[peter2704]

ok so I have the half/ limp mode and the car is not well(20mph max) ,but after driving it like this to get home, 5 miles in the car transformed into a flying machine ,improved torque and rev's, a totally different car! I have never know it go so well. So read the codes and have a 2a67/2a6b code.My question is does this point to the vvt motor or the eccentric cam sensor? I gather both aren't cheap fixes/DIY ?

[peter2704]

nobody???

[old grey steve]

This engine sadly isn't BMW's finest hour, the faults you describe (2A67) & (2A6B)refer to valvetronic internal fault as well as power limitation on the valvetronic set up.

Seen these time and time again I'd suspect that the valvetronic motor is seizing or is noisy for a start. When you actually on these engine start to take them apart (rocker cover off for inspection) you may even find some other area's that may require some attention(oil contamination or even chain or chain guide issues)diagnostic will assist here.

Biggest enemy of these engine as far as I'm concerned centres around the CBS criteria oil services based on this are too long in terms of time and if the cars driven infrequently or on short journeys then sometimes you can go over 2 years between oil services over tome things like oil contamination can take place the top end of these engines require good clean oil to work efficiently if they don't get this all sorts of things take place.

Have a look at your service book for instance to see the length of time the cars gone between oil services (mileage/time)

Other things these cars are kind of noted for is again a weak point centres around the tensioner, the chain guides. We are doing a 118i today with guides and we also have a 318ti E46 in with again guide issues though not directly related to your car these 4 cylinder BMW IMO as time goes by show their hand.

We had a 320iSE in last month with the very issues you've reported the car was actually under a BMW warranty customer so the customer returned the car to BMW for the required work to be under taken.

The mere fact that you say your car suddenly "sprung in to life" tells me at least that there is certainly something going on under the rocker cover and with the valvetronic motor at least, I suspect that with use it may have for now freed itself, but the advise I'll give you is get it diagnosed correctly by someone with BMW knowledge, this is key as these cars can trust me give you a bum steer if you take it to some one without the key knowledge of the product.

I'd also wager that someone with knowledge will want to have a peek inside that rocker cover as well, but you'll be going in here anyway to replace.

Other question is what engine do you have N42, N46,N46N as they are all kind of related, but to give you some idea the motor is around £195+VAT labour on/around 2.5-3 hours worth of work, rocker cover gasket will be required(they leak anyway so a good general maintenance requirement will be attended too anyway)and they'll be able to if it goes this far to peak at the vacuum pump as well another weak point on these cars.

Hope this helps

[peter2704]

Wow, thanks for the reply ,very interesting and slightly scary! the vac pump was done before I purchased the car,but will still have a look. I think mine is the N46 (2007) I only wish you weren't so far away(I am leeds) you seem to know your stuff.I think this is half the problem,finding someone who knows these engines and its niggles.Going to have a look inside to see if there are any of thew horrors you mention.I replaced the chain tensioner when I got he car as a precaution,also agree with the oil change once a year max

[peter2704]

one other thing ,if it was the vvt motor ,Am I correct in thinking it self teaches when ignition on only?

[old grey steve]

Originally Posted by peter2704

one other thing ,if it was the vvt motor ,Am I correct in thinking it self teaches when ignition on only?

There is a diagnostic set up for this procedure, which we use for a good reason Peter! As for the vac pump they leak but TBH with valvetronic issues to hand you're better off at this stage getting this in check, a decent tech(with sure-fire BMW knowledge) from the non Ray Charles school of observation will be able to pinpoint the issue

[Len_Beach]

Originally Posted by peter2704

one other thing ,if it was the vvt motor ,Am I correct in thinking it self teaches when ignition on only?

Peter Van Der Veer on the outskirts of Huddersfield are very good.

[peter2704]

will check peter van der veer out. Strange one tonight, fault on and not clearing,tapped the vvt motor with a small hammer and it reset and went fine,thinking low or sticking brushes ????. May need to look in this area

[old grey steve]

Originally Posted by peter2704

will check peter van der veer out. Strange one tonight, fault on and not clearing,tapped the vvt motor with a small hammer and it reset and went fine,thinking low or sticking brushes ????. May need to look in this area

As I said above valvetronic motor is seizing common issue on many BMW's tapping it with a hammer kinda tells you all you need to know

[peter2704]

cheers Steve and thanks for helping/replying

[old grey steve]

Originally Posted by peter2704

cheers Steve and thanks for helping/replying

No worries

[peter2704]

just finished fitting the vvt motor and eccentric sensor.The job was different to say the least, seems to run fine so far so good……….