Low revs when stopped and occasionally cuts out out

Faults are showing for inlet and exhaust timing so it could well be a problem with the oil supply pressure, it could be a clogged oil pick up filter, but I’m no mechanic so only trying to think of possible causes.
I wouldn’t be driving it if there’s low oil pressure
 
Just looked at the prices of the Autophix 7910 and seem pretty good for the money. Will order one later today....thanks again
 
Hi, just checked. The oil and filter was changed in March 2024, it's done 2000 miles since the service. Just started it up and it rattled and was juddering so turned it off. Searching on Google and the AI overview ofmthe vanos faults it seems to tick every box that the vanos is the issue.
The engine warning light is on but no other lights.
Just need to find someone reliable who can replace it at a reasonable cost.....not the garage i took it to who told me the timing chain was the issue. I'm also ordering the AUTOPHIX 7910 OBD2 Scanner. Wife wants me to get rid of the car as she thinks other faults will pop up.....but I love it, the sound and drive blows me away.....do wonder whether she right though and I will be throwing loads of money into it.
 
Shaun T said:
Just need to find someone reliable who can replace it at a reasonable cost
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That'll be you! The solenoids are easy to replace.

If you can't find a garage you can trust then you're going to have to think about getting your hands dirty. Even if you can find one, it's expensive paying someone else to do guesswork to diagnose and/or general jobs you can (often to a better standard).

The rattle could just be the hydraulic lifters.
 
Thanks Steve....I used to work on all my cars but that was a long time ago lol....so change the solenoids would be first thing.....then reset the fault codes...then see what happens.
I'm taking your word they are easy to change....just need to order them.
Oh and wife is just sat shaking her head lol.
 
Shaun T said:
Thanks Steve....I used to work on all my cars but that was a long time ago lol....so change the solenoids would be first thing.....then reset the fault codes...then see what happens.
I'm taking your word they are easy to change....just need to order them.
Oh and wife is just sat shaking her head lol.
Click to expand...
Personally, I'd go out and have a look then just swap them over. When the code reader arrives you can reset and see if the fault moves.

Spannering hasn't changed much, but the tech/troubleshooting has. Though all a garage/dealer is going to do is read codes and swap things out, which you can mostly do yourself for much cheaper. Unless you find a specialist who actually knows what they're doing.
 
Hiya, just looked and it's pretty easy thank goodnes. I will order the code reader and do as you suggest.
I can then hopefully order replacements and get my baby running again.
Thank you all.for the support and advice, no doubt I will have more questions but your support has been fantastic.
Last question if I have to replace the solenoids do you know the best place to order them from..
 
Just a thought, is your car a call back vehicle from around 2011 related to Vanos bolts.
My colleagues car was effected being 2011 car, my 2009 23i not effected.
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=147895
 
I would still be suspicious of the cam cover leaking, more air leaking can cause all sorts.
Cam cover should be wear item to replace after 90k miles.
If garage babbles on about cam chain they are thinking it's the 4 pot engine, seems N52 is more or less bullet proof.
 
I've ordered the obd reader which may arrive tomorrow and I will check all out. I am so frustrated as I love this car, everything about it is right and I need to get it running again. I wish I had some one close who could check it out for me but I will give it a good go.
I haven't told the wife but I need to do whatever I can to get it running.
 
Hi. Not sure if this helps but I had similar problems. E89 20i 2012. Took it to Zedshed and Mike changed timing chain and plastic guides last July 2024. Total just below £1,000. Plastic guide had begin to crack at the bottom. Threw up Vanos codes etc. Just remember that if this happens it can be catastrophic and new engine required. Mike at Zedshed had another 20i for a new engine due to this problem. Luckily caught mine in time.
Just check through the oil filler cap and see if the timing chain guide is a brown plastic colour and if it is, then it's the old version. The new replacement is white in colour.
 
Hiya, i am going to check it all over tomorrow. The code reader arrived and have checked this out, 2A98 crankshaft inlet crankshaft, 2A82 vanos intake, 30C1 engine oil pressure control static and 2A99 crankshaft exhaust camshaft reference...
If I switch the solenoid plugs over then it should give different codes...if this is the case would you think it points to solenoids? Is it worth just changing them anyway? The car started straight away this morning then started juddering a bit and then the revs were up and down from a cold start.
 
Now you have a code reader clear the faults and rescan without starting the car, that should then show no faults, then start the car and let it idle, you could try blipping the throttle a few times, then just turn it off and re scan and see if you get the same faults, it seems a little strange that both VANOS solenoids are both faulty at the same time, unless they are being starved of oil, you could try taking them out and giving them a clean with some brake cleaner or petrol, if you remove them both don’t mix up the connectors when refitting.
 
Great thanks for the advice, I am hoping to give it a go tomorrow. We still can't believe it was driving so good and then it all went wrong. I've ordered a spanner to check the oil filter as well...I live in Oldbury B69 and wish there was someone close who was reliable and trustworthy but let's see what happens tomorrow
Thanks for all the advice, I just hope I can get it running again 🙏
 
Try Stourbridge Automotive, only used them once years ago to reset the stupid brake light after a pad change.
Indy seem to do a lot of BMW.
 
Hi all, removed the vanos solenoids this morning and gave them a good spray with carburetor cleaner. One of them when I shook it you could hear a plunger or something inside, the other didn't make any sound ( the one from the top of the engine). I sprayed this more and then you could hear something starting to move inside. I let them dry and put them back in, reset the codes and started the engine. All seemed good for a while then the oil light came on and the revs dropped. 2 codes came back, 2A82 vanos intake and 30c1 engine oil pressure control static. I have ordered a spanner to check the oil filter which should arrive on Monday but it seemed to be making quite a bit of noise around it...is it worth me changing the solenoids as they have been cleaned and I still have an issue...
 
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