Changed vanos solenoids and now no start

[jdehart]

Guys,

Just bought my first BMW. I have a 2011 128i and the idle was a bit rough. It was running great for a few weeks and had great power and good gas mileage. I decided to replace the vanos solenoids and now it will not start. I put the originals back... no start. I reversed the connectors (I knew where they were originally but was just checking) no start..... any ideas on troubleshooting? I did also replace the fuel cap but I think that is low risk.

Tonight I removed, cleaned and replaced the vanos filters... still no go.

Any troubleshooting thoughts will be appreciated.

Regards,
John

2011 BMW 128i(N52), 1979 Porsche 928

[spidertri]

Does it crank but not start? Or not even crank?

Has it thrown any codes?

[jdehart]

it turns over well... and I can get a few pops like its trying to start.

Codes:

2A9A: DME: Crankshaft inlet camashaft, sync

I went ahead and ordered oem camshaft sensors and a oem vanos solenoids... It has a couple of saved misfires codes so I'm changing the plugs and coils tonight.. but it seems unusual that a simple change would cause a no start.

Thanks

[spidertri]

If the plugs and coils don't do it you could try unplugging the MAF and try to start the car. Supposedly the MAFs can be pretty finicky on these engines.

[jdehart]

installed plugs and coils... no go. pulled the maf connector no go... I have the new vanos solenoids and the cam shaft positions sensors here today.... I'll update this weekend.

[jdehart]

Sent to the shop..... wish me luck... i'll post the results here....

[jdehart]

Well good news... it was the Vanos bolts. All 8 bolt heads failed. The repair costs are covered under a factory recall. Had it towed to the BMW dealership and they repaired it for free. The bolt heads fell into the oil pan. So they repaired the Vanos timing elements, oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket, and several other misc items.

THIS IS COMPLETELY COVERED BY THE RECALL AT NO COSTS.

Open Recall Information:
14V-176: VANOS Assembly Bolts
19V-579: Blower Motor Wires

Go to the government recall website --> https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN number. If the recall is open against your VIN you can call the dealership and have this taken care of. If you paid for this repair in the past its reimbursable (see the recall docs).

So lets recap my symptoms and actions:

1. - The car started running a bit rough, kinda sounded like a diesel engine.
2. - The timing chain was loud on start and at idle
3. - Error code: 2A9A-DME, Crankshaft inlet camshaft, sync [car running OK]
4. - Replaced my Vanos solenoids (10 minute change and there are 2 per car) [car would not start]
5. - Put back original solenoids [no start]
6. - Put new solenoids back in the block (see parts list below) [no start]
7. - Replaced cam postion sensors (2 per car, see parts list below) [no start]
   Part Number Part Name Price Quantity Total
   11-36-7-585-425 Control Valve Solenoid $176.86 2 $353.72 (https://bit.ly/2lRJB5P)
   13-62-7-525-014 Camshaft Sensor $103.58 2 $207.16 (https://bit.ly/2mpAYQk)
8. - Replaced spark plugs and coils [no start]
   Plugs - Bosch OEM 12122158253 (https://amzn.to/2myv2nS)
   Coils - Bosch 0221504470 (https://amzn.to/2mpmUX3)
9. - Cleaned the Vanos solenoid filters (easy job.. just take it slow due to position) [no start]
10. - Unplugged the MAF [no start]
11. - Considered taking this to a local shop but found the recall info.
12. - Called BMW dealership (Macon, GA... p.s. they were excellent) and had the car towed on a flatbed ($185)

and 4 Days later --> ****FIXED****
No shit this car sounds and drives like new.... if you have similar symptoms don't hesitate to ask and I'll go over it with you.....

Regards,

[spidertri]

I read about that issue but never knew that it could cause a no-start. I guess that's because all 8 bolt heads failed, I've only seen pictures of a few of them failing.

That's great to know. Glad you got it taken care of, the extended warranty is only for 10 years/unlimited miles. I know my car is eligible for reimbursement if the problem happens but it wasn't a full on recall for my car.