HELP! VANOS CODE N55! What do I do?!

WynterFreshEVO · 09-26-2013, 12:59 AM

Hi,

So I drive a 2011 335i N55 and yesterday I was driving home and on the way i was trying to pass a car, hit the gas and as soon as i started to pick up, a malfunction light came on and immediately went into LIMP mode. I went to the shop today to see what codes it was and i got a code: P13C0. Cleared the code, and restarted the engine, within seconds the warning malfunction screen popped up again with another code. This time the code was P052B. I went ahead and looked up what the codes mean off the internet and this is what i came up with.

P13C0 - VANOS intake: Closed loop control fault, camshaft sticks

P052B - VANOS, intake side, cold-start: No closed-loop control possible

What exactly does this mean? and what would i have to do to fix this?

I already tried pulling the VANOS solenoid to clean it and no luck. In fact, it actually sounds even worse when running. I dont know what i should do at this point. Ive tried searching over the internet but no luck! Any pointers and help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Andrew

UPDATE!!!

I had replaced the VANOS intake solenoid with an brand new oem one and Still has not fixed the problem. Here is a video of what it is doing! (its a loud ticking sound!)

cn555ic · 09-26-2013, 06:23 AM

Your vanos solenoids either need to be cleaned or changed out...Do a search on how to change it out or since you should still have warranty just bring it into dealership and they should fix it..

WynterFreshEVO · 09-26-2013, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cn555ic

Your vanos solenoids either need to be cleaned or changed out...Do a search on how to change it out or since you should still have warranty just bring it into dealership and they should fix it..

Ive taken them out already to clean them, and no luck. Light came back on within seconds of starting the car. Worse part is, my warranty expired 5k miles ago

GoRomeo · 09-26-2013, 01:52 PM

You have no choice but to buy a new set. Easy install.

cn555ic · 09-26-2013, 04:08 PM

Then you have no choice but to open the wallet up and fix it on your own. It's not that expensive as compared to other things that could have gone wrong

WynterFreshEVO · 09-26-2013, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cn555ic

Then you have no choice but to open the wallet up and fix it on your own. It's not that expensive as compared to other things that could have gone wrong

so at this point, is it safe to assume its my VANOS solenoid that went out? or is it my crankshaft sensor? or cam sensor? Just wondering if i should order the solenoid

GoRomeo · 09-26-2013, 04:52 PM

I would start by replacing the solenoids since is what the errors you are getting. Most likely s all you have to replace at this time. Keep us posted.

WynterFreshEVO · 09-26-2013, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoRomeo

I would start by replacing the solenoids since is what the errors you are getting. Most likely s all you have to replace at this time. Keep us posted.

I went ahead and ordered an intake vanos solenoid for $95 shipped. Cost $205 new from the dealer. Ill keep posted in the next couple days to see if it fixed the problem or not.

WynterFreshEVO · 10-03-2013, 01:37 AM

Turns out it did NOT FIX THE ISSUE! Now it has a horrible loud ticking sound.

j23a45m · 12-15-2013, 11:23 AM

sorry to bring up a old thread.
Did you finally figure out what it all was?

WynterFreshEVO · 12-24-2013, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j23a45m

sorry to bring up a old thread.
Did you finally figure out what it all was?

nope, no one was able to figure it out. engine needs to be opened up to find out

j23a45m · 12-25-2013, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WynterFreshEVO

nope, no one was able to figure it out. engine needs to be opened up to find out

i got it, the VANOS needs to be replaced.
my dealer is doing it this week on my car

WynterFreshEVO · 01-03-2014, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j23a45m

i got it, the VANOS needs to be replaced.
my dealer is doing it this week on my car

glad you figured it out! unfortunately, its too late for me, my engine blew already

j23a45m · 01-04-2014, 03:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WynterFreshEVO

glad you figured it out! unfortunately, its too late for me, my engine blew already

ouch sorry to hear that.

thecooltype · 07-21-2014, 07:30 AM

I am a lil confuse you bought new vanos and it still didn't fix it. But the other guy said he replaced his and that fixed it. So what was causing the code and nose for you?

jwzimm · 07-21-2014, 11:32 AM

First, this thread is pretty darn old. Second, he said he replaced his VANOS solenoids at first. These control the VANOS motors themselves. This issue sounds like he had the (now known) VANOS bolts issue happen to him.

thecooltype · 07-21-2014, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwzimm

First, this thread is pretty darn old. Second, he said he replaced his VANOS solenoids at first. These control the VANOS motors themselves. This issue sounds like he had the (now known) VANOS bolts issue happen to him.

I know it is an old thread. What's your point exactly??

jwzimm · 07-21-2014, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thecooltype

I know it is an old thread. What's your point exactly??

That there have been developments since then. Also, this thread is in the Coding section where it is not likely to get a lot of input as this is not coding related.

You can check out the N55 section for more details on the VANOS recall issue I was referring to.

Aleks2505 · 10-10-2023, 09:34 AM

I know this is an old thread, but wanted to share just in case someone else is chasing this issue. I cleaned the Vanos solenoids (see various youtube videos for this) and changed the oil. Issue is finally gone. Just wanted to throw it out there as sometimes the simple stuff is overlooked. Quite frankly, changing oil may have fixed it on its own. Cheers.

09-26-2013, 12:59 AM	#1
WynterFreshEVO Enlisted Member 7 Rep 32 Posts Drives: E46 M3 / E82 128i / GSXR750 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Riverside, SOCAL iTrader: (0)	HELP! VANOS CODE N55! What do I do?! Hi, So I drive a 2011 335i N55 and yesterday I was driving home and on the way i was trying to pass a car, hit the gas and as soon as i started to pick up, a malfunction light came on and immediately went into LIMP mode. I went to the shop today to see what codes it was and i got a code: P13C0. Cleared the code, and restarted the engine, within seconds the warning malfunction screen popped up again with another code. This time the code was P052B. I went ahead and looked up what the codes mean off the internet and this is what i came up with. P13C0 - VANOS intake: Closed loop control fault, camshaft sticks P052B - VANOS, intake side, cold-start: No closed-loop control possible What exactly does this mean? and what would i have to do to fix this? I already tried pulling the VANOS solenoid to clean it and no luck. In fact, it actually sounds even worse when running. I dont know what i should do at this point. Ive tried searching over the internet but no luck! Any pointers and help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! Andrew UPDATE!!! I had replaced the VANOS intake solenoid with an brand new oem one and Still has not fixed the problem. Here is a video of what it is doing! (its a loud ticking sound!) __________________ 2002 E46 M3 / 2010 E82 128i Msport / 2015 Suzuki GSXR600 Last edited by WynterFreshEVO; 10-03-2013 at 01:52 AM..
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09-26-2013, 06:23 AM	#2
cn555ic 441 Rep 18,331 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: US iTrader: (6)	Your vanos solenoids either need to be cleaned or changed out...Do a search on how to change it out or since you should still have warranty just bring it into dealership and they should fix it..
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09-26-2013, 01:52 PM	#4
GoRomeo Brigadier General 964 Rep 3,854 Posts Drives: 330i, 135i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: San Diego CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 135i [9.50] 2006 330i [6.75]	You have no choice but to buy a new set. Easy install.
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09-26-2013, 04:08 PM	#5
cn555ic 441 Rep 18,331 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: US iTrader: (6)	Then you have no choice but to open the wallet up and fix it on your own. It's not that expensive as compared to other things that could have gone wrong
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09-26-2013, 04:52 PM	#7
GoRomeo Brigadier General 964 Rep 3,854 Posts Drives: 330i, 135i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: San Diego CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 135i [9.50] 2006 330i [6.75]	I would start by replacing the solenoids since is what the errors you are getting. Most likely s all you have to replace at this time. Keep us posted.
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10-03-2013, 01:37 AM	#9
WynterFreshEVO Enlisted Member 7 Rep 32 Posts Drives: E46 M3 / E82 128i / GSXR750 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Riverside, SOCAL iTrader: (0)	Turns out it did NOT FIX THE ISSUE! Now it has a horrible loud ticking sound. __________________ 2002 E46 M3 / 2010 E82 128i Msport / 2015 Suzuki GSXR600
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12-15-2013, 11:23 AM	#10
j23a45m Captain 44 Rep 696 Posts Drives: 2012 E70 X5 Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Lancaster, Pa iTrader: (9) Garage List 2016 Jeep grand che ... [0.00] 2016 S1000RR [0.00] 2012 Bmw X5 35i [0.00]	sorry to bring up a old thread. Did you finally figure out what it all was? __________________ 2011 BSM 335i E90 MTECH 6MT • JB4 stage 2 iso 5.3 FF wire• BMS Intake • Vishnu DP • Cyba Scoops • LUX V4 • 6000K Headlight/Fog light Philips Ultinon • Euro headlight switch • ACS roof wing • 35% tint • Performance Grilles • Misc coding • Cobb charge pipe • ///M3 fenders • 335is pedals • BC Coilovers • Vrsf 7" IC • ///M3 mirrors •
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07-21-2014, 07:30 AM	#15
thecooltype drive to survive 87 Rep 443 Posts Drives: 2017 540 XI Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Queens, NY iTrader: (0)	I am a lil confuse you bought new vanos and it still didn't fix it. But the other guy said he replaced his and that fixed it. So what was causing the code and nose for you?
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07-21-2014, 11:32 AM	#16
jwzimm Colonel 687 Rep 2,770 Posts Drives: '16 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Renton, WA iTrader: (17)	First, this thread is pretty darn old. Second, he said he replaced his VANOS solenoids at first. These control the VANOS motors themselves. This issue sounds like he had the (now known) VANOS bolts issue happen to him. __________________ 2008 Honda S2000 - Current 2016 F80 M3 - SOLD!! 2011 e92 X-Drive Coupe - SOLD!!
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10-10-2023, 09:34 AM	#19
Aleks2505 New Member 5 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 2008 E93 M3, 2012 X5 35i Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Maybe helpful I know this is an old thread, but wanted to share just in case someone else is chasing this issue. I cleaned the Vanos solenoids (see various youtube videos for this) and changed the oil. Issue is finally gone. Just wanted to throw it out there as sometimes the simple stuff is overlooked. Quite frankly, changing oil may have fixed it on its own. Cheers.
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