BMW M5 Forum and M6 Forums banner

Paging Dr..... Imola Patient in distress

15K views 151 replies 16 participants last post by  AquilaBMW 
#1 ·
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:punctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> The car is a 2000 Imola Red M5. It has 109K miles on it. Car has a few issues here and there. The worst and most pressing is the engine and how it runs. Car basically runs like crap, it shakes, shudders and misfires all over the place. It idles almost like it’s got a few dead cylinders.

I had to pick it up from Orange County and get it to SFO, which is a drive of about 400 miles or so. Prior to embarking on the journey, I checked the plugs. I found that the coil pack on #1 was loose and missing one of the 10mm bolts. No big deal, it was still attached to the plug itself. It had NGK plugs, but not the four prong ones I prefer. I replaced all the plugs and fired her up again. She seemed to idle just a little bit better, but nothing really worth celebrating.

I decided to bite the bullet and headed home with it. I know I will get admonished for this at some point. During the drive, at around 2500 – 3000 RPMs the car ran fine. It pulled strong and all. Anything below 2500 or at idle it would stumble a lot. It never actually died though. I did not rev it aboe 3,000 RPMs, so I have nothing to report further up the rev gauge.

I did scan the car with INPA. I am no INPA expert, so some of that stuff was pretty much Latin to me. However, the smoothness test showed an engine all over the place. It had 15 errors codes, primarily misfire codes and also two VANOS codes – I think like 67 or something. I have to check again, sorry.

I am being told this is for certain a VANOS issue – either replace or rebuild them to solve the problem. I will be surfing and searching the site for similar maladies or situations to educate myself. I will be using this thread to record progress and updates and such.


<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true" DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99" LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]-->
 
See less See more
#6 · (Edited)
Tough love huh Sailor? :wink I actually feel a little silly now. Not only did my research turn up the information I needed on VANOS boards and such, but I also found an actual thread on the car in question.

Seems it was pretty much diagnosed as VANOS, so I'm going to open her up and see what I find. I will post back as I make progress.

Now, all I need to find is the DIY thread on how to remove the VANOS units themselves. With 109K miles, I think the car is worth saving.Funny thing is when I met the PO / Seller. We talked cars for quite a bit and of course the forum came up. He told me he had posted about the car, but I had not seen the thread at the time. I asked him if you or a couple of other names had posted a response yet. I joked with him that until certain subject experts had posted, we couldn't be sure what was wrong yet... LOL!

You actually did respond to the said thread. Here is the thread.... I should probably update that as well as I get along with this project:

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e3...000-e39-m5-misfire-need-help-asap-please.html

Anyway, here she is...

 
#3 ·
Could be anything, including Global Warming(TM), based on your description.

I've seen bad grounding of the coil packs cause the issue, along with clogged vanos solenoids but before you throw effort at this car you should figure out what's actually going wrong.
 
#7 ·
Hmmm.... Global Warmin huh? That is something else I am going to need to consider. Maybe this issue is also associated with Solar flares affecting the Imola Red on the car. The only guy who can fix this with some really good organically grown herb has still not returned from Mars - Darn It! LOL! :grin

I actually had that ground issue on my Avus Blue. When someone changed the coilpacks, the ground wires got pinched and exposed. It would cut out at high RPMs when I guess the packs were most under load.

This car did have a pinched wire above Cyl #3, but I was able to fix that when I replaced the plugs.
 
#9 ·
If you get a chance to click on the thread link I posted in my response to Sailor, you'll see that a lot of those things were already replaced. Not the MAFs though as far as I know. I doubt it's the MAFs though to be honest.

I will pull codes today or over the weekend and post them. That will give a clearer picture of what is happening.
 
#18 ·
It is more than just vanos although you need to resolder for one code I would think you need to do a complete rebuild and clean of both boards. That will likely cure the misfires but the trim codes will still be there in all likelyhood. To early to guess but I suspect the MAFs are also done.
 
#19 ·
Rebuild the vanos solenoid boards and you'll be happier... Make sure you don't knick an o-ring getting them back in as it will fail faster.

Good luck with the car. I bought mine with 104K on it, and it came with the same problem. Not the hardest one to fix, but the most satisfying!
 
#22 ·
It is far from hard. Guys make mistakes but just follow this.
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e3...2759-vanos-solenoid-maintenance_full-diy.html
Read it all as things change a bit by the end. The one thing that is not in this thread is to turn the noids so the wires are snug after you reinstall the boards or you might pinch a wire when the cover goes back on.

If the MAFs are bad you can always just unplug them but if they are bad they need to be replaced soon so you don't deposit up the engine.
 
#25 ·
It is far from hard. Guys make mistakes but just follow this.
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e3...2759-vanos-solenoid-maintenance_full-diy.html
Read it all as things change a bit by the end. The one thing that is not in this thread is to turn the noids so the wires are snug after you reinstall the boards or you might pinch a wire when the cover goes back on.

If the MAFs are bad you can always just unplug them but if they are bad they need to be replaced soon so you don't deposit up the engine.

Thanks Sailor. I will read up as much as I can before I attempt. Like most things it's most daunting on first try. I think it will be great though - it would be nice to get this beast running right again.


As for the MAF's, I might try to just unplug them or put in a replacement set I have and see how that might impact things.


Obviously, doing the VANOS is paramount. I will update as I progress. Wish me luck.

Make sure you watch vantaam's video on removing the boards.

Also your HLM numbers around 20 in INPA analog is good and suggests your MAFS are OK.

I agree with your idea to take your time. Many rush this and botch the job.

One of these days, I will understand all the data from these scans. I remember on my Avus Blue the HLM numbers were pretty high suggesting bad MAFs, however it seems the car had a custom tune done and was thus made to run richer than normal.

That is not the best way to get the noids out anymore. It certainly was the only way anyone thought of in the beginning. Now the preferred way is to loosen the cover bolts about 1/16" then start the car for a moment and shut it off once the rattle is gone. That will push the boards out enough to get a screwdriver down to the noids and a gentle pry will move them out more. Then move to the pliers for the last bit.

Hmmm..... good to know. I need to study up on this before attempting it. Wondering if I should try pulling the boards from the parts car first before I attempt on this car. Only thing is I can't start the parts car up anymore.
 
#24 ·
That is not the best way to get the noids out anymore. It certainly was the only way anyone thought of in the beginning. Now the preferred way is to loosen the cover bolts about 1/16" then start the car for a moment and shut it off once the rattle is gone. That will push the boards out enough to get a screwdriver down to the noids and a gentle pry will move them out more. Then move to the pliers for the last bit.
 
#26 · (Edited)
Those fuel trims are a bit unusual. The additive adaptation 1 0f 0.43 msis high, quite near the upper limit of 0.5 ms, so at idle and low load, bank 1 is running lean. But additive 2 is normal and slightly negative so pulling fuel. Quite a big difference in the trims between the banks. Since the bank 1 intake cam VANOS looks like it's in a mess, and the VANOS codes are coming in at low rpm, that may explain the trim difference. I don't recall seeing an obvious correlation between VANOS problems and bank trims before, but maybe people just didn't report enough info.

And multiplicative 2 is high at 1.19, which is getting close to the upper limit of 1.25, meaning bank 2 is running lean at medium to higher loads. Whereas multiplicative 1 is in the normal range but showing that bank is running a bit rich. So again quite a big spread between the banks, but in the opposite direction to the additive trims. Not typical of MAF's which are common to both banks and tend to affect both banks the same.

So is the AE on bank 1 caused by the additive 1 hitting the upper limit, and the AF on bank 2 caused by the multiplicative 2 hitting the upper limit?

If you still have the INPA data for these two codes, can you post it?

Fixing the boards is a good first step. In fact, doing only that, putting a few miles on fix, and reporting back what it did to fuel trims would be good info.

The aluminum board covers held on with the five allen head bolts, do they have setscrews that clamp the solenoids solidly in place? Some early cars had no setscrews and the solenoids could rattle around, which fatigued and broke wires.

Malcolm
 
#29 ·
Malcolm -

Thanks very much for chiming in. I have to admit some of the stuff you mentioned is still above my head, I am still in the learning process on the S62. What data are you inquiring about from INPA? I can look into that. Where would I find it in INPA.

I will check on the covers and maybe take a couple of pictures and compare them to the 2001 engine. There was indication of possibly broken wires in the INPA Error codes - is that related to the covers' issue you mention?

It seems the most pressing thing is the most involved here which is fixing the VANOS boards. I'm still boning up on this amid the other million things I have on my plate.. LOL!


All the vanos error codes are bank 1. Only cyl 8 giving codes on bank 2, although cyl 6 not running smooth on analog 3. I wonder if there could be two separate issues, bank 1 vanos board circuit (since you have valve specific codes) and a cyl 8 coil problem. Regardless, as above, you should deal with things one at a time starting with bank 1 noid board, then clear codes and drive. Rinse with a beer and repeat.

Don't remember, have you had a look at your plugs?
From the thread by the PO, it seems all the VANOS issues are indeed concentrated on Bank 1, however might as well do both while I'm at it.

As far as the plugs, they were all replaced but one - Cyl.#5 was not changed at the time as I lost one plug... :|

Would noid boards from a 2001 engine work on a 2000 engine?
 
#27 ·
sailor get out of my head man I said the same thing in my head rebuild the boards check for vacuum to be safe and replace the mafs clear the adaptations and drive the ***** I would throw a set of cam sensors in too and i bet the ***** runs like a rape date
 
#28 ·
All the vanos error codes are bank 1. Only cyl 8 giving codes on bank 2, although cyl 6 not running smooth on analog 3. I wonder if there could be two separate issues, bank 1 vanos board circuit (since you have valve specific codes) and a cyl 8 coil problem. Regardless, as above, you should deal with things one at a time starting with bank 1 noid board, then clear codes and drive. Rinse with a beer and repeat.

Don't remember, have you had a look at your plugs?
 
#30 ·
I was just going through the VANOS DIY thread. I have to be honest here, this seems way above my head. I am sure I can successfully remove the boards - whether I have the update cover or old ones. However, actually repairing the VANOS boards is quite daunting. I have soldered once or twice, here and there. I have never soldered on a circuit board of any kind.

Is there anyone or any place out there I can send my VANOS boards to for repair?
 
#35 ·
Once you select the "MS S52 for S62 M5" option, you'll get the Main Menu screen which has the F1 to F10 menu.

Select F4 "Error Memory".

Then select F1 "Read Error Memory".

You'll get the complete listing of error codes in the DME with the "freeze frame" data included, like you posted above..

Look for codes 174 and 175.

Malcolm
 
#38 ·
Malcolm - I thought that was what I already posted, no? I will do the test again as soon as I am able and post it.

Cheers,

Michael

The name that comes up is DR Vanos most often. Don't think I have ever read a complaint, things have had to go back for a second try once in a while but that happens with all companies.
Thanks! I just checked out their website. Seems VANOS board repairs run in the $400 range, however VANOS repairs run $250? I'd have thought the complete VANOS repair would cost more.

In the interests of being frugal, I will attempt the repair myself - at least pull out the boards and see what condition they are in. There is also mention of possible bad solenoids by themselves so I will have to learn how to identify those.

If all else fails, Dr. VANOS has complete VANOS units for $1100 Net Cost. :devil

I apologize in advance that I will be coming back to the board with questions by the minute as I do this. Hope I can lean on your guys a bit on this one.

You are saving these cars and Adam parts them...

Find me a LeMans Blue 01+
Hey Buddy - How goes it? I actually have a LeMans Blue one. Sadly, the clearcoat is in really poor shape, the driver's seat has twist and the car has 180K miles on it. Runs like a gem though.
 
#39 ·
You can go this route, find a non chain TV store that does repairs. Print out some of the threads with pics take them to the repair guy and talk. Show the pics that the small boards need to be bridged and you want new solder by sucking the old off and that you need them tested. Should be 4 ohms circuit and the diodes tested for shorts/opens. Childs play for a guy like that but he needs the correct info so smittys and Gzigs threads are manditory.

You should be able to throw out the filters and blow compressed air through the noid using a 9V battery. You should be able to listen for clicking and decide if they are strong and even. Do this then take them for resolder.
 
#43 ·
Thanks for the tip. I still need to get to the first step, which is removing the actual boards. Once I have them out, I will be able to assess whether I think I can repair them or not by myself, your tip gives me another option though. Cheers!

Check the coil packs first. I had a miss-fire problem as well. I started with the MAF and ended up replacing the coil packs and fixed my problems. As mentioned by someone you may have more than VANOS problems.

Coil packs are easy to replace and aren't that expensive and new ones usually make a difference even if the old ones were working before.

Good luck - hope you get it running right.
I have a replacement set of Coil Packs I can use, however, based on the codes the car is throwing it really seems to point to a VANOS issue more so than anything else.

Anyone else think it could just be coil packs? I also have to mention that the PO said car was running fine about 60 days ago or less. What are the chances that multiple coil packs can go bad?

It's still worth a shot though, I guess I can some time on that. Cheers!
 
#40 ·
Check the coil packs first. I had a miss-fire problem as well. I started with the MAF and ended up replacing the coil packs and fixed my problems. As mentioned by someone you may have more than VANOS problems.

Coil packs are easy to replace and aren't that expensive and new ones usually make a difference even if the old ones were working before.

Good luck - hope you get it running right.
 
#45 ·
In other news, I figured out why the SES was "supposedly" not on.... some Seller was rather unscrupulous. I don't think it was the person I got it from, rather the person that sold it to him.

Check it out. I took apart the cluster and this is what I found:

 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top