E90 320 Solenoid Advice Please

[DarrylvanNiekerk]

Hi Guys

Please can I ask some advice.

My car, a 2006 e90 320i, is not running well. I have had various issues over the years and could never get to the bottom of it. I recently moved mechanics and it seems we might finally be getting to the bottom of the problem - one or both solenoids are probably shot. Mileage is 172 000km. The exhaust was changed to an after market and the theory was a lack of cats was the problem, there were so many faults we could never lock down the actual issue.

I know the compression is good, so is fueling, but basically the car runs unevenly. At times it is as though it is running on 3 cylinders. It is very flat below 3000RPM and uses a lot of fuel. It smells like it is over fueling and at times there is a cloud of smoke that comes out of the exhaust. Cold start is very rough and it ends up fouling at least one spark plug over a short space of time.

Currently there is an oil leak which we have gotten under control to some degree, basically it was leaking like a sieve past the solenoid seals.

So my query is multi fold:

1. Can solenoids fail, or do they only ever need cleaning?
2. Is it safe to use second hand solenoids if they are low mileage - what would be a safe mileage?
3. Where can I get solenoids from that won't cost the earth?

Finance is a factor, things have not been good the last few months as I am sure you all know.

Thank you in advance, Darryl

 

[Camnefdt]

Im going to assume you're talking about the vanos solenoids?

Someone could correct me if im wrong but if they do go bad, it shouldn't cause a misfire?

To me, sounds more like something to do with the O2 sensors? Causing a bank to run super rich.

 

[DarrylvanNiekerk]

Yeah, talking about the VANOS solenoids

Been doing some research and found a post that mentions if they aren't operating properly it messes with the fueling which can lead to hesitation and reduced power, especially at low RPM. If you disconnect the intake solenoid plug whilst it is running rough then it immediately settles down and idles smoothly.

I used to read the error codes fastidiously with my previous mechanic and there was never aynthing that pointed directly to any part that was an issue, just misfires and VANOS faults. He checked the VANOS operation, swapped coils, fitted CAT foolers, swapped injectors etc.

Every time the car would be great for about 1000km and then start hesitating again. If you put your foot down on the accelerator it hesitates slightly and then the power picks up but it still feels incredibly flat.

 

[SubLoaded]

Hi Darryl,

You've moved from one mechanic, who couldn't solve the issue, to another one, that also seems to be struggling...Sounds arb to me. If he can't tell you that your puff of smoke is your VCG then I'd be concerned with the level of work that's going to be carried out on the vehicle.

Assuming that your car is in good mechanical nick, whilst many things can go wrong with this platform, it isn't exactly rocket science to get an N46 running well.

If I were you, I'd get the oil leaks sorted out first. You say that it's leaking passed the solenoids but then raise questions related to solenoid issues :hammerhead:

To answer your question, solenoids can fail, and I believe that they can be cleaned as well. Whether you should go through the effort of cleaning them is debatable. I recall buying these from Masterparts for R1200 each. At the time, BMW charged R2800 each. Bear in mind that I was in an E92 325i so the prices may vary, however these cars pretty much go through similar issues.

Your car has two VANOS solenoids (intake camshaft and exhaust camshaft). If you suspect that your solenoids are an issue, then scan the car and swap the solenoids around to see if the error moves from the intake/exhaust (assuming there is an error).

I had similar issues to you, not as bad, but definitely sounds familiar... I am linking a quote, from my older thread, where I had shared my experience with VANOS faults. Hopefully the series of events or error codes can aid you in getting  your car back in order.

And here is a link on VANOS fault testing/diagnosis.

Let us know how it goes...

Maintenance update:

Car Oil Filter Housing Gasket was leaking so I purchased the Oil Cooler and Filter housing gaskets from Goldwagen. Total price was R210 for both.

Dropped the car off to get this sorted out and picked it up later that afternoon. One of the old gaskets was so brittle that it pretty much had to be 'cleaned out'.

Off I go and I had immediately noticed that the car had less power, and the gearbox shift points were all unusual. My first assumption was VANOS as it would not come in at around 3400rpm as usual. Anyway, I was told that the battery was disconnected during the time that the car was being worked on so I just let it be and assumed that it would 'relearn' everything over time.

Later that evening, I popped the bonnet open and had noticed that oil was still leaking (but slower than it initially was). I was still out at this point so whilst driving home - the car misfired randomly and almost wanted to switch off when I got to a stop. Luckily it didn't so I made a detour to my mech's place and swapped cars with him.

That sad moment when you drive away from your car:

Car was diagnosed again the next day and I was told that the oil cap itself was leaking as well so we got this swapped out (BMW wanted R680 for this but there was an E92 there that was being stripped - so I just paid the owner R200 and took his part :hammerhead: )

In addition to this, I had a 2A82 VANOS Intake error code:

A quick Google search pointed me to multiple threads in which people have experienced this error code after doing their OFHG. First guess was that it was incorrect oil pressure causing this (well, at least, that's what I thought). Long-story-short; the new cap made no difference to this so we had cleaned and swapped the solenoids, however the error just moved from the intake to the exhaust.

The next thing was to purchase another VANOS solenoid. BMW advised that it would be R2600. I bought the solenoid from Masterparts for R1200 and had it fitted.

Sounds a bit coincidental that I had this issue after sorting out the leaks (and it seems like a common occurrence based on the internet stats) but anyway I'm glad that my car is running fine again :smilebounce:

:chef:

 

[Jeremy.d]

Honestly, get a mech who is familiar with BMW or "specializes" in BMW to look at it. These cars aren't the most reliable thing in the world, but as above, they're not rocket science either. A decent mech should be able to pinpoint the issue(s). Perhaps tell the forum which area you're in and someone can recommend a good mech.
Hope you get it sorted. ?

 

[DarrylvanNiekerk]

Thank you very much for the advice above.

Unfortunately I thought I was with the right mechanic because he had vast experience, was well known in the industry and a prolific sports car builder and racer. It has only been recently that I have come across information that perhaps things were not quite as above board as they should have been. Added to this I had known him for a very long time and took things at face value. Lesson learned.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to who I can take the car to that would be a better choice, I am based in Kyalami, Johannesburg?

 

[Kyle]

Chat to @"Danny@DSCmotorsport", he should be able to provide some solid advice.

 

[Danny2]

Thanks Kyle for the mention.
I am based in Edenvale and can have a look for you.

You welcome to drop me a pm and we can arrange to have a look at the car

 

[DarrylvanNiekerk]

Thank you very much, PM sent.

 

[Peter@AEW]

Darryl I do not sorry.

 

[DarrylvanNiekerk]

I went past Danny today and would like to say a huge thank you to him for his help.

There wasn't anything that stood out though some of the settings for the VANOS and Lambda sensors seemed out. He reset these and we will have to see how the car behaves over the next few days to decide on the best course of action.