Hello! Having a bit of an issue and hoping you can help. My z4 2.0 n46 wouldn't start yesterday ( at a very embarrassing time of driving round a friends to show them what an amazing car it is :rofl: ) and that lasted about 20 minutes before it started again. Once started the EML light was on. I got it home and asked my friend to pop round who has a computer thing which can diagnose for problems. The only fault that registered was code 2a61 valvetronic internal fault. A couple of questions I have for you, does the car not starting sound normal for a valvetronic motor fault, is this something which is cheap to replace and lastly, could me who knows not much about cars and my mate who knows a fair amount change it ourselves? He's not changed one before but has done most other things. He told me my best bet was to get on a forum as its wheat place to find out what you need to know. So sorry to be a pain, I'm not usually a computer minded person so had t thought of coming on here before. If there's anything at all I can tell you or pictures I can supply please let me know! Hope you can help, thanks again. Dan
Valvetronic Motor 2a61 and limp mode HELP!
- Thread starter Dpburns
- Start date
found this on the internet
BMW Fault Code 2A61 & 2A63 Valvetronic Motor Fault
We see this happening more and more, and is not an easy or cheap fix to do. The BMW fault trouble codes 2A61 & 2A63 are generally a result of a failing Valvetronic Servo Motor in your BMW engine. The symptoms we encountered in this BMW were
A. On start up the engine started & sounded like a diesel engine (the model we drove was a petrol)
B. When pulling away from standstill, the bite was difficult to control, and the vehicle would be very hesitant to move off smoothly. We would generally need to press the accelerator harder and keep the clutch depressed for longer in order to get any decent bite and pull off, this would result in higher revs and a louder get away, not to mention the excess in fuel being used just to start moving.
I will say though, that once the BMW was in motion and driving, everything was very smooth, and the rest of the gear changes were very smooth.
Basically the Servo Valvetronic motor needs to be changed which means taking off the rocker head and is not the easiest job, however if you are a competent home mechanic i would say give it a go.
BMW Fault Code 2A61 & 2A63 Valvetronic Motor Fault
We see this happening more and more, and is not an easy or cheap fix to do. The BMW fault trouble codes 2A61 & 2A63 are generally a result of a failing Valvetronic Servo Motor in your BMW engine. The symptoms we encountered in this BMW were
A. On start up the engine started & sounded like a diesel engine (the model we drove was a petrol)
B. When pulling away from standstill, the bite was difficult to control, and the vehicle would be very hesitant to move off smoothly. We would generally need to press the accelerator harder and keep the clutch depressed for longer in order to get any decent bite and pull off, this would result in higher revs and a louder get away, not to mention the excess in fuel being used just to start moving.
I will say though, that once the BMW was in motion and driving, everything was very smooth, and the rest of the gear changes were very smooth.
Basically the Servo Valvetronic motor needs to be changed which means taking off the rocker head and is not the easiest job, however if you are a competent home mechanic i would say give it a go.
also found this
when he has the valvetronic servor motor out he must move the eccentric shaft as far anti clockwise as it will go before he re-fits the servor motor onto the eccentric shaft teeth/gear. Then also when he comes to the programming in the car via the accelarator peddle he MUST put the pob key into the dash the he MUST touch the start button lightly just so that the dash cluster lights come on. He must the immediately push the accelarator pedel full throttle ten times and listen for the servor motor setting itself while he does it.
when he has the valvetronic servor motor out he must move the eccentric shaft as far anti clockwise as it will go before he re-fits the servor motor onto the eccentric shaft teeth/gear. Then also when he comes to the programming in the car via the accelarator peddle he MUST put the pob key into the dash the he MUST touch the start button lightly just so that the dash cluster lights come on. He must the immediately push the accelarator pedel full throttle ten times and listen for the servor motor setting itself while he does it.
I had to have mine changed last winter after becoming stuck in snow and revving to much trying to get free causing damage to the motor.
I believe the motor was £250 from BMW direct and my friend swapped it over for £40, you will need a new gasket as the rocker-cover needs to be removed.
OP where are you located?
You could also try resetting the motor by simply unplugging it and plugging it back in again. You just need to remove the engine cover to get access.
I believe the motor was £250 from BMW direct and my friend swapped it over for £40, you will need a new gasket as the rocker-cover needs to be removed.
OP where are you located?
You could also try resetting the motor by simply unplugging it and plugging it back in again. You just need to remove the engine cover to get access.
If you are going to do this yourself you need a new gasket and a torque wrench. When I did it without a torque wrench I snapped two bolts at back of the rocker box It was fun getting the bits out. Sorry I have forgotten the torque setting. Phone bmw and ask. Just strip the everything down until you see the valvetronic motor unplug the connector and undo the nuts that are holding it {don't drop one in the box like I did it took me ages to find it} take it out and re fit When you have put it all together again put the ignition key in and turn.DO NOT START THE MOTOR. LISTEN!!! You will hear the valvetronic motor setting its self. It will take about 1 min. I did this two times more just to be on the safe side. best of luck. 
Thank you all so much for your replies! My phone didn't show these but I've now logged on from my PC and I can see them all 
I'm starting the valvetronic motor replacement today and have fingers and toes all crossed. Got the part at a good price and because I'm skint, I'm doping it myself, can't afford to take it anywhere. As bad as it is, everything I've learned about mechanics and cars is from necessity of being too poor to pay for someone else to fix it, so although I don;t know that much, I have a fair bit of common sense (I'll regret saying that later I know I will) so giving it a go. I'll take some photos and post my journey. Cheers all.
I'm starting the valvetronic motor replacement today and have fingers and toes all crossed. Got the part at a good price and because I'm skint, I'm doping it myself, can't afford to take it anywhere. As bad as it is, everything I've learned about mechanics and cars is from necessity of being too poor to pay for someone else to fix it, so although I don;t know that much, I have a fair bit of common sense (I'll regret saying that later I know I will) so giving it a go. I'll take some photos and post my journey. Cheers all.where did you get the motor please ? I need to source one too.Dpburns said:Thank you all so much for your replies! My phone didn't show these but I've now logged on from my PC and I can see them all