S54 Vanos Issues/Where to start...

[s54sedan]

Hello, fairly new member, did some searching around already to try and find an answer but have had zero luck. I have a weird issue with my S54. To preface, it has 264,000 miles on it and is a strong motor except for this one thing. I have 2 codes for vanos. Codes 184 and 185. I already did some diagnostics and know that the solenoid pack is clean and in good working order and so is the pressure regulator on the side of the solenoid block. I have also replaced the cam sensor at the rear of the engine as preventative maintenance and to verify inpa is reading the correct timing markers for the vanos. (I do not have access to ista+). I have also purchased the full timing set and verified that the cams are in time perfectly. The engine has been slightly apart prior to my ownership only for replacement of the chain, and all guides, oil pump service and rod bearings and main bearings. I started with the solenoid pack and valve body and found there to be new beisan sealing o-rings already installed as well as a fixed solenoid pack. Upon acceleration from low rpm's, the car pulls until about 3k and then falls on its face until 5.5-6k and then pulls again. It's almost as if the vanos is not actuating. I theorize that the helical gears are not in their sweet spot, not allowing full actuation of vanos due to improper installation from before, or the oil supply regulator between the vanos and cylinder head is bad and not supplying the vanos with oil adequately enough for actuation, or the seals inside the vanos are bad and not actuating. And yes, the cam sprocket oil pump tabs are still there and not broken. I checked this when I was in there for a valve adjustment. What do I do or where do I start?

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2003.5 Imola Red/Impulse cloth 6MT Coupe VAC 3.5L
2003 ZHP TiAg/Black 6MT Full S54 Swap

[Slideways]

When did the codes start appearing?

The first thing to check is the timing. It is best to remove the VANOS unit and do the timing from scratch. Before installing the VANOS unit, it is critical to make sure both helical gears are pushed all the way into the VANOS unit and the VANOS pistons are bottomed out completely. Then you can verify the best tooth on both helical gears to achieve the full range of VANOS adjustment. Last step is to check the cam timing with the timing bridge. Follow the Beisan instructions to a T and the timing will be correct.

[s54sedan]

The car also misfires at idle, not like a straight misfire but a sporatic misfire. One not detected by the dme. It also has trouble idling once it is up to temp and iat's are high. Makes me think the static timing is off.

[bimmerfan08]

The car also misfires at idle, not like a straight misfire but a sporatic misfire. One not detected by the dme. It also has trouble idling once it is up to temp and iat's are high. Makes me think the static timing is off.

Where in NC are you located?

[s54sedan]

Located in Wilmington, NC

[sapote]

I already did some diagnostics and know that the solenoid pack is clean and in good working order
I have also purchased the full timing set and verified that the cams are in time perfectly.

These codes mean the vanos module is not working.
1. check vanos oil pressure
2. How do you know electrically solenoids are working? external wiring and connection are verified?
3. If the timing pin fell in the cam hole nicely, this doesn't mean the timing is right unless the vanos pistons are touching the front end caps.

[s54sedan]

Able to provide more info on specifically how to check vanos oil pressure? I know the solenoids are working by applying voltage directly to the pins associated with the vanos connector and audibly hearing the valves opening and closing. Chances are I have to redo the timing. I was not the person who set the timing so it is possible it was not set correctly but with the tool I have, both pins fell right in and the tool was flat.

[Slideways]

Able to provide more info on specifically how to check vanos oil pressure? I know the solenoids are working by applying voltage directly to the pins associated with the vanos connector and audibly hearing the valves opening and closing. Chances are I have to redo the timing. I was not the person who set the timing so it is possible it was not set correctly but with the tool I have, both pins fell right in and the tool was flat.

Not only do the cams have to be timed with the pins, but the VANOS helical gears with pistons have to be fully pushed into the VANOS unit during the timing procedure. Usually, that second step is overlooked and not done correctly.

[maupineda]

Able to provide more info on specifically how to check vanos oil pressure? I know the solenoids are working by applying voltage directly to the pins associated with the vanos connector and audibly hearing the valves opening and closing. Chances are I have to redo the timing. I was not the person who set the timing so it is possible it was not set correctly but with the tool I have, both pins fell right in and the tool was flat.

you need a 2000 psi dial indicator that is connected to the VANOS line that runs to pressure accumulator. It should read 100 to 115bar.

read the VANOS adaptations with your tool of choice (INPA, ECUWorks, ISTA, DIS). Adaptations can be within up to 10, but the less, the best for people with OCD.

you should also run a VANOS test and report back.

[davidinnyc]

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