Car gone into “semi limp mode”

[James1]

Hi folks
Since I purchased my z4 m coupe 87k miles there has been a dead spot around 3000rpm. I was not overly worried about it as I thought it probably needs a vanos rebuild around now.
But today the car went into a semi limp mode - where the engine still revved out on acceleration but it was really slow and sluggish.
It sounds like all cylinders are firing but the acceleration is very bad.
There are no lights on - on the dash.
I have no diagnostic tool at present - so I need to plug in to see what is happening.
But in the meantime I would appreciate the following.
1. In you option what is the problem.
2. What is the best diagnostic tool I can buy. - reasonable price.
3. Anyone with a diagnostic tool for sale
4. Anyone with a rebuild vanos for sale


Regards & thanks

 

[Chris_D]

sounds like a cam position sensor fault to me.

but yeah, you need to get a scanner on it to see if there are any fault codes.
Carly is popular as are the multitude of readersavailable on amazon.
Indicate your location and maybe an obliging forum member can accommodate you.

 

[James1]

Hi there.
I am located in Ireland

Thanks

 

[James1]

Thanks guys.
Has this happened to anyone?

Thomas

 

[James1]

Hi Chris d - yea looks you are right - I plugged it in and got 2 error codes
2AA1 cam shaft sensor, exhaust signal
2AA3 cam shaft sensor, exhaust space loss
Brought for a spin before plugging it in and it was running fine again.
Plugged in and reset the error and has not returned to date

Anyone recommend a good vanos rebuild kit ?

 

[Smartbear]

Hi Chris d - yea looks you are right - I plugged it in and got 2 error codes
2AA1 cam shaft sensor, exhaust signal
2AA3 cam shaft sensor, exhaust space loss
Brought for a spin before plugging it in and it was running fine again.
Plugged in and reset the error and has not returned to date

Anyone recommend a good vanos rebuild kit ?

Good news on finding the issue, there should be a fair bit on vanos rebuilds if you use the search function on here
Rob

 

[Chris_D]

Hi Chris d - yea looks you are right - I plugged it in and got 2 error codes
2AA1 cam shaft sensor, exhaust signal
2AA3 cam shaft sensor, exhaust space loss
Brought for a spin before plugging it in and it was running fine again.
Plugged in and reset the error and has not returned to date

Anyone recommend a good vanos rebuild kit ?

Exhaust side sensor then. Good to hear. Easy replacement.
Don't skimp on cheap Chinese crap - get a pukka replacement sensor from BMW, they're not so expensive.
don't forget to remove the old o-ring too.

 

[James1]

Hi folks.
Just an update on this.
My problem has gotten worse.
Sometimes engine management on and sometimes not
Error code says exhaust cam shaft error or position issue.
Also my car is hard started when warm . Needs a good press of the accelerator.
Also when driving the acceleration is slow but does not appear to be coil slacks

So my questions - has anyone got the part number for the exhaust cam shaft sensor
Also, should I buy bmw one or a “pukka” one per advice from Chris.
Thanks folks

 

[blobslosak]

I think by pukka he means buy BMW OEM not chinese.

 

[Bing]

I was searching for this just today as I was out for a spin and an hour in the car felt like it was down in power and sluggish to respond. After stopping for fuel I had issues starting the car too. Got home, did a throttle reset for kicks and blipped the throttle after another failed start-up and the EML came on. Plugged in Carly and got code P130A which is also camshaft position sensor. Weirdly when I started it from cold to put it back in the garage, no EML and no issues starting :?

Go to realoem.com, put in your model details, go to engine electrics, ignition system (I think) and click the right hand sensor diagram. You’ll find the part number in there.

I’m doubly pissed off as I’ve had an EML for an O2 sensor for 8 weeks and been waiting for my mechanic to open again... finally gets fixed yesterday, £400 lighter, I go for a hoon because, well because ... and this happens

 

[Babw]

Must be Covid for Z4M because mines just thrown the P130A code which is causing starting issues and loss of power.

Which cam sensor went in your car Bing? Intake or exhaust?

 

[sixspeed]

Got the same code coming up on my M today after taking it for a short drive (first in a while). Car feels like its running reduced power (60-70% or so at a guess). Runs otherwise ok.

Fault code P130A showing. If I clear it, the car runs ok for a minute or two's driving, then power is reduced again and the same fault code appears.

Did your replacement camshaft position sensor(s) resolve the issue for you Bing, Babw?