Could use some advice for this one.

Following a diagnostics read out for my M52 328i, one error code is displayed:

212 Vanos (Bank1)

Mechanical Jamming.

I have changed the Vanos solenoid and spring for a new one which has not cured the problem!

Have to say I do feel the car is slightly underpowered considering its a 2.8..sometimes its like a rocket whilst other times it seems to lack the edge...pretty sure its related to the above..engine makes no strange noises just feels as though sometimes it is holding back..all revs and no trousers..

Has anyone experienced this issue? Perhaps you know of a method to investigate?

Cheers

Me thinks a complete single vanos (albeit reconditioned) is on the cards me ol mukka. That code suggests you have a one bank of valves not behaving themselves as the Vanos is not freely operating.

I believe they are what £150 odd nowadays? Could be wrong. And that would explain the get up n go, or not, as the case maybe.

Thanks PM, have you experienced this issue yourself or perhaps you know of someone who has?

Would you know where I can source a reconditioned unit? Perhaps there is an outfit which would recondition mine as I could use the train in the mean time?

I am assuming that Car Soft diagnostics are accurate and should be taken on board when flagged?

Cheers

Hi,

There are a few things that could help you here.

First thing here is the fault code descriptions in carsoft are not always good. If you can post the code number along with the car details (last 7 digits of vin) I will give you a detailed description.

Vanos units can jam mechanically and this could well be your problem. Do you know of any recent history, eg head work?

The vanos is actuated by a solenoid which simply opens a valve to allow oil pressure act on the vanos unit. It is possible to get bits of carbon blocking this. The method to test this is to replace the oil feed with an air feed and measure the movement of the vanos unit.

If the code you have is correct then this is generated because the ECU has commanded the vanos and so expects to see the Cam position change, but it does not, or does not change the correct amount. It measures this by looking at the Cam and Crank positions as reported by the cam and Crank sensors. With the right scantool connected it is possible to watch the reported Cam position when it plays up compared to when it is ok.

A code for this fault will not be generated by an airmass or compression problem as these do not effect cam position.

The best course of action here is to note the code, clear it, drive until the fault occurs, check live data when it is happening, and check that the same code reoccurs. If it is the same code then check the actual vanos unit.

HTH

Alan

Thanks for this.

I will provide the code number presented through CarSoft - do not have the details to hand currently.

From the vehicle history, I am aware that the bottom end was replaced by BMW at around 50k other than that no sign of Vanos work.

I can confirm that I have cleared the ECU quite a few times (after driving) but the same code reappears.

I will try to undertake the compressed air check as I had already changed the solenoid, piston and spring which didn't work..

328i, off the topic but that does sounds quite like the infamous nicasil lined cylinder bore issue apparent with M52 engines prior to 1998.

Perhaps a compression check would be beneficial?

The issue normally resulted in loss of power and unexplainable oil consumption.