VVT Activation and EML light

[Karim_Z4]

Hello all, this is my first post on the forum and unfortunately not a post of good news.

I am seeking some advice on what to start with on this issue.

The other night I started the car up and was met with the “EML” light. The car sounded to be misfiring slightly. (It has had 4 new spark plugs fitted at the last service.)

I have managed to get it plugged in to a diagnostic tool. The codes I am faced with are (2A67 - VVT Activation) and (2A6B - Power supply limit VVT - Emergency) Has anyone experienced these codes before and if so would anyone be able to suggest where I should start? Eg. - Valvetronic motor or eccentric shaft sensor was one of my guesses from reading other posts (I could not find a post where someone had a similar issue) but I would like to be sure before I start throwing money at it. The car is a 2007 2.0 n46 engine. Thank you in advance for any advice.

 

[tug]

Hi Karim, welcome to the forum. Unfortunately your valvetronic has died. I know this cos when mine died i got the same codes. Your zed will go into limp mode also. You need a new valvetronic, not a massive job & can be done by yourself.

I had mine done at a BMW specialist, £430 fitted. This included the valvetronic which they ordered in. It would be a good idea to have the valvetronic adaptations removed at the same time, ISTA or INPA software can do this.

Hope this helps.

Cheers, tug

 

[Karim_Z4]

It would be a good idea to have the valvetronic adaptations removed at the same time, ISTA or INPA software can do this.

Hi Tug, Thanks for the speedy reply. I have looked up replacing the Valvetronic motor and can see it’s gonna include me replacing the rocker cover gasket. Can I just ask what you mean by removing the adaptions to the Valvetronic? (As in the benefits of doing so) also would I need to acquire the software to do this my self? (When I Google it, it comes up with Carly)

TIA

Karim

 

[enuff_zed]

Hi Karim,
Welcome to the forum.
Whilst my experience is with the 6-cyl M54, I suspect the 'adaptations' is similar.
Basically, the ECU 'learns' how the valve timing is working and makes small adjustments to optimise performance.
As the system degrades a lot of the fall-off is disguised by the ECU.
So if you now fit new, the ECU will not know and will continue to apply the old adaptations until it eventually learns again.
Resetting will go back to a default set of values from which the ECU can just add little tweaks.
I did this on the wife's 2.5i when I overhauled the Vanos. It then took about 100 miles to fully smooth itself out.
Without the reset this could potentially take much longer.
I have an Autophix 5900 which will reset the M54 engine, never had occasion to try a 4-pot but would guess it would do that too?
Whereabouts are you? Maybe someone close by could help you out?

 

[tug]

Exactly what enuff expertly described.

Be sure to let us know how it goes mate.

 

[Karim_Z4]

Thank you for explaining both of you.

I’m going to order a genuine VVT Motor and rocker cover gasket tonight. I should hopefully get chance to work on it the coming weekend. If I can get it plugged into the diagnostic kit again I will have a look to see if I can reset the adaptions for VVT. If I can’t then I am based in Swadlincote south Derbyshire. ( I will just have to hope someone close by can help out

 

[enuff_zed]

Thank you for explaining both of you.

I’m going to order a genuine VVT Motor and rocker cover gasket tonight. I should hopefully get chance to work on it the coming weekend. If I can get it plugged into the diagnostic kit again I will have a look to see if I can reset the adaptions for VVT. If I can’t then I am based in Swadlincote south Derbyshire. ( I will just have to hope someone close by can help out

Yeah, just a bit too far from me, sorry.
Sure someone will be able to help though.

 

[Karim_Z4]

Well i just wanted to post an update.

so the saturday just gone i fitted my new VVT Motor ( i managed to find a continental one) after fitting it and putting the valve cover back on. ( with a new gasket) I reset the adaptive parameters of the VVT.

I am now thankful to say it runs and drives better than when i first got it.

A big thank you to https://z4-forum.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=16373 & https://z4-forum.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=23640 for all the advice. You was both a massive help.