Engine Warning Light N54 135i

LukeS2K

New member
My light came on, went into limp mode. drove straight to my buddy with that plug in jobby.

Got the error code P0015. Googled that and it reckons timing is over retarded.

P0015 - "B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
OBD-II DTC Trouble Code Description
"B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
What does that mean?
A code P0015 refers to the VVT (variable valve timing) or VCT (variable camshaft timing) components and the car's PCM (powertrain control module, also called an ECM). That consists of a few different components but the P0015 DTC specifically refers to the camshaft (cam) timing. In this case, if the cam timing is over-retarded, the engine light will be illluminated and the code will be set. Bank #1 is the side of the engine that contains cylinder #1. The "B" camshaft shall be either the "exhaust," "right," or "rear" camshaft. Left/Right and Front/Rear are determined as if viewed from the driver's seating position.
Potential Symptoms
Most likely a P0015 DTC will result in one of the following:
• hard starting
• poor idle and/or
• stalling
There are potentially other symptoms as well. Of course, when trouble codes are set, the MIL (malfunction indicator lamp, a.k.a. the check engine light) illuminates.
Causes
A P0015 DTC trouble code may be caused by one or more of the following:
• Incorrect camshaft timing
• Wiring problems (harness/wiring) in intake timing control valve control solenoid system
• Continuous oil flow to VCT piston chamber
• Failed timing valve control solenoid (stuck open)
Possible Solutions
The main thing to check is to verify the operation of the VCT solenoid. You're looking for a sticking or stuck VCt solenoid valve caused by contamination. Refer to vehicle specific repair manual to perform component tests for the VCT unit. Notes: Dealer techs have advanced tools and the ability to follow detailed troubleshooting steps, including the ability to test components using a scan tool.


Other research indicates that the vanos sensors just need o be replaced or VTC solenoid.
 

dlk001

Member
<a href=" " title="IMG-20130109-00232 by Mdile2009, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8082/8401251931_37de1ca40b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG-20130109-00232"></a>

<a href=" " title="IMG-20130109-00233 by Mdile2009, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8368/8401251893_006723d695.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG-20130109-00233"></a>

I was getting the engine light a few times in the last month. Booked the car for service last week Thursday:

1. Charging battery
2. Performing vehicle test
3. Replacing air filter cartridge
4. Checking function of camshaft adjustment unit
5. Air filter element
6. Remove and install pressure accumulators
7. Vacuum hose

Total: R1982.82 on Motorplan

The service assistant reckons the engine light is due to leaking vacuum hose. Will have to wait and see.
 

prospect

New member
My N54 335i engine light came on 2 weeks ago, yesterday evening and this morning. I've been told by BMW that the car will have to come in for a few days. As soon as I mentioned engine light I was asked if it was a 335i, which means it's a very common problem. Anyone with a N55 having this issue?
 

Hugo335i

Member
I also had the same issues with my n54 335i, after pushing it a bit it would go into limp mode and when ever that happened i had to restart the car for it to go back to normal.

After doing some reading on the e90 forum i discovered that it was the vanos solenoids, all that was needed was to clean them with petrol and swap them when putting them back on or buy new. I just cleaned them and put them back on and the problem has never came back again. :thumbs:



http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=486201
 

prospect

New member
Hugo335i said:
I also had the same issues with my n54 335i, after pushing it a bit it would go into limp mode and when ever that happened i had to restart the car for it to go back to normal.

After doing some reading on the e90 forum i discovered that it was the vanos solenoids, all that was needed was to clean them with petrol and swap them when putting them back on or buy new. I just cleaned them and put them back on and the problem has never came back again. :thumbs:



http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=486201

Engine light now comes on as soon as I fire up the engine. Solenoids were replaced last Tuesday after the 3rd time the engine light came on. It was fine till Saturday. Car sounds like it's running on 5 or less cylinders and power has been reduced to about half, if not less (slower than a E90 320i) :argh:

Car booked in for the 2nd.
 

Acheron

Honorary ///Member
prospect said:
Sendhur said:
Its probably injectors :cry:

Is this common too on the x35i's?

If a CEL is being kicked up every time there must be a stored code relating to the issue. This could be anything from a vacuum leak to a miss as resuly of a bad coil/plug/injector.

My advice would be to get someone outside of the dealership to scan your car to establish exactly what the related fault is.
 
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