[GTwice]

I'm getting a 2A87 code, which stands for exhaust VANOS, mechanical issue. Indie shop diagnosed VANOS actuator on the camshaft. Earliest that they can fix it is in 2 weeks, so in the meantime I came home, swapped and cleaned solenoids just to be sure, and cleared the codes. Since then the car was running fine for the last few days, but today it came back. Same code, exhaust side, so it's not solenoids.

Is it possible that a bad actuator would return to life at some point and run well for 100 miles over the past week? Also, the shop wants to replace timing chain, tensioner and guides together with the actuator - is it necessary or am I being ripped off? It's a 2011 335is, about 100k mileage.

[123Britt]

Originally Posted by GTwice

I'm getting a 2A87 code, which stands for exhaust VANOS, mechanical issue. Indie shop diagnosed VANOS actuator on the camshaft. Earliest that they can fix it is in 2 weeks, so in the meantime I came home, swapped and cleaned solenoids just to be sure, and cleared the codes. Since then the car was running fine for the last few days, but today it came back. Same code, exhaust side, so it's not solenoids.

Is it possible that a bad actuator would return to life at some point and run well for 100 miles over the past week? Also, the shop wants to replace timing chain, tensioner and guides together with the actuator - is it necessary or am I being ripped off? It's a 2011 335is, about 100k mileage.

.
All I have ever done - is clean and swap solenoids -- but I would recommend getting a second opinion. E92 335is -- got to be one of my favorite BMW's of all time.

Good Luck .

[ragingpanda]

I am having the same issue and just took it in at my local indy shop. I have new vanos solenoids and sensors so I am thinking it might be the cam ledge bearings. I won't know for sure until later this week hopefully. I have an 07 e90 335i with about 119k miles.

[GTwice]

Today that happened again. It seems to be intermittent, usually I can just restart the car and it's gone for another 1-100 miles...

Anyway, I guess I'll go forward with actuator replacement, I'm just still wondering if it's necessary to do the complete timing chain set replacement.

[GTwice]

Thought I'd share: it most probably was a dirty/faulty check valve. I haven't replaced it yet, only clean&swap, but I haven't had a code on exhaust side since (and it's been 3 weeks), did have twice on intake. New check valves are waiting to be installed, just to make sure.

[Tylewall24]

Any luck with it being the check valves? I have the same exact issue