This causes VANOS codes! - E90 Cam Bearing Ledge Failure DIY

The BMW N51/N51/N53/N54/N55 engine family used a vanos system that routed oil through passages in the front of the cams that were ringed by steel square cut metal recta-rings and these rings would wear into the aluminum bearing surface over time and cut grooves in them. Eventually this would lead to an oil pressure leak that would cause a failure of the VANOS system and the following codes:

2A82 VANOS intake – stiff; jammed mechanically
2A87 VANOS exhaust – stiff; jammed mechanically
3100 Boost-pressure control, deactivation – boost-pressure buildup prohibited (N54 only)

Normally you would replace the VANOS solenoids when you have codes like this since that is relatively cheap and easy to do, however you could replace the VANOS solenoids a hundred times and never solve the problem if it's being caused by these grooves. The only way to solve it is to replace the cam bearing trays. Note: all engine models have replaceable exhaust cam trays, however the N51/N52 have cam trays that are integrated into the cylinder head due to the fact that they have the valvetronic system which varies the opening of the valve. If the intake bearings are grooved on this engine, you need to replace the entire cylinder head I'm afraid.

BMW discontinued the use of the steel recta-rings in 2012 and replaced them with teflon square cut o-rings. This is the model year when the N55 engine was introduced, and that engine uses the same cam trays. According to the BMW service history on my car, I had thought mine had already been replaced but as you will see, that was not the case.

This job could cost you well over $3000-$5000 depending on the shop doing the service. New cam trays are $550 for each side, so that's just $1100 in parts alone, not to mention the markup you will pay on those through the shop and whatever the labor costs. In this video I will show you how to do it yourself, but beware that it's not for the faint of heart. It's important that you have watched my valve cover gasket video so that you understand how to remove it so that you can begin the job of removing the cams:

N54 Valve Cover Gasket DIY:    • BMW E90 N54 Valve Cover Gasket DIY  

00:00:00 Intro
00:00:12 The problem, explained
00:02:38 Timing tools needed
00:03:06 Overview of the job
00:04:05 Rotating the engine to top dead center
00:04:21 Removing the fan
00:07:10 Installing the locking pin
00:12:59 Remove the cam bolts
00:13:38 Removing the timing cogs
00:14:18 Removing the timing chain tensioner
00:15:35 Removing the cam phasers
00:16:21 Unbolting the cams
00:18:44 Is the intake cam tray grooved?
00:19:39 Removing the exhaust cam
00:20:49 Is the exhaust cam tray good?
00:21:05 Analysis
00:22:22 About the replacement teflon o-rings
00:23:47 About the hydraulic lifters (valve lash adjusters)
00:25:27 New parts have arrived
00:28:43 Installing the new teflon o-rings
00:30:44 Installing the new lifters
00:32:02 About the cam alignment tools
00:35:23 The exhaust cam goes back in!
00:39:33 The intake cam goes back in!
00:40:56 Torquing down the cam bolts
00:43:44 Reinstalling the cam phasers
00:45:35 Installing the cam locking tools
00:46:48 Installing the timing chain tensioner tool
00:47:48 Installing the cam bolts
00:48:59 Installing the timing chain tensioner
00:49:38 Removing the crank pin & we're done!
00:50:02 After reinstalling the valve cover & the fuel pump fuse, we start the engine!
00:51:48 Final thoughts
00:52:19 Wrap-up

N5x engine family timing tool kit: https://amzn.to/3AuTw1X

Upgraded Teflon O-ring part number: 11317587757
Intake cam tray (same for all N5x engines): 11127550913
Exhaust cam tray (same for all N5x engines): 11127531224

Torque Values:
Cam trays to cylinder head: 8 Nm + 60 degrees
Chain guide to cylinder head: 8.5 Nm
Chain tensioner: 55 Nm
VANOS to Camshaft: 20 Nm + 180 degrees

Further Information: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/201...

This video is for entertainment purposes only. 50sKid assumes no liability for any repairs or modifications performed by the viewer as a result of the information contained in this video.