, then replace the intake solenoid and clear codes. If it still continues to act up, then disconnect the transfer case and clear codes (you will get VTG errors etc...that is normal). If it still acts up (and gives more codes) then there can be an issue with: hookring seals, camshaft position sensor. The codes with "D" are issues with the DSC...that could be an issue also, but clearing codes and replacing stuff will help narrow down the problem.
Edit: Also did you check your battery condition? Do a battery load test?

[rponti]

Ok, sounds like a plan! Them I wait a few months and see if it acts up again