320Ci M52TU - Vanos odissey

[exibocinemaz]

Hi guys, forgive me for my bad English, but as you can see I come from Italy (yeah, I know, pizza, spaghetti, and Berlusconi ). I've got some problems with my '99 320Ci M52TU. I'll try to be as clear as possible to describe my problem:

8 Months ago my car has shown several errors in the DME, P1520 via OBD Diagnostic (Exhaust camshaft control system, end position - plausibility) and 2 codes in INPA (104 and 65). I've replaced the CPS with aftermarket ones (HELLA for Exhaust and Febi for Intake) and nothing changed; I've removed the solenoids and cleaned them, cleaned even the pistons and springs and still nothing changed. I've replaced the Vanos seals with the X8R Kit and still, nothing changed. I've checked the continuity on the cables from the DME to the solenoids and they are good. I've checked the voltages on the solenoids and on the CPS and they seem to work, but I can't be 100% sure cause I don't have an oscilloscope to test them out.

I don't know what else I can try to repair/replace. I've tried to read the Vanos values in INPA but I don't comprehend if they are good or not. I can't take it to the dealer 'cause here in Italy they are a little bit... expensive (300€ for an oil change).

Thanks in advance for your effort and your time trying to helping me out.

P.S. Due to the time zone difference, my answers may not be in real time, so forgive me for the delay 😥

[Critter7r]

Are these faults causing a check engine light to come on?

Did you clear the faults after replacing the parts?

[Muzz258]

WOW you have done a lot of work with the VANOS.

With INPA, you can monitor the actual and target VANOS numbers and watch how they move over the idle to 3,500 rpm rev range. If they roughly follow the target numbers, then you have a working VANOS set up.

[exibocinemaz]

Thanks guys for the help! No engine code is thrown 'cause (don't know why) for the European ECU, if an error with the vanos comes on, no light will turn on. I've worked hard to bring the vanos to a working status, but now i think that the car hates me so much that he'll never work. Tonight I'll try to test the vanos with INPA. In case of malfunction of the values, what can I do?

[Muzz258]

The valve to piston clearance is controlled by the VANOS system limits.