[BeatMW_E90]

The code used to be more Intermittent but now its coming back every couple days. I swapped the vanos solenoids, code didn't change sides. Swapped cam sensors, still code P0015 for the exhaust cam timing over-retarded. Also pulled the top vanos screen and it was clean (bottom was seized/cross threaded).
Is my cam/vanos gears/etc. screwed or is there something else I can do to fix this that is simple? The car does still run strong even with the code. Don't see much difference if any in Driveability.

172k miles on the clock. I purchased the car for $1,500 three years ago, not running and wrecked. Whomever had this thing before me severely neglected it. Got it cheap and trying to squeeze some more life out of it as a fun car and I always liked the E90 and E46 sedans. Trying not to spend a bunch more money on it though as I'm already in more than it's worth.

Any help is appreciated.

[freakystyly]

Did you clean the solenoids out real well when swapping? When was the last oil change? Correct oil used?

P codes aren't super helpful but I think that one does point towards that area you handled.

[BeatMW_E90]

The vanos solenoids were cleaned with carb cleaner and soaked in auto trans fluid overnight when got the car a couple years ago. They were filthy. But I tested them and they are clicking.
I have used liqui moly 5w40 for the last oil change and have about 2k on that oil. Before that it was Castrol 0w40. Always use Mann Hummel oil filters.

I realize P codes arent the greatest diagnostic data. I have BMW tools 2.12 and plan on using INPA to see what else I can find when I get some time.

[BashShah]

Look at 1:07 min time of this video:

[BeatMW_E90]

Could the heavier 5w40 be partly to blame? Seems like it happens more frequently after going to that.

[BeatMW_E90]

No thoughts on oil weight?
Cleaning the solenoids and sensors then swapping them didn't help.
Anyone know of a way to remove the bottom vanos screen that seems cross threaded without breaking it off? I have a feeling breaking that off in the engine would end badly or expensively.

PS. I pulled the code with INPA. I'll try and post that later. Hopefully that data will be more useful to someone on here more knowledgeable than myself. Didn't capture any live data though. If needed I can try that.

[BeatMW_E90]

Another thought I just had after watching YouTube videos... Could the ECC sensor be bad? It seems to be known for causing many random issues of this type.