[BennettBucsFan]

I have a 2011 328i Sedan with 160k miles. Has been throwing Vanos codes 2A87, 2A85, and 2A7A for a while even after changing both Vanos solenoids. My next step was going to be to look at the Camshaft position sensors but before I got to that it just started making a horrible rattling sound, particularly loud when coming to a stop it sort of sounds like something is winding down. This noise goes way beyond the normal valve ticking, its very difficult to pinpoint the source of the sound as it blends in with the normal valve tick. Best I can tell it seems to be coming from the front of the valve cover, cylinder 1 or cylinder 2 which both misfired recently so I replaced the coils and plugs for both. Could a bad injector be this loud? I have been searching forums trying to pinpoint the issue before I have to take it to the dealer. I read a lot of posts and saw videos of DISA issues and it does sound very similar, come to find out my car does not have DISA's, although I think it is supposed to. I have the N52K engine per VIN lookup. Please take a listen to this video and if you recognize the sound I'd love to know what the issue was. If I can pinpoint the problem I have no problem fixing it myself but I can't figure it out so unless someone can help identify it I'll be taking it in to the dealer tomorrow.

[Flyboy161]

- 2A85 Variable camshaft timing (VANOS) exhaust, activation
- 2A87 Variable camshaft timing (VANOS) exhaust, mechanism
Basically your exhaust VANOS is mechanically stuck in the cold start position. Then you have the 2A7A code that says :
DME: Camshaft position controller, exhaust, cold start. The camshaft position sensor could be at fault, which in turn tells the DME what position the exhaust cam is in. The DME could be getting erroneous info from the sensor and telling the VANOS to reposition the exhaust cam to a cold start position. Might try swapping intake and exhaust camshaft position sensors and clear the codes. See if 2A7A comes back.

[Flyboy161]

From Pelican Parts blog:
The camshaft position sensor is used to synchronize fuel injection and as a feedback device for VANOS (variable camshaft timing) control. When a camshaft sensor fails, the check engine light will illuminate and a fault code will be stored. I have seen faulty sensors cause engine stalling and poor engine drivability. If you have a camshaft sensor fault code and your engine isn't running right, I suggest replacing the sensor before digging too deep.

When you are dealing with camshaft position fault codes, be sure to test the sensor and confirm it is faulty. Other items could also set a camshaft position fault code, for example a dirty or defective VANOS solenoid. If you have a fault code for either camshaft position sensor, check the VANOS solenoid first. It is easy to do and could save you time and money. Remove both VANOS solenoids from cylinder head, see our tech article on VANOS solenoid replacing. Check VANOS solenoid for cleanliness and or debris. Clean both solenoids and reinstall. If the fault code for camshaft position sensor goes away or swaps position from intake to exhaust (or vice versa), the fault code is being caused by the VANOS solenoid. Replace the solenoid that the code followed. Here are fault codes you may have if a VANOS solenoid is causing your problem, 2A9A Cam sensor, inlet signal invalid for synchronization, 2A98 (P0016) Crankshaft intake correlation value outside ref range, 2A82 intake VANOS jammed mechanically, 2A9B exhaust camshaft sensor signal invalid for synchronization, 2A99 (P0017) Crankshaft position sensor and exhaust camshaft, correlation value outside reference range, 2A87 exhaust VANOS jammed mechanically.

[Flyboy161]

And as stated in your other thread the 2011 328i N52K does not have DISA. I know...I have the same car.

[BennettBucsFan]

Flyboy, thanks for the response. I have already replaced both solenoids. My main concern is the extreme rattle sound that just started, it sounds really bad. I can't see replacing the camshaft position sensor quieting it, but I could be wrong. I think I'm just going to take it in to the dealer tomorrow and let them deal with it.

[Flyboy161]

Swapping sensors is easy. Remember the DME and VANOS solenoids are "dumb" components. DME requires a valid position signal from the sensor. But it's all good. I'll be curious to know what the dealer comes up with. Cheers!

[trbizwiz]

Any follow up? What happened?

[Flyboy161]

Broken VANOS bolts on the exhaust cam. I believe it was covered under warranty. There was another thread entitled "broken timing chain?"