Camshaft VANOS Control code help

[das borgen]

Hey guys,
I am getting a "camshaft vanos control" (cyl 1-4) on my 99 740i (M62TU engine) from my Peake tool (it is code 21 from table 0F) and it is the ONLY code I am getting on my car

I am not sure but some research on BFC and other sites told me it could be the Camshaft Position Sensor so I swapped them left-right and the code stayed on bank 1-4 (driver side bank, yes?) which tells me the cam sensors are ok. Is that correct?

Could it be a bad VANOS solenoid? The car feels like it's stumbling a little bit at idle. If it is a bad solenoid, can anyone lend me the special socket I need to replace it? Also can anyone sell me a good vanos solenoid :D?
I also checked the voltage at each solenoid with the car off and the key turned to ON position and botch connectors were seeing ~8.5V. Is that normal?

Anything else you guys recommend I check?:help:help:)

thanks

[sigtwenty]

Check for vacuum leaks first. I know on my Benz I was told a vacuum leak can cause that code somehow. Something with the map sensor readings getting messed up somehow.

[das borgen]

Check for vacuum leaks first. I know on my Benz I was told a vacuum leak can cause that code somehow. Something with the map sensor readings getting messed up somehow.
I thought that and I checked leaks but didn't see anything

A leak would have caused the code on both banks anyway, no?

[bimmertrek]

Solenoid gaskets leak like crazy. Replace em both for like $10 each. Mine ended up being a cam position sensor on my 99. Use OEM only!!!

[das borgen]

Solenoid gaskets leak like crazy. Replace em both for like $10 each. Mine ended up being a cam position sensor on my 99. Use OEM only!!!

I know to use OEM only........it's no different than the E36, been there done that, made the mistake


but like I said...I swapped the cam sensors left to right and the code stayed on the left bank, which means it's likely not a bad cam sensor


also, can anyone direct me to a socket that can take out the solenoid? looks like a very thin-walled 32mm socket is needed...... I tried to loosen it with channel locks with no luck

[AquilaBMW]

................
also, can anyone direct me to a socket that can take out the solenoid? looks like a very thin-walled 32mm socket is needed...... I tried to loosen it with channel locks with no luck


Would love to know this as well... :D

[sigtwenty]

I thought that and I checked leaks but didn't see anything

A leak would have caused the code on both banks anyway, no?

Nope. Mine only threw one code one sside.

[das borgen]

Nope. Mine only threw one code one sside.

anyway, your benz doesn't have VANOS....and VANOS function is purely dependent on oil pressure and electric signal.......

[2000740]

I had a similar issue except mine only stumbled during wide open throttle. It did shut off on me twice during idle right after I started the car in the morning. I had the same code on my peake reader. When I switched the cps to the other side the code did not follow either. I installed the 2 extra sensors from the parts car I had and the code went away. It's been about 4 months and it hasn't returned.

[billh]

Rich, Mike has OEM Sensors for @ $80 ea.


Or, I have the ones I replaced on mine. Since my error is still there, I don't think it's the sensor.

Chain guides replaced?? Mine was done, I don't know if the star wheel was put back on correctly tho. We may need to have a M62 cam timing party. I'll see if I can get the tools.

[das borgen]

Rich, Mike has OEM Sensors for @ $80 ea.


Or, I have the ones I replaced on mine. Since my error is still there, I don't think it's the sensor.

Chain guides replaced?? Mine was done, I don't know if the star wheel was put back on correctly tho. We may need to have a M62 cam timing party. I'll see if I can get the tools.

I think that may be it, actually...........the guides were replaced on mine so it may be bad timing


you can swing by later...I'll be working on it

[billh]

I think that may be it, actually...........the guides were replaced on mine so it may be bad timing


you can swing by later...I'll be working on it

The more I am looking, I doubt the 'special" tools were used to time the start wheels on the cams on my car. Who did the chain on yours?

[das borgen]

The more I am looking, I doubt the 'special" tools were used to time the start wheels on the cams on my car. Who did the chain on yours?
previous owner and I doubt he also used special tools

[Hueristic]

The resistance of pin 1 and 2 should be around 1k on the cam sensor and 500 on the crank sensor.

[das borgen]

The resistance of pin 1 and 2 should be around 1k on the cam sensor and 500 on the crank sensor.

i'll check those

[sigtwenty]

anyway, your benz doesn't have VANOS....and VANOS function is purely dependent on oil pressure and electric signal.......

Vanos is variable valve timing. Bmw just made a trendy sounding name for it.

[das borgen]

Vanos is variable valve timing. Bmw just made a trendy sounding name for it.

just like Honda (VTEC) and Mitsu (MiVEC) and Toyota (VVTi) and everyone else

is MB's valve timing depending on oil pressure and electrical signal to a solenoid as its requirements (VTEC and VANOS, as far as I know; yes)?
Those 2 inputs are completely independent from engine vacuum

[sigtwenty]

just like Honda (VTEC) and Mitsu (MiVEC) and Toyota (VVTi) and everyone else

is MB's valve timing depending on oil pressure and electrical signal to a solenoid as its requirements (VTEC and VANOS, as far as I know; yes)?
Those 2 inputs are completely independent from engine vacuum

Its dependent on electrical as well. But people have had vacuum leaks at the map sesnor causing erronious readings for manifold air pressure causing this code to pop up and the solenoid is 100% fine. So in reality anything is possible. I just mentioned the cheapest and easiest method to see if that is a problem. I may be 100% wrong but sometimes the smallest thing is the cause of a major problem.

[das borgen]

can anyone link me to a deep 32mm socket that can pull the solenoid out?


Its dependent on electrical as well. But people have had vacuum leaks at the map sesnor causing erronious readings for manifold air pressure causing this code to pop up and the solenoid is 100% fine. So in reality anything is possible. I just mentioned the cheapest and easiest method to see if that is a problem. I may be 100% wrong but sometimes the smallest thing is the cause of a major problem.

i can see MAP sensor reading faults causing problems but these cars do MAF

and if the MAF were bad, i'd get a MAF code......like I said, the ONLY code i'm getting is Vanos Camshaft Control....which is why I'm discounting a bad MAF

[sigtwenty]

Only code I have is p1519 as well. Nothing else.

Can't always blame the part itself.

[IcemanBHE]

and if the MAF were bad, i'd get a MAF code......

False.

If you get a MAF code...it is BAD. But you dont always get codes for a bad MAF.

[BobsBimmer]

I complete set of timing tools if your interested in re-timing the motor.

[das borgen]

I complete set of timing tools if your interested in re-timing the motor.

bill-h and I were discussing having a re-timing party today...he's working on a set of tools from a local dealer but I think chances are very slim

PM me with details of your terms for renting these tools please

thanks

anyone know of a socket that can remove the solenoid from a local parts place?

part number?


I want to bench test my solenoids.....I'll just give them 12V from my battery directly (I've done this with E36 solenoids)

anyone know of a socket that can remove the solenoid from a local parts place?

part number?


I want to bench test my solenoids.....I'll just give them 12V from my battery directly (I've done this with E36 solenoids)

[beddex2000]

i have the timing tools with the socket + a home made tool to hold the crank so you can remove the jesus bolt. beddex2000 at gmail