2A87 code

Sprnova23 · 07-13-2017, 09:16 AM

First time poster!
My 2009 E93 328 started giving me the "service due" notice, but since it's not due for an oil change, etc, I hooked up the OBDII and checked the codes...the only one present was code 2A87, which after scouring these threads, I gather means there's a VANOS solenoid issue.

Questions:
1. my OBDII app says 2A87 is "Alternative Fuel Pump 'C' compression stroke valve control circuit/open". Is that OBD talk for "exhaust solenoid stuck open"? Or is there something else going on?
2. I'm not getting any actual error lights - only the "service due" notice that comes on the idrive screen intermittently. No noticeable change in engine performance. Is this an issue that can come and go, hence the intermittent service message?
3. My intention with the car is to do as much of the maintenance as I can on my own, and I was looking forward to changing the oil (my first time) later this summer, but I'm not sure if the cleaning / replacing the solenoids is within my skillset as a novice wrencher. Any advise on whether I should attempt it myself, let the shop handle this one?
4. I'm in Essex County, NJ - any recommended shops around?

Thanks in advance, and looking forward to being part of the community!

mweisdorfer · 07-13-2017, 09:24 AM

Take each Vanos Solenoid out and mark them. One is for intake and one is for exhaust. Clean them up with with brake cleaner. Use compressed air on them. Reinstall, but swap where they went.

If you still get code 2a87, then your Vanos Solenoids are shot.

Just bite the bullet and fork over the $200.00 for new ones.

FCP Euro has a lifetime warranty on them, so the next time they go bad, it's in them.

07-13-2017, 09:16 AM	#1
Sprnova23 New Member 3 Rep 25 Posts Drives: 2009 328i convertible Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Essex County, NJ iTrader: (0)	2A87 code - VANOS solenoid? First time poster! My 2009 E93 328 started giving me the "service due" notice, but since it's not due for an oil change, etc, I hooked up the OBDII and checked the codes...the only one present was code 2A87, which after scouring these threads, I gather means there's a VANOS solenoid issue. Questions: 1. my OBDII app says 2A87 is "Alternative Fuel Pump 'C' compression stroke valve control circuit/open". Is that OBD talk for "exhaust solenoid stuck open"? Or is there something else going on? 2. I'm not getting any actual error lights - only the "service due" notice that comes on the idrive screen intermittently. No noticeable change in engine performance. Is this an issue that can come and go, hence the intermittent service message? 3. My intention with the car is to do as much of the maintenance as I can on my own, and I was looking forward to changing the oil (my first time) later this summer, but I'm not sure if the cleaning / replacing the solenoids is within my skillset as a novice wrencher. Any advise on whether I should attempt it myself, let the shop handle this one? 4. I'm in Essex County, NJ - any recommended shops around? Thanks in advance, and looking forward to being part of the community!
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07-13-2017, 09:24 AM	#2
mweisdorfer Major General 1903 Rep 6,968 Posts Drives: 2007 Black/Black 335i e90 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Holly, MI iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW E90 335i [0.00] 2008 bmw x5 [0.00]	Take each Vanos Solenoid out and mark them. One is for intake and one is for exhaust. Clean them up with with brake cleaner. Use compressed air on them. Reinstall, but swap where they went. If you still get code 2a87, then your Vanos Solenoids are shot. Just bite the bullet and fork over the $200.00 for new ones. FCP Euro has a lifetime warranty on them, so the next time they go bad, it's in them.
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