Viking Supporters Co-operative

Viking Chat => Off Topic => Topic started by: Filo on September 10, 2020, 12:02:45 pm

Title: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: Filo on September 10, 2020, 12:02:45 pm
My X3 2.5si is throwing VANOS codes and is making a noise at the top end on cold start up, and seems a little underpowered for a 218bhp engine. The engine is a N52 straight 6 cylinder, any help or advice appreciated, don’t really want to take it to dealer and get ripped off price wise
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: Superspy on September 10, 2020, 12:32:27 pm
If you've got the exact codes you might be able to find some stuff online. I just did a quick search and can see there are a few forums and youtube videos surrounding codes relating to the Vanos Solenoid.
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: Filo on September 10, 2020, 12:37:31 pm
If you've got the exact codes you might be able to find some stuff online. I just did a quick search and can see there are a few forums and youtube videos surrounding codes relating to the Vanos Solenoid.

Been down that route, changed solenoids, reset adaptations still no joy, looking at how the Vanos works it looks way beyond my capabilities and probably needs special tooling. I even discovered that one of the connections on the plug to the exhaust solenoid was pushed right back probably not making a connection, and rectified that with no joy
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: Superspy on September 10, 2020, 12:43:21 pm
Do BM's store the error code until they are manually cleared, even if the issue is fixed? If so it might be worth you getting a bluetooth fault code scanner (if the car has an OBD port) and clearing the codes to see if they come back. Won't make a difference to the noises obviously, but they might be unrelated and for a few quid it could be worth a try regarding the actual error codes if you swapped the solenoids etc.

I don't know a lot about BM engines though so only basing this on other stuff I've seen.
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: SydneyRover on September 10, 2020, 01:22:42 pm
Vanos solenoid a definite condender for rough running by the sounds of it Filo. See vid bottom link.

''The Vanos system that you likely have in your BMW uses oil pressure to control the position of the intake and exhaust camshafts using a gear on the Vanos actuator and on the camshaft. A long coil of wire wrapped several times, called a solenoid, controls the amount of oil pressure that is applied''

https://www.autoscopecarcare.com/bmw-forum/how-do-i-know-if-my-vanos-solenoid-is-bad/#:~:text=The%20Vanos%20system%20that%20you,oil%20pressure%20that%20is%20applied.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VISAuU6DJdo
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: Filo on September 10, 2020, 03:45:05 pm
Do BM's store the error code until they are manually cleared, even if the issue is fixed? If so it might be worth you getting a bluetooth fault code scanner (if the car has an OBD port) and clearing the codes to see if they come back. Won't make a difference to the noises obviously, but they might be unrelated and for a few quid it could be worth a try regarding the actual error codes if you swapped the solenoids etc.

I don't know a lot about BM engines though so only basing this on other stuff I've seen.

I have a scanner and cleared codes multiple times trying to establish when the error occurs
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: Filo on September 10, 2020, 03:45:44 pm
Vanos solenoid a definite condender for rough running by the sounds of it Filo. See vid bottom link.

''The Vanos system that you likely have in your BMW uses oil pressure to control the position of the intake and exhaust camshafts using a gear on the Vanos actuator and on the camshaft. A long coil of wire wrapped several times, called a solenoid, controls the amount of oil pressure that is applied''

https://www.autoscopecarcare.com/bmw-forum/how-do-i-know-if-my-vanos-solenoid-is-bad/#:~:text=The%20Vanos%20system%20that%20you,oil%20pressure%20that%20is%20applied.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VISAuU6DJdo

Done the solenoids so that rules that out
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: drfchound on September 10, 2020, 04:24:20 pm
I remember you saying that your X3 only gives you around 25mpg Filo which seems ridiculously poor.
I have an X5 which gives me around 35mpg just knocking about.
I am no mechanic to say the least but it seems that there is something fundamentally not right with your car.

If you want to avoid a main dealer bill you might want to try Andy Candler at Wheatley who is a BMW approved service agent.
His prices are very good.
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: selby on September 10, 2020, 04:28:06 pm
Just get anew one.
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: Filo on September 10, 2020, 04:32:33 pm
I remember you saying that your X3 only gives you around 25mpg Filo which seems ridiculously poor.
I have an X5 which gives me around 35mpg just knocking about.
I am no mechanic to say the least but it seems that there is something fundamentally not right with your car.

If you want to avoid a main dealer bill you might want to try Andy Candler at Wheatley who is a BMW approved service agent.
His prices are very good.

A straight 6 petrol 4wd will be nowhere near a diesel in mgg
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: Filo on September 10, 2020, 08:02:58 pm
Just get anew one.

I like the one I’ve got, it’s rare and has top spec, you’ll not find many 2.5si N52 engines in an X3
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: Filo on September 16, 2020, 07:42:44 pm
Well thats a third garage declining to take it on, told me straight they want quick turnaround jobs these days
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: dknward2 on September 16, 2020, 07:52:47 pm
Have you tried autotecnics in Balby they are bmw specialist
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: Filo on September 16, 2020, 08:02:37 pm
Have you tried autotecnics in Balby they are bmw specialist

Yes thats the one I went to today, not interested unless it’s in and out in the day
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: dknward2 on September 16, 2020, 08:06:02 pm
Shame I know they used to be decent but if they getting like that I'll stop recommending them
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: Filo on September 16, 2020, 08:09:37 pm
Shame I know they used to be decent but if they getting like that I'll stop recommending them

The lad was friendly enough and gave advise on what the problem might be, but ramp time is everything with them these days. I went to German Car Specialists in Kirk Sandall last month they gave the excuse they might need specialist tooling, I said thats why I came in first place because you claim to be a specialist
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: Dagenham Rover on September 16, 2020, 09:00:39 pm
Im waiting on a reply from a ex master technician on another luxury german brand  see if he s got any ideas will pm you if i get any news
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: Dagenham Rover on September 16, 2020, 09:08:52 pm
you will have a pm in a few minutes
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: Filo on September 16, 2020, 10:35:02 pm
you will have a pm in a few minutes

Thank you, i have replied
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: Filo on October 10, 2020, 08:14:22 pm
Well got to end of my tether with it, traded it in today for a Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCI Titanium, sad to see it go, loved the car but time to get rid
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: Janso on October 10, 2020, 09:07:01 pm
Well got to end of my tether with it, traded it in today for a Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCI Titanium, sad to see it go, loved the car but time to get rid
My parents have one of these and they love it.
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: ravenrover on October 10, 2020, 09:26:06 pm
Hope it tugs your caravan OK I've read reports in the past saying otherwise
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: Filo on October 10, 2020, 09:36:19 pm
Hope it tugs your caravan OK I've read reports in the past saying otherwise

I’ve heard reports they are great tow cars, its 163bhp, I ‘m considering a stage 2 remap, takes it to 200bhp and adds 70% more torque, which sounds good for towing to me
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: Dagenham Rover on October 10, 2020, 09:50:35 pm
Well got to end of my tether with it, traded it in today for a Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCI Titanium, sad to see it go, loved the car but time to get rid

Shame as you said all most are interested in is on and off the ramps as quickly as possible
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: Filo on November 01, 2020, 10:49:49 am
Well got to end of my tether with it, traded it in today for a Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCI Titanium, sad to see it go, loved the car but time to get rid


Love the new car 38mpg
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: Ldr on November 01, 2020, 11:12:22 am
Well got to end of my tether with it, traded it in today for a Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCI Titanium, sad to see it go, loved the car but time to get rid


Love the new car 38mpg

Filo, Is it the new shaped Kuga? I'm expecting delivery in January so any feedback would be appreciated
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: Filo on November 01, 2020, 11:34:36 am
Well got to end of my tether with it, traded it in today for a Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCI Titanium, sad to see it go, loved the car but time to get rid


Love the new car 38mpg

Filo, Is it the new shaped Kuga? I'm expecting delivery in January so any feedback would be appreciated

No mate, never had a brand new car in my life, it’s a 2011
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: 5minstogo on November 01, 2020, 12:42:03 pm
Well got to end of my tether with it, traded it in today for a Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCI Titanium, sad to see it go, loved the car but time to get rid


Love the new car 38mpg

I got the 1.5 diesel. 50 mpg
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: Filo on November 01, 2020, 01:04:58 pm
Well got to end of my tether with it, traded it in today for a Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCI Titanium, sad to see it go, loved the car but time to get rid


Love the new car 38mpg

I got the 1.5 diesel. 50 mpg

2.0 TDCI 4WD auto i’d expect a little less than you to be fair
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on November 01, 2020, 01:29:52 pm
Delighted with the Prius I got 7 weeks back. Doing 60mpg on routes where I struggled to get 35 from my old BMW520D. Quick enough too when you need it to be.
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: Campsall rover on November 01, 2020, 07:39:06 pm
Delighted with the Prius I got 7 weeks back. Doing 60mpg on routes where I struggled to get 35 from my old BMW520D. Quick enough too when you need it to be.
I have had 5 BMW 520 D going back to 1989 BST and never failed to average less than 42 to the gallon.
The last one a 58 plate which i had for 5 yrs & 9months had done 168.000 miles & sold last Dec, i used to get 55 on a long run.
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on November 01, 2020, 07:48:43 pm
Campsall. A lot of my driving is through Derbyshire, up hill and down dale on twisting side roads. Never got 42mpg out of the 520 on those roads.

I did squeeze 50-55 mpg out of it on long motorway runs, but I've had 75 out of the Prius on similar runs.
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: 5minstogo on November 01, 2020, 08:27:13 pm
Well got to end of my tether with it, traded it in today for a Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCI Titanium, sad to see it go, loved the car but time to get rid


Love the new car 38mpg

I got the 1.5 diesel. 50 mpg

2.0 TDCI 4WD auto i’d expect a little less than you to be fair

Good car either way. I fancied the auto but found the clutch do light i thought I'd go for mpg over comfort.
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: Campsall rover on November 01, 2020, 08:46:39 pm
Campsall. A lot of my driving is through Derbyshire, up hill and down dale on twisting side roads. Never got 42mpg out of the 520 on those roads.

I did squeeze 50-55 mpg out of it on long motorway runs, but I've had 75 out of the Prius on similar runs.
Fair enough obviously it depends on the roads you are on as to the MPG your going to get.
Title: Re: Any BMW mechanics out there
Post by: Filo on November 01, 2020, 09:30:40 pm
Well got to end of my tether with it, traded it in today for a Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCI Titanium, sad to see it go, loved the car but time to get rid


Love the new car 38mpg

I got the 1.5 diesel. 50 mpg

2.0 TDCI 4WD auto i’d expect a little less than you to be fair

Good car either way. I fancied the auto but found the clutch do light i thought I'd go for mpg over comfort.

Got the auto for towing, much easier with an auto