[atan14]

Hey, I’ve got an n54 with a 2a87 vanos exhaust code and 3100 limp mode. Assumed it was just the solenoids and replaced it with a new one a couple days ago, cleared codes and a new 2a99 code came up, cleared again and it didn’t come back but the 3100 code would not go away. Today on cold start the 2a87 paired with the 3100 came back, no signs of the 2a99 code. Car runs fine aside from a slight rough idle and slight hiccups in power if driving right away after a cold start.
Any idea what could be the cause?

[BRG_N54]

Did you clear VANOS adaptations? Also, anything but Pierburg solenoids could have issues out of the box. Check out this service bulletin from BMW and try the troubleshooting steps.

[atan14]

Originally Posted by BRG_N54

Did you clear VANOS adaptations? Also, anything but Pierburg solenoids could have issues out of the box. Check out this service bulletin from BMW and try the troubleshooting steps.

Update, I had done all the things you mentioned but the oil filter cap.. took off the oil filter cap and would not have guess the mesh to be missing.. thought the mesh missing would throw both intake and exhaust vanos codes. Cleaned off check valves and solenoids as well, once new oil filter cap comes in, hopefully that fixes things.
Thanks for the help

[Jaronbwall]

atan14 What brand solenoids did you purchase? I doubt your oil filter cap is the issue. I had the same problem last year. I bought $200 solenoids on Amazon (mistake) and wasted my time swapping them just for an INDY shop to me tell me my solenoids were bad. They charged me $1200. Total damage was about $1400 for a basic N54 repair. I was pissed. Don't buy cheap parts.

[atan14]

Originally Posted by Jaronbwall

atan14 What brand solenoids did you purchase and how much were they? I doubt your oil filter cap is the issues. I had the same problem last year, wasted $200 on bad solenoids, and spent $1200 at an INDY shop fixing my shit. I was pissed.

Febi bilstein off of FCP euro, I’m missing the filter mesh on the oil cap which is supposed to filter out the oil. Car ran ok after cleaning out solenoids and check valves, then back to rough idle. So I’m assuming the unfiltered oil is clogging things up again. What was your fix tho?

[dmckmc]

A missing oil filter support cage can cause vanos/3100 codes. Oil drains right back in the pan and cannot build enough pressure to run the vanos. See this vid at 17:30 for a nice description on the filter housing function.

Here is a video of BMW 2A87 code caused by no filter cage.

The filter can also collapse and further cause problems with low oil pressure throughout the engine. Cam ledge wear can be another culprit with the vanos codes and 3100. Hopefully the simple filter cage is your solution.

[atan14]

Update, it 100% was the oil filter cap. 😁

[dmckmc]

Originally Posted by atan14

Update, it 100% was the oil filter cap. 😁

Great news indeed!

[Jaronbwall]

The oil filter cap is important! Glad you fixed it. Mine was cheap replacements. The shop I went to installed $250 solenoids (each). They then charged me the BMW tax and billed me. Mechanics are expensive!