540i code 21 problem

[Rb540i]

My name is ray I'm new to the forum. I have a 2000 540i m-sport 6 speed with 250k on dash . I brought the car with p1519 and p1522 previous owner changed the timing guides already. Ive done a bunch of work to the engine so far including changing vanos seals,thermostat,valve cover gasket,new cam tensioner, oil pan gasket, and fuel filter. So taking apart engine and putting back together with proper tools 3 times to make sure it was timed correctly. I'm currently can get the 21 code to go away to save my life. Please help

[JimLev]

Welcome to the forum Ray.
A 21 code, you mean P0021?

You have a 540 Sport, not an M-Sport.

[Rb540i]

What a pleasure it is to be talking to you. See you all over this forum I appreciate any help. Yes code p0021 cant seem to clear it. Crankshaft adaptation angles 1,2,3, and 4 are stuck at 12 degrees.

[JimLev]

What tools did you use?
If the crank and cams were locked then the static timing (crank to cams) is correct.
The vanos is tested by the DME when you start the engine, if it doesn't pass the on/off test the DME shuts down the vanos solenoids so the vanos doesn't function.
P0021 is the cam timing is out of spec with vanos off (over advance bank 2, drivers side).
If the chain tension on the driver side was tight then your trigger wheel is slightly off.
Score the trigger wheel and vanos so you know where it's current position is, then loosen the 24 mm nut and turn the trigger wheel about 1/8" CCW. Tighten the nut, clear the code and report back.

[Rb540i]

My autel maxisys says 21 code is for bank one that's why I'm confused cause I thought it was passenger side was off.I used one of those cheaper kits brought brand new off craigslist for $60. I will try to get it done this weekend . Hope it works cause I want to drive this car already

[JimLev]

P0011 should be for bank 1. I'll double check it in the morning.

[scubajim20]

Just saying Hello Rb. I live in Connecticut as well and have a 540. I'm going to tackle the timing chain guides in the fall. We are certainly blessed to have individuals like JimLev on this forum.

[Rb540i]

Scubajim20 nice to meet you. Glad to see some more people from ct on here. You not far from me I'm from west haven. Hopefully once these cars are running good we can meet up. I'm here to help if I can.

[scubajim20]

That would be great rb

[scubajim20]

Sorry I ment to expand my response. I'm pretty lucky at the moment my car runs very well. I did all the seat twist, rear sun shade repair, headlight adjusters, etc.. Replaced all the seals and parts from the air filter box back to the sucking jet pump, valve covers, plugs, etc.. My timing chain guides are quiet but the covers have a notable leak. I figure since I'm in there doing that, with 140,000 miles, I might as well preempt the inevitable. Sadly, I don't have a garage so its all done in the driveway weather permitting. I will take the car to a friends house in Monroe for the guides. Please reach out if I can be of any help as well. I enjoy working on the car.

[JimLev]

My autel maxisys says 21 code is for bank one that's why I'm confused cause I thought it was passenger side was off.I used one of those cheaper kits brought brand new off craigslist for $60. I will try to get it done this weekend . Hope it works cause I want to drive this car already

I've checked 3 different sources, all say bank 2 including Bentleys. Never used an autel.
https://www.obd-codes.com/p0021

Other possibilities to check.
upper timing cover not flush withe the lower timing cover
one of the tabs on the trigger wheel is bent.

[Rb540i]

Jimlev I hope this is the problem. I been stuck on this car for 3 weeks and couldn't fix because I kept thinking it was the passenger side. I will take the car apart today after work and check bank 2. Fingers crossed����

[Rb540i]

Jimlev I plugged my ista in and the code p0021 says bank 1. I'm checking oil pressure before I start taking engine apart.

[JimLev]

Put your info in here and see what it says.
https://actron.com/code-lookup

[Rb540i]

I checked my oil pressure and it was below one bar at idle. I took oil pan off again to check pickup screen on oil pump cause I forgot to when I took it off the first time. I went the extra mile to remove the screen and it was full of old timing guides. Also installed new oil level sensor. I didnt get to remove valve cover yet to adjust the cam wheel. Tomorrowim hoping to finish. 20190625_194304.jpg20190625_190026.jpg

[Rb540i]

Jimlev I adjusted the trigger wheel and now getting code 71. Code p0021 went away but car stalls on idle

[JimLev]

I'm traveling for the next 2 weeks so I don't have any reference material with me.
Isn't P0071 for a climate control system error?

[Rb540i]

Jimlev p0340 is the code I'm getting after turning trigger wheel counter clockwise. P0021 code is gown now but the cam adaptions for 1-4 are reading -20 degrees. But now the cam position signal is fluctuating between 0 and 40 degrees. Cant seem to figure it out

[JimLev]

I'm traveling for the next 2 weeks, internet access will be spotty.
P0340, isn't that a cam sensor code? Sure you didn't bend one of the tabs on the trigger wheel?
What happened with P0071?

[Rb540i]

I guess 71 is a decimal code read on the autel scanner on ista it says p0340. Only thing I adjusted was the trigger wheel counter clockwise 1/4 inch. Now my adaptation for 1-4 went from -12 to -20 but the code 21 which on the ista was p1519 hasn't came back. I'm confused on how to properly read the adaptation so I know which way to turn trigger wheel.

- - - Updated - - -

I guess 71 is a decimal code read on the autel scanner on ista it says p0340. Only thing I adjusted was the trigger wheel counter clockwise 1/4 inch. Now my adaptation for 1-4 went from -12 to -20 but the code 21 which on the ista was p1519 hasn't came back. I'm confused on how to properly read the adaptation so I know which way to turn trigger wheel.20190630_135924.jpg20190629_112603.jpg20190623_180743.jpg

[Santaclaus4]

I guess 71 is a decimal code read on the autel scanner on ista it says p0340. Only thing I adjusted was the trigger wheel counter clockwise 1/4 inch. Now my adaptation for 1-4 went from -12 to -20 but the code 21 which on the ista was p1519 hasn't came back. I'm confused on how to properly read the adaptation so I know which way to turn trigger wheel.

- - - Updated - - -

I guess 71 is a decimal code read on the autel scanner on ista it says p0340. Only thing I adjusted was the trigger wheel counter clockwise 1/4 inch. Now my adaptation for 1-4 went from -12 to -20 but the code 21 which on the ista was p1519 hasn't came back. I'm confused on how to properly read the adaptation so I know which way to turn trigger wheel.20190630_135924.jpg20190629_112603.jpg20190623_180743.jpg

Probably because you're holding the laptop sideways. Rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise so we can read it.

[Rb540i]

Santaclaus4 idk why they come out sideways but they weren't taken that way just how the website uploaded them. I just want to understand the adaptations before opening up the engine again.

[Rb540i]

I finally fixed the car today. I removed bank 1 valve cover locked the cams, locked it tdc and adjusted the trigger cw 1/8 turn. No codes and all the adaptations are reading. Drove the car and it pulls like a beast now.20190704_170427.jpg