what is this for? (under rocker cover, PICTURE)

[JINGLE]

hi guys, just had rocker cover gasket replaced and found a this bit loose and not connected properly, and when we connected it the engine management light came on with code: 2A61 - Valvetronic ???

can anybody shed any light on this? (currently left unplugged to stop EML coming back on??)



thanks

 

[JINGLE]

p.s ive had car a month now and no trouble what so ever (apart from small oil leak hence gasket replacement) so its been unconnected for a month so far with no issues ...... ??

 

[Midhurstman]

Hi, What Engine is this? The fault code 2A61 is "VVT-Teaching function at stop". This is, I believe, referring to the valvetronic motor(large silver thing just above your red circle) I think the plug you refer to is an ignition coil supply.(edit-probably not) I am not sure I can be of much help but I'm sure others will be. In the meantime here is a link with regard to a BMW E90 unit which covers all of this, hope it provides some answers.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/BMW-3-Series-E90/FUEL-Valvetronic_Motor_Replacing/FUEL-Valvetronic_Motor_Replacing.htm

 

[Swiftly]

The part looks like it could be the Valvetronic Eccentric Shaft Sensor

 

[Midhurstman]

Just read a bit more and It seems as though the limit stops need to be re-learnt by the system. Afraid it looks as though this needs a BMW scan tool to reset. From what little I have learned from the article so far I would suggest without this plugged in, your engine, although it seems to run fine, is not benefitting completely from the automatic intake valve lift adjustment that the valvetronic provides via an eccentric shaft

 

[JINGLE]

Will look at that link and try to explain a bit more when I get home on the computer, we reset all the fault codes (there was many old 1s like roof motor and parking sensors.... Despite not having parking sensors lol) we wiped them all and there was only 3 that wouldn't clear, all relating to the valve tropic thingy...

Will have a read and comment later, thanks for the help guys

 

[JINGLE]

Also, it's the 2.0lt 2008 engine if that helps

 

[srhutch]

Have we seen some proper pics of this white roadster yet jingle?

Have the parts arrived yet I sent?

 

[Stratts]

The part looks like it could be the Valvetronic Eccentric Shaft Sensor

Thats exactly what it is. You need it connected for the Valavetronic to work (or not). These are common failure items with these engines

 

[Swiftly]

The part looks like it could be the Valvetronic Eccentric Shaft Sensor

Thats exactly what it is. You need it connected for the Valavetronic to work (or not). These are common failure items with these engines

The common issue with these sensors is that they get contaminated with oil and fails

 

[JINGLE]

Have we seen some proper pics of this white roadster yet jingle?

Have the parts arrived yet I sent?

not got any proper pictures yet no, still getting everything sorted before i take some, only small things that aint even seen on the pictures anyway but im so fussy lol (archs, stubby, boot handle, rocker gasket, front bushes, headlight bulbs etc etc.)

yes i got the boot handle over the weekend, good job u sent both parts as i didn't even realize there was a piece for each side, just assumed there was a handle on the left only, will sort out donation in a bit and send ya a screen shot

The part looks like it could be the Valvetronic Eccentric Shaft Sensor

Thats exactly what it is. You need it connected for the Valavetronic to work (or not). These are common failure items with these engines

The common issue with these sensors is that they get contaminated with oil and fails

Swifty/Stratts, so whats the best way to sort this problem, order a new sensor? leave unconnected(assume its best not too..?) give it a good clean???

thanks

 

[Stratts]

I'm not really sure to be honest. The part you've circled is the connector, the piece underneath it (the 0 shaped piece) is the sensor bit, I had an issue wi mine that cause it to leak oil as the PO had over tightened the small bolts and snapped one.

The original Valvetronic units wer a bit ropey, but you'll have the TU version so it should be more robust. These are very common engines in the E46 and you'll likely find a lot of assistance from owners of those cars (ie from more general BMW forums).