[KG1639]

Hi, just got a code when I cold started this morning, but the code has since disappeared. I drive an E92 '07 328xi.

Don't have a BT tool so I just have the generic OBDII scanner code (P0012), which reads Camshaft Actuator A - Bank 1 Timing Over-Retard.

I've read though a bunch of threads and some people have gotten new VANOS solenoids, cleaned their solenoids, and some much more intense issues.

I guess my question is should I get the actual code from a BT tool (think it's 2A82/2A87) before diagnosing further, or is it common knowledge to just clean the VANOS solenoids, and replace them if cleaning them doesn't fix it?

Thanks in advance,

Kurt

[nate5ks]

Yes, just clean them and if the problems don't go away replace the one that is causing the problems.

[JustROLLIN]

Personally, I would recommend buying an OBD2 cable and finding out whether its the intake or exhaust solenoid. The cable is cheap and the software to scan is free.

I scanned mine, found out it was the intake solenoid, cleaned it, and put it back in. Codes came back so I ended up replacing the intake solenoid and cleaning off the exhaust solenoid just to be safe.

However, had I not known which solenoid was actually faulty, I would have either had to replace both or risk replacing the wrong one. Its honestly really inexpensive to get up and running with proper software and hardware to scan. But, that is merely one man's opinion.

[KG1639]

I used a generic OBDII and cleared the code, and will drive around this weekend and see if either the SEL or code comes back on Monday. If it comes back either way, I'll clean both solenoids and see it that does it, and if not not just buy a new solenoid.

Can the BT tool specify which solenoid is faulty (or just clogged, hopefully hah), or does even the BT tool just give the same, broad code?

I also noticed someone using this tool as well, is this cable limited to what the BT tool can do?
http://www.one-stop-electronics.com/...&product_id=16

[JustROLLIN]

You certainly do not need the BT for basic scans. You can use a cable, sold on amazon or ebay, and free software for accurate scans, as I mentioned in my post above.

I use a $25 setup and knew exactly which solenoid had failed as well as being able to clear the DME adaptations, register a battery, etc. Just saying...

[KG1639]

Doing some reading I've learned that tool I linked above is for coding, like I thought. I've read and erased the P0012 code and am now pretty much waiting for it to come back or not, because I've read that sometimes hard rain can get in there and cause a code, and was pouring out the night before it came on. We'll see.