VANOS error codes

[quann415]

My check engine light just lit on my 99 M3. I ran the code reader and it gave me two errors.

"Exhaust Camshaft VANOS seal" and "Intake Camshaft VANOS seal".

Is this something serious?

Thanks,

Q

[iateyourcheese]

What code number and scanner? I think you read the chart incorrectly... That sounds like an double VANOS error.

[TboneM3]

Is this a Euro? Cause if not, you don't have double vanos (vanos on exhaust side)

Post the error codes, maybe someone can match them up if this is a U.S. 3.2L

[quann415]

This is a 99 US M3. I used the code reader from BMP. The reader first displayed code 16..and then FE and FB. I referenced their included charts and that's what it stated. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[quann415]

Sorry, I did MISREAD the code tables. It's a EVAP small and EVAP large leak detected. Any ideas?

Thanks again!

Q

[iateyourcheese]

This is a 99 US M3. I used the code reader from BMP. The reader first displayed code 16..and then FE and FB. I referenced their included charts and that's what it stated. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Yeah, I think you read off chart #18 -- I did the same thing the first time. If you look carefully, chart 16 references you to 11.

Anyway, 16 FE and FB are "EVAP large leak detected" and "EVAP small leak detected", respectively. Nothing to do with VANOS.

Edit: beat me to it!

Start with the gas cap. Is it tight?

[quann415]

Hey Cheese,

Yea I noticed that after two refills at the gas station. Each time, it takes about a day for the CE light to come on. This is the second time that I had to reset the CE light. The gas cap seems tight enough. But I doubt that it's a coincidence that right after both refuel, that the CE light would come on. Defective cap?

Thanks,

Q