Any BMW mechanics out there

[Filo]

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

[Superspy]

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.

[Filo]

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

[Superspy]

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.

[SydneyRover]

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

[Filo]

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

[Filo]

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

[drfchound]

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.

[selby]

Just get anew one.

[Filo]

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

[Filo]

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

[Filo]

Well thats a third garage declining to take it on, told me straight they want quick turnaround jobs these days

[dknward2]

Have you tried autotecnics in Balby they are bmw specialist

[Filo]

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

[dknward2]

Shame I know they used to be decent but if they getting like that I'll stop recommending them

[Filo]

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

[Dagenham Rover]

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

[Dagenham Rover]

you will have a pm in a few minutes

[Filo]

you will have a pm in a few minutes

Thank you, i have replied

[Filo]

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

[Janso]

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.

[ravenrover]

Hope it tugs your caravan OK I've read reports in the past saying otherwise

[Filo]

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

[Dagenham Rover]

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

[Filo]

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

[Ldr]

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

[Filo]

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

[5minstogo]

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

[Filo]

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

[BillyStubbsTears]

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.