[PRmade]

I'm new here, not new to BMWs though.
N52 engine, I got that code (002A87 and 002A7A - outlet, cold start) from Carly for BMW and I went ahead and replaced both intake and exhaust Vanos solenoids with new ones. Clear codes and went for a drive on my street. 002A87 came back. Been looking around and I have seen where that code is often thrown because of a defective or going out camshaft position sensor. Is that my culprit? Also, my car sounds like a diesel since that happened last weekend. Help!

[Meeni]

verify your oil level and the condition of the oil filter insert and canister. If you are missing the center o-ring you'll have problems.

[PRmade]

Oil level is good. Condition, getting close to do next change. I’ll look at the o-ring. But, oil condition will give me that code?

[Meeni]

Originally Posted by PRmade

Oil level is good. Condition, getting close to do next change. I’ll look at the o-ring. But, oil condition will give me that code?

Vanos solenoids are oil pressure operated. If you miss the o-ring or the filter assembly is damaged you won't have enough pressure.

[RocketSurgeon]

SI B11 02 08
Engine October 2010
Technical Service

This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B11 02 08 dated August 2010.

designates changes to this revision

SUBJECT
Power Reduction, FC 2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC 2A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Faults are Stored in DME


MODEL
E82 and E88 (1 Series) with N51, N52K and N54 engines produced from 1/2008

E90 and E91 (3 Series) with N52 engine produced from 3/2005 through 6/2006

E90, E91, E92 and E93 (3 Series) with N51, N52K and N54 engines produced from 7/2006

E85 and E86 (Z4) with N52 engine produced from 1/2006

E83 (X3) with N52K engine produced from 9/2006

E60 and E61 (5 Series) with N52, N52K and N54 engines produced from 3/2005

E70 (X5) with N52K engine produced from 10/2006

E71 (X6) with N54 engine produced from 1/2008

SITUATION
The ***8220;Service Engine Soon***8221; (MIL) lamp is illuminated and a power reduction is clearly perceptible. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine already at full operating temperature. If the ignition is cycled, the engine then usually performs normally.

The following faults are stored in the DME:

2A82 VANOS intake ***8211; stiff; jammed mechanically

2A87 VANOS exhaust ***8211; stiff; jammed mechanically

3100 Boost-pressure control, deactivation ***8211; boost-pressure buildup prohibited (N54 only)

CAUSE
The VANOS faults can be caused by an insufficient oil pressure supply to the inlet VANOS adjustment unit. To effectively move the camshafts to the target positions in the specified time and under all engine conditions, sufficient oil pressure supply to the VANOS control pistons must always be available. When the engine operation requires that the VANOS quickly advance or retard the intake or exhaust camshaft, fault 2A82 or 2A87 may be set if the camshaft is ***8220;late***8221;, or does not reach the target position. In this situation, engine power may be reduced and a check control message is displayed. The consequential fault 3100 can also be set in the DME fault memory as well.

PROCEDURE

Perform all applicable test plans for the faults stored. A mechanical restriction or electrical failure of the VANOS solenoid and/or the electrical circuit can cause insufficient oil supply to the VANOS assemblies as well. If the results of the test plans are inconclusive then proceed to step 2.

The oil filter cap insert may have been inadvertently removed during the vehicle***8217;s last oil service. If this insert is not installed, it will result in non-filtered engine oil being supplied to the engine, thus possibly clogging or damaging the VANOS solenoids.

Replace both VANOS solenoids and change the engine oil and filter. Drive the vehicle to verify effectiveness. If this repair is inconclusive and the fault returns, continue to step 4.

If the oil filter cap is found intact, it is possible that the camshaft hook ring seals (3) have worn a groove into the camshaft bearing ledge (1), causing a drop in oil supply to the VANOS unit.

Camshaft bearing ledge

Intake camshaft

Hook ring seals

Note the deep grooves worn into the intake camshaft bearing ledge by the camshaft hook ring seals.

Acceptable camshaft bearing ledge ***8211; minor wear marks from the rotation of the camshaft are normal.

If the oil filter cap insert is found to be missing, then the entire oil filter housing cap must be replaced (refer to the EPC). If excessive wear to the camshaft bearing ledge is found, it is only necessary to replace the camshaft hook ring seals and the affected camshaft bearing ledge.

There is a known problem with metal seal rings cutting into the aluminum camshaft bearing ledge and allowing VANOS oil pressure to leak off. Eliminate other possibilities first, but this issue can effect all of the n52 and n54 engines. Refer to SI B11 02 08 to see pictures.

[PRmade]

RocketSurgeon, ty very much for all tha info.
Here’s what Carly recorded...

Carly for BMW - detailed Fault-Code Log

Found Faults:
--Engine / Motor--
*** 2A87:Exhaust Vanos variable cam control test, mechanical ***
Fault-Set 1 - ( 143347 mi)

Camshaft outlet setpoint: -98.88 deg CRK
camshaft outlet: -115.00 deg CRK
Engine speed: 704.00 rpm
engine temperature: 175.10 °F

[RocketSurgeon]

Yeah, your camshaft timing is overly retarded. Check your oil filter, oil filter stand, and the VANOS check valves on the head first. Are you running the proper weight oil? If everything else checks out, you may need a camshaft bearing ledge. I've done them on an n54, it's a big time consuming job but not as bad as transmission work. The timing tools are pretty simple if you DIY. If you get in there and find that the bearing ledge ISN'T scored, you may need a VANOS adjuster (the gear thing on the front of the camshaft). Odds are it's the bearing ledge though. Do replace the camshaft bolts, they are single use.

[Meeni]

He is on an N52, theres' no replacing the ledge if it is worn, it is directly part of the head

[RocketSurgeon]

2a87 is for the exhaust side. The n52 has a bearing ledge on the exhaust side, though the intake side is part of the head.

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by PRmade

I'm new here, not new to BMWs though.
N52 engine, I got that code (002A87 and 002A7A - outlet, cold start) from Carly for BMW and I went ahead and replaced both intake and exhaust Vanos solenoids with new ones. Clear codes and went for a drive on my street. 002A87 came back. Been looking around and I have seen where that code is often thrown because of a defective or going out camshaft position sensor. Is that my culprit? Also, my car sounds like a diesel since that happened last weekend. Help!

Clear all codes

Mark one vanos solenoid with a marker so you know whether it came out of exhaust or intake side.

Take both vanos solenoids out and clean the with brake cleaner and an air gun via compressed air. Then swap them in the opposite holes you found them.

If you still get codes, your vanos solenoids are toast. Sucks cause they will run you $175-200.00 to replace.

[RocketSurgeon]

Originally Posted by PRmade

I went ahead and replaced both intake and exhaust Vanos solenoids with new ones. Clear codes and went for a drive on my street. 002A87 came back.

He already tried VANOS solenoids

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by RocketSurgeon

He already tried VANOS solenoids

Replace the intake & exhaust cam sensors need next to the solenoids

[PRmade]

**SOLVED**
The service Information Bulletin applied to my VIN. My indy suggested taking it to the dealer for inspection. They discovered one VANOS bolt was sheared and another was loose, so the extended 10-yr warranty on the VANOS took care of the issue. All parts needing replacement, replaced, along with new valve cover gasket kit and oil pan gasket. ALL COSTS COVERED! Thanks everyone for your input.

[MysticRob]

Originally Posted by PRmade

**SOLVED**
The service Information Bulletin applied to my VIN. My indy suggested taking it to the dealer for inspection. They discovered one VANOS bolt was sheared and another was loose, so the extended 10-yr warranty on the VANOS took care of the issue. All parts needing replacement, replaced, along with new valve cover gasket kit and oil pan gasket. ALL COSTS COVERED! Thanks everyone for your input.

Damn, The Ultimate Breaking Machine. Glad you got it diagnosed and resolved!