VANOS solenoid - problem? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Chemical1 · 8th January 2009, 13:48

Hi!

I have a peake 71 code that translates to "Intake camshaft VANOS position control, Cyl #5-8". Also, when cold-starting the engine there is a noticeable difference in exhaust note - it sounds as there is exhaust leak. Once the car has a good operating temperature the noise i gone!!

I have read elsewhere that a change in exhaust note can be related to bad exhaust CPS. However, I have no code related to any of the CPS sensors.

- Does anyone know if the real problem actually is bad solenoid or something else?

M5 London · 8th January 2009, 14:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chemical1

Hi!

I have a peake 71 code that translates to "Intake camshaft VANOS position control, Cyl #5-8". Also, when cold-starting the engine there is a noticeable difference in exhaust note - it sounds as there is exhaust leak. Once the car has a good operating temperature the noise i gone!!

I have read elsewhere that a change in exhaust note can be related to bad exhaust CPS. However, I have no code related to any of the CPS sensors.

- Does anyone know if the real problem actually is bad solenoid or something else?

Hey,

It could end up being a BANK 2 Vanos Solenoid issue !

But most of the time a CPS on the same bank could be going faulty and giving you those codes, I think.

Did you clear the code and drive around and then it reappeared ?

Have you done a GT1 Vanos test ? Good idea to do one !

Most people say exhaust tone change would point towards exhaust CPS ! But your error suggest intake ?

Whats your mileage ? If its more than 110,000 KM then I personally would change intake and exhaust cps on Bank 2

as they are going to fail at some point in anycase I reckon

Thanks

Kumaran

andy777 · 8th January 2009, 19:58

If your soleniod has gone bad you will get rough idling after warm-up and you will be down on power due to misfires, also the exhaust note will not be that noticable. You might get louder than usual vanos clatter from the bank with the problem.

Chemical1 · 9th January 2009, 12:29

Thanks for the feedback!

The car has well over 200.000km and the code (peake #71) reffered to above is a reaccuring one. Not 100% consistent reaccuring but nonetheless in my view an indication that the solenoid might be faulty.

I have read several threads where this code has been interpreted as a CPS issue where it actually is a solenoid issue. The peake table indicates the codes for the CPS are:

07 and 08 = intake camshaft positioning sensors
0A and 0B = exhaust camshaft positioning sensors

Has anyone had similar experiences?

everycredit · 9th January 2009, 13:53

Vanos solenoid issue is tricky to diagnose. When the solenoid goes bad, you will get random misfires, vanos and timing faults. You may also get CPS faults, catalytic converter faults, among many others.

The cheapest way to confirm vanos solenoid is to clear codes, start engine, wait for SES light to engage, read codes, and determine fault bank. Then remove the vanos solenoids and swap banks. Clear codes and redo. If the error jumps to the other bank, go ahead and order yourself a new solenoid, making certain it's the correct one (there are two versions--if you have the old one, it might be prudent to retrofit the new version, which will cost about $100 USD more).