PCV causing VANOS code?

piper199 · 01-10-2023, 04:18 PM

I have a 2011 328xi N52 that is throwing a 2a87 code(exhaust vanos) while driving down the highway. I replaced the exhaust vanos solenoid and swapped it with the intake solenoid also. I checked the oil filter and housing and they seem to be fine. But still getting same code. I've also been getting the whistling noise and running rough when the engine is idling. When I pull the oil fill cap off there is a ton of vacuum and the whistling goes away. From what I have found, that should be the PCV valve sticking open(valve cover needing replaced). One thing I have noticed is once the vanos code sets then that is when I can idle the car and hear the whistling. So my question is is it possible the PCV valve is causing the vanos code to set? Is there anything else I should be checking before removing and replacing the valve cover? I will check the bolts on the cam gears also while the valve cover is off. I'm just trying to figure out if I should be treating these as one issue or 2 separate issues. Thanks for the help!

chilledn52 · 01-10-2023, 08:35 PM

It could also be a micro crack in the plastic valve cover itself or the actual PCV, allowing air to enter causing that whistle. I wouldn't expect the whistle to be giving you the exhaust code.
I have had a cold start whistle for a while and did my valve cover and front main seal and haven't had any whistle since. Front main seal because I had my belt start to shread and valve cover as its plastic, heat cycles, PCV and being plastic.

Would take a look at this post about 2A87 https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1506674

01-10-2023, 04:18 PM	#1
piper199 Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: BMW 328xi Join Date: Jan 2023 Location: Idaho iTrader: (0)	PCV causing VANOS code? I have a 2011 328xi N52 that is throwing a 2a87 code(exhaust vanos) while driving down the highway. I replaced the exhaust vanos solenoid and swapped it with the intake solenoid also. I checked the oil filter and housing and they seem to be fine. But still getting same code. I've also been getting the whistling noise and running rough when the engine is idling. When I pull the oil fill cap off there is a ton of vacuum and the whistling goes away. From what I have found, that should be the PCV valve sticking open(valve cover needing replaced). One thing I have noticed is once the vanos code sets then that is when I can idle the car and hear the whistling. So my question is is it possible the PCV valve is causing the vanos code to set? Is there anything else I should be checking before removing and replacing the valve cover? I will check the bolts on the cam gears also while the valve cover is off. I'm just trying to figure out if I should be treating these as one issue or 2 separate issues. Thanks for the help! Last edited by piper199; 01-10-2023 at 04:34 PM..
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01-10-2023, 08:35 PM	#2
chilledn52 Parts Pro 65 Rep 134 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 328xi 6MT Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: Edmonton, Alberta iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW 328xi [10.00]	It could also be a micro crack in the plastic valve cover itself or the actual PCV, allowing air to enter causing that whistle. I wouldn't expect the whistle to be giving you the exhaust code. I have had a cold start whistle for a while and did my valve cover and front main seal and haven't had any whistle since. Front main seal because I had my belt start to shread and valve cover as its plastic, heat cycles, PCV and being plastic. Would take a look at this post about 2A87 https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1506674
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