VANOS Valve - Jams, MIL ON DTC 212 Set

GROUP 11
Engine

Bulletin Number
11 09 98

Woodcliff Lake, NJ
October 1998
Product Engineering

This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. 11 09 98 dated September 1998 which should be removed and discarded from your S.I. binder.

SUBJECT:
VANOS Valve Mechanically Jamming

MODEL:
All with M52 engine

Situation:
Isolated reports have been received regarding DME fault code 212 - VANOS mechanical jamming with the "Check Engine" lamp illuminated.

A rough idle may also be experienced when this fault occurs.

Cause:
The VANOS control piston located in the VANOS housing may have a burr on one or more control edges which will cause it to jam or bind as it moves in the control bore.

Correction:
An improved VANOS control piston with chamfered control edges was phased into production 6/98 and is also available under the original BMW part number 11 36 1 738 495 for repairs.

Note:
All early style parts have been purged from parts stock in the PDCs.

Procedure:
Read and print out DME fault codes.





If DME fault code 212 is encountered disconnect the VANOS solenoid electrical connector and remove the VANOS solenoid valve (black arrow in the picture) to access the control piston. VANOS solenoid valve tightening torque - 30 Nm (22 lb.ft.).

Note:
When disconnecting the VANOS solenoid wiring check for chafed, pinched or broken wires which may also cause DME fault code 212 to set.





With the solenoid valve removed move the spring loaded control piston (shown) back an forth in the bore with your finger.

The control piston must move freely in the bore without jamming or binding.

If the control piston is jamming or binding it should be replaced with the improved style.

Notes:
The VANOS control piston and bore must be kept clean during repairs to prevent jamming or binding due to contamination.

Lightly oil the control piston using clean engine oil before installing in the bore.

IMPORTANT:
Using the procedure above to repair a VANOS jamming failure eliminates the need to replace the entire VANOS unit.

Only if the new style VANOS control piston is jamming or binding after correct installation in the bore (indicating a damaged bore) should the entire VANOS unit be replaced for this fault.





Parts Information:





Warranty Information:
Covered under the terms of the BMW Emissions or New Car Limited Warranty.

Note:
A copy of the tester printout indicating DME fault code 212 should be attached to the repair order and the VANOS control piston when submitted.