[cmyk]

I'm stumped.

Took the car out for a spin to the store this evening, got halfway there and got the half engine light/limp mode.

Pulled over, hooked up the AccessPort and pulled P2A7A / P3100.

I think P3100 indicates limp mode, but I can't find any reference anywhere to the other code (I've googled, searched the forum and even checked my Bentley service manual). When I turned the car back on, the light was gone and the car drove fine, although (possibly a fluke) the outside temp display in the dash was reading about 8-10 degrees warmer than it actually was outside for a few minutes, before eventually reading correctly again by the time I got home. I cleared the codes and they didn't come back (yet), but I'm wondering what P2A7A is, and what the hell happened.

Car has been running fine/no symptoms of anything strange going on. Mods are in my sig.

Anyone? Bueller?

[cmyk]

Update: Code hasn't come back but my mpg have taken a nosedive. Had half a tank when I left for work this morning and was at 1/4 tank when I got to work (a 10 minute drive down city streets).

I did some more research last night and other P2A... codes seem to be Vanos related.

I guess I'll reluctantly take it in to the dealership...unless anyone can offer any suggestions?

[335iN54]

Mine gave me a half engine symbol and went into limp mode. It all went away after it was shut off and restarted. Turns out it was the cam timing servo. After the dealer diagnosed and replaced it, mileage improved pretty significantly, so it must've been wearing out before I bought it? I dunno, but after that the whole car seems to be running better.

[cmyk]

Originally Posted by 335iN54

Mine gave me a half engine symbol and went into limp mode. It all went away after it was shut off and restarted. Turns out it was the cam timing servo. After the dealer diagnosed and replaced it, mileage improved pretty significantly, so it must've been wearing out before I bought it? I dunno, but after that the whole car seems to be running better.

Thanks. Do you know what code(s) you threw when it happened?

I find it hard to understand why I would get a code (2A7A) that is referenced absolutely NOWHERE on any forum, website, or in the service manual. It obviously means SOMEthing. Truly weird.

I guess this means putting the car back to stock again for another warranty battle...

[John 070]

I experienced the exact same thing--it was a really hot day, started up, turned on a/c, limp mode. Pulled over, restarted, all ok. mpgs went down. Dealer replaced vanos intake solenoid, all was good again.

[bangbangs808]

Just a heads up, I had the same issue with my 2011 335i. Found out that 4 bolt heads sheared off of the vanos system. The bolt heads were found in the oil sump. Took about 3 weeks for them to diagnois, and repair.

[cmyk]

Originally Posted by John 070

I experienced the exact same thing--it was a really hot day, started up, turned on a/c, limp mode. Pulled over, restarted, all ok. mpgs went down. Dealer replaced vanos intake solenoid, all was good again.

Thanks! I had a suspicion this was Vanos related. It was around 85 degrees when this happened yesterday; cool for Texas, but I guess still pretty warm by comparison

I have been putting off replacing plugs, and am having my intake cleaned next month. Maybe I'll go ahead and do the plugs this weekend and pull/clean out the Vanos solenoids to see if that helps.

It's a good thing I live so close to work -- this gas mileage is crazy; like driving an old muscle car lol...

[cmyk]

Originally Posted by bangbangs808

Just a heads up, I had the same issue with my 2011 335i. Found out that 4 bolt heads sheared off of the vanos system. The bolt heads were found in the oil sump. Took about 3 weeks for them to diagnois, and repair.

Wow, that's crazy.

My dealership has been known to "take its time" with diagnosis/repair. Last time, the car was held hostage there for 6 days while they waited on a part, and they wouldn't even give me a loaner. They never believe me when I tell them what the problem is, either (and I've never been wrong so far). Sigh. I'll hold out hope that pulling/cleaning the solenoids will be good enough in this case.

[Jace_91]

Just had my car in for a similar issue, all was fine, but the turbos had seemed a little louder as of late, got a half engine light, not sure of the fault code as I don't have a scanner, but the dealer replaced the VANOS solenoids under warranty. The diagnostics and work was done in 7 hours. so thats a great turnaround time

[cmyk]

Update:
As suspected, it was the intake vanos solenoid. Dealer replaced under warranty with no back-talk (I love my SA. Don't even have to take my mods off anymore, and I always get a 335 loaner).

Interesting that the dealer did not know what P2A7A meant, either. It's the mystery code, I guess.

Also interesting was the fact that, although I had cleared codes and reset the ECU (via Cobb), the dealer was still able to find multiple Vanos-related codes that did not show up in the AccessPort. Are they looking somewhere else to pull codes? Does Cobb not "fully" clear codes when you clear and reset via the AccessPort?

ETA: looking at the service report, it looks like they went ahead and replaced both the intake and exhaust solenoids.

[OfficialBOLO]

same thing happened to me recently, thought it was something DP related. Out of warranty so mega beat

[Bronze]

Originally Posted by cmyk

Update:
As suspected, it was the intake vanos solenoid. Dealer replaced under warranty with no back-talk (I love my SA. Don't even have to take my mods off anymore, and I always get a 335 loaner).

Interesting that the dealer did not know what P2A7A meant, either. It's the mystery code, I guess.

Also interesting was the fact that, although I had cleared codes and reset the ECU (via Cobb), the dealer was still able to find multiple Vanos-related codes that did not show up in the AccessPort. Are they looking somewhere else to pull codes? Does Cobb not "fully" clear codes when you clear and reset via the AccessPort?

ETA: looking at the service report, it looks like they went ahead and replaced both the intake and exhaust solenoids.

So where approximately are these solenoids, do you know? Almost seems like I should prepare to drive around with a spare set in my trunk in a few months. Are they accessible for an easy swap by any chance?

[cmyk]

Originally Posted by Bronze

So where approximately are these solenoids, do you know? Almost seems like I should prepare to drive around with a spare set in my trunk in a few months. Are they accessible for an easy swap by any chance?

Yes, they are fairly easy to swap. I was planning on doing it myself if the dealer couldn't/wouldn't do the repair under warranty.

Here's the DIY I was going to follow: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=486201

Keep in mind that taking the solenoids out and cleaning them with compressed air will sometimes do the trick; they don't always need to be replaced outright.

[Bronze]

Ok. My car shows a service for them with a previous owner. I probably have some time. Thanks for the DIY link!

[Jace_91]

Any troubles remaining? Had mine replaced under warranty and the car is still acting up, bringing it back in a few weeks to my home town dealer

[cmyk]

Originally Posted by Jace_91

Any troubles remaining? Had mine replaced under warranty and the car is still acting up, bringing it back in a few weeks to my home town dealer

Time will tell, as I just picked up the car this afternoon. The car did seem to pull a little smoother after I picked it up, but that may be anecdotal, considering I had been driving a loaner stock 2011 335 for 2 days prior (amazing what Cobb and bolt-ons will do. The loaner felt ridiculously slow. Guess I'm used to my car and don't notice it most of the time). I'm keeping an eye on it. So far, so good, though.

[Jace_91]

Originally Posted by cmyk

Time will tell, as I just picked up the car this afternoon. The car did seem to pull a little smoother after I picked it up, but that may be anecdotal, considering I had been driving a loaner stock 2011 335 for 2 days prior (amazing what Cobb and bolt-ons will do. The loaner felt ridiculously slow. Guess I'm used to my car and don't notice it most of the time). I'm keeping an eye on it. So far, so good, though.

Thats the first time I got it back I couldn't tell if it was acting up or not because I was driving a 528 loaner, which was very slow in comparison. Ill see what they say when I bring it back in.

[bplant13]

Originally Posted by cmyk

Time will tell, as I just picked up the car this afternoon. The car did seem to pull a little smoother after I picked it up, but that may be anecdotal, considering I had been driving a loaner stock 2011 335 for 2 days prior (amazing what Cobb and bolt-ons will do. The loaner felt ridiculously slow. Guess I'm used to my car and don't notice it most of the time). I'm keeping an eye on it. So far, so good, though.

Did the replacement solenoid fix it for good?

I got the same 2 codes today after installing my Cobb FMIC and moving to Stage1+ Sport. I did a few pulls, and then it was an hour later after the car was off, I was driving casually and out of the blue I went into limp mode with the P2A7A and P3100 codes.

I cleared the codes, went back to Stage1 Sport and haven't been able to trigger codes. I haven't noticed fuel economy at all, but will keep an eye on that for sure.

[AZBimmer]

Anyone ever figure out the P2a7a code? Just got it an Limp Mode. Replaced Vanos Solenoids 3 weeks ago.

[jts1981]

Originally Posted by AZBimmer

Anyone ever figure out the P2a7a code? Just got it an Limp Mode. Replaced Vanos Solenoids 3 weeks ago.

I replaced both Vanos and still get the code. My mechanic says it maybe the cam gears.

Did you have any luck?