E39 530 M54B30 Unusual Vanos problem

[deejaywasp]

Hi, First post here.

I´ve been tryin on getting help with my unsual vanos problem in many of the Swedish Bimmer forums but no luck att all.

It starting to feel like i´m the only one in the world with this problem.


The fault code is: 103 Vanos Error, Input Camshaft. (doesn´t reach end path?)

Problem is that the DME inactivates the vanos when setting this fault code making the engine really powerless under 4000 rpm.
I can also hear engine knocking under full throttle when driving between 3000-4000 rpm.

To get rid of the problem i need to restart the engine. Sometimes only once, sometimes up to five times before it decides to activate the vanos system again.


The problem never goes away when engine running and never comes back until you start it the next time. It´s really weird.

It like the DME-makes the decision if or not to use the vanos under the cranking process.

I had lot of mail contact with Rajaie, Beisan Systems that sells vanos seals.

Ivé decided to replace the vanos seals but it did not help.
Therefore i decided to replace the whole vanos unit (not the gears since i dont have the timing adjustment tools)
It did not help either.

So here i stand now with no clue what the problem is.
I have replaced the following stuff altough i hade no fault codes on them.

Vanos solenoids (both sides)
Intake camshaft position sensor
Exhaust camshaft position sensor
Thermostat (had fault code)
Entire Vanos unit


Since the error is not permanent i don´t think the cam timing is the problem.

Could it be the crank position sensor even it got now fault codes?

Worth knowing is that when accelerating on full throttle the car sometimes hesitates a little in 5000-6000 rpm, doesnt feels like missfire just some loss of power in 0,2 sec.
This happens both when the vanos system is inactive or active.

I hope you can help me with ideas on this.

Thanks!

[deejaywasp]

I´ve ordered the Vanos adjustment tools from Baum Tools.

The timing were totally of Tried to adjust it but no luck.
So i disassembled everything so i just got the cams and started to put the gears and spring etc. together from schratch.

Checked again, Yes! PERFECT TIMING!

It now works great., vanos works 24/7 and all the small hesitations on higher rpms are also gone.

Weee!! You bet, im happy now

Thanks!
Regards, Chrille

[PixMan]

Nice job! Sure feels good doesn't it?