[dan_E90]

Hi everyone,

so recently I was on my way to work when suddenly I lost all power and the engine shut off on me while driving... Luckily I had just pulled into my work's parking lot. So I scanned the car and got camshaft codes and only remember one of them being p0015(cam position actuator b - bank 1 timing over - retard) there were a couple more codes but I no longer remember them. After some research this lead me to replace both Vanos solenoids and both Cam position sensors. Replacing those parts finally let me start my car without holding down the gas pedal and I was able to finally drive it normally again.

After a couple weeks I got a P0301 code which refers to a cylinder 1 misfire and it was misfiring so I replaced all 6 coil packs and spark plugs and this fixed my misfire. But I noticed my idle was not right and throttle response was off. My idle fluctuates up and down but no SES light is displayed so I went ahead and scanned the car anyway. I went to check the "Pending Codes" in my scanner and I am seeing 3 codes.

PENDING CODES:
-P0012 (Cam Position actuator A - Bank 1 Timing Over - Retarded)
-P0010 ( Cam Position actuator A - Bank 1 Circuit Malfunction)
-P0010 ( Cam Position Actuator B - Bank 1 Circuit Malfunction)
I have tried to do research on these codes but it seems like I have already replaced the necessary parts for these codes to go away. Parts replaced associated to these codes are both vanos solenoids and both cam position sensors like I already stated. They are VAICO(solenoids) and BREMI(cam sensors) brand.

Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks
If it helps at all I will try and post a video of it idling tomorrow.

[longm1985]

Possible wiring issue? Did you replace both at once? I'm only saying this because I'm stupid enough to do both simultaneously, so please don't be offended: possible you got the connectors mixed up?

[dan_E90]

Originally Posted by longm1985

Possible wiring issue? Did you replace both at once? I'm only saying this because I'm stupid enough to do both simultaneously, so please don't be offended: possible you got the connectors mixed up?

Thanks for the reply but I thought I did that as well so I double checked it😅

[dan_E90]

Above is the video of my car with rough idle. It also kind of shudders the whole car.

Below this is a video of my oil filter cap because I saw this can also throw Vanos codes. You can see me wiggle the middle part that secures the filter. Would that wiggle cause anything ? Also the oil and filter only have about 1k miles.

[lookalikehuuh]

My theory is that the Vaico Solenoids are bad. You could also have an issue with the cam sensors. Either way I would start with OE Solenoids first instea of the Vaico ones.

Personally I would have used Original BMW Solenoids and VDO sensors.

[dan_E90]

I have seen only positive reviews to the vaico solenoids and some even say they are better

[lookalikehuuh]

Originally Posted by dan_E90

I have seen only positive reviews to the vaico solenoids and some even say they are better

Better than OE? Don't kid yourself, I have seen plenty of people report issues with Vaico initially working and then going to crap shortly after installation.

[dan_E90]

You think testing them with a battery and some wire will determine if they truly went bad? I have also seen some posts about cam ledges being the issue... I’m hoping it’s not that but ill try testing them.

[lookalikehuuh]

Testing them with a battery will only tell you if they are mechanically "stuck" it doesn't actually tell you if they are commanding properly to the commands they are being sent or properly reporting back their positions for that matter.

If you lived closer I would let you borrow some old working ones I have laying around that I replaced as preventative maintenance, but Chicago is a bit of a drive from San Diego

[dan_E90]

Ahhh that would be nice thanks for input. I’ll have to get my hands on some OE’s then.

[Brian86]

The Vaico vanos solenoids are crap.

I installed a pair in my car to tidy up an intermittent vanos problem. They caused the car to idle poorly and surge when under various loads. They simply failed to regulate the oil discharge pressure.

I could watch the cam timing fluctuate up and down on my little foxwell scanner. Both exhibited the symptoms to varying degrees.

Cleaned and reinstalled the old ones and the car runs normally (for now). Curve on the datalogger is nice and flat under steady conditions now. When they do finally go I'll end up getting something different.

[mousefarmer]

A failing eccentric shaft sensor can cause starting and idle issue. I just replaced mine in 2006 330i.

[dan_E90]

Appreciate the replies everyone. I’m going to order some oem solenoids.

[dan_E90]

I had my car scanned by a Indy shop and these are the codes I am getting.

2A87 (exhaust Vanos variable camshaft timing), mechanism
2A82 (Intake Vanos variable camshaft timing)

Also it does not throw a CEL light

[dan_E90]

Originally Posted by Brian86

The Vaico vanos solenoids are crap.

I installed a pair in my car to tidy up an intermittent vanos problem. They caused the car to idle poorly and surge when under various loads. They simply failed to regulate the oil discharge pressure.

I could watch the cam timing fluctuate up and down on my little foxwell scanner. Both exhibited the symptoms to varying degrees.

Cleaned and reinstalled the old ones and the car runs normally (for now). Curve on the datalogger is nice and flat under steady conditions now. When they do finally go I'll end up getting something different.

Were you getting any codes with vaico solenoids? Any pending/shadow codes?

[iansexotics]

Hi guys the cam bolts on back of intake cam variable valve timing actuator the aluminum bolts can snap and smash pistons it happened to 3 of my cars a 2008 335i, 2010 328i, 2015 535xi it's a bad issue and can really ruin your day this smashes pistons to valves and bmw recalled it but it never worked I'm trying to save some of y'all money cause it sucks

[dan_E90]

To anyone that stumbles upon this thread i have fixed the E90 by simply buying the Genuine BMW Vanos Solenoids and have done only about 1,000 miles with no issues and car feels great again.

P.S THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO SUGGESTED OEM SOLENOIDS!