E46 N46 engine problem. Asking for a friend..

[Wolfkelis]

E46 2004 318i N46 VVT problem 2a5b

This problem has been really bugging me since I bought the car, So the Valvetronic isn't working at all, Have only about 40% of the engine's power. Changed the Eccentric shaft sensor and the motor. Have tried to reset the motor on INPA yet no change. The fault code 2a5b still shows up, although some time ago a guy accidentally turned on the vvt with INPA and it worked for a few weeks then back again to not working. Please save me.

Another smaller problem is that oil keeps leaking onto the thermostat and the exhaust which stinks up the cabin when the car stops, while you can't see any obvious oil leaks. The rocker cover gasket has been replaced.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[RayMan101]

Have you/your friend checked the gaskets by the oil cooler/ heat exchange unit and where the oil filter fits into? That gasket perishes as the car gets older.
It's not even a R200 job to fix yourself if those gaskets are the leaky culprit.

For lack of power, have you checked the MAF, and solenoids (intake and exhaust camshaft units) and their Lil sensors/pulse units (can't remember their name)
Usually giving them a clean will help and help you troubleshoot to the main culprit.

Or if you get gatvol, you can take it to a workshop and make it their problem to find and fix... (That also sometimes help save money and not waste it on bits n bobs)