E90 330i Vanos Fault Code + 2EF5

[JimClark49]

Hi All,

Halfway through a 170 mile drive yesterday, the EML came on and my 330i was down on power, particularly at lower RPM's. This morning a local garage retrieved the following diagnostic codes:

2A87 VANOS Outlet, Mechanical
2EF5 Characteristic Field Thermostat, Actuation

The fault codes cleared and light disappeared, but the car still seems sluggish. Its a 2005 on 72k miles.

I would greatly appreciate advise about what this can be and the way to rectify it. Thanks.

[helix402]

You need a new thermostat. That won’t cause any running probs. Afraid I can’t diagnose vanos probs via forum!

[naturalaspiration]

Hmmm... vanos issue - didn't know N52 engine was affected.

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14...

[Catatafish]

On the N52 VANOS change or just cleaning is incredibly easy. You might get away with just cleaning them if they have never been out since the factory. Otherwise decide if you want the chinese clone solenoids, or the OEM ones.

[JimClark49]

naturalaspiration said:

Hmmm... vanos issue - didn't know N52 engine was affected.

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14...

In the penultimate post of the linked thread, the OP states the Vanos problem was fixed for free by BMW as his VIN came under a service bulletin for this problem. Would this possibly be something that might benefit me, or would BMW UK not really cover this problem free of charge?

[JimClark49]

Just a quick thread update...

I cleaned and swapped the solenoid valves a couple of week ago and the car ran much better for a time before becoming sluggish at low RPM's.

Yesterday the EML was on, and the fault code was 2A82 (Vanos Intake). So I at least have the culprit valve that I can replace.

The RealOEM part number for it is: 11367585425.

Asides from going to BMW where I think it costs £104.89 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/Genuine-BMW-3-0-N52b30-Vanos-Solenoid-Variable-Valve-11367585425/1509331745) are their any cheaper suppliers, or is it worth considering Chinese clones (I don't want the clones to cause problems/affect performance).

Any help appreciated.