QuestionI have a BMW 528i, 1997 year. Last 7 digits: bw01540.
I brought my car to take a diagnosis and I got this:
DME Fault 212
Vanos : mechanical jamming
Fault currently present.
This is what they gave me. I , also purchased a OBD Code Reader and I got code P1519:A camshaft position actuator bank 1.
I replaced the camshaft position sensor, checked Vanos solenoid. The solenoid is ok.
I don't know what to do now. At the dealer they said that I have to replace the Vanos unit. About $1100.
If I have to replace that , from where I can buy a Vanos Unit.
Thanks for reply.
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The text above is a follow-up to ...
-----Question-----
I went to BMW Dealer for a diagnosys and I got this DME Fault 212: Vanos mechanical jamming
fault currently present
detected 2 times
engine speed 1664
air mass 261mg/stroke
camshaft position 34 * cr
road speed 39km/hour
This code was pulled before to change the camshaft position sensor. Now I have that sensor changed. I checked the VANOS solenoid by pulling the one that was on the engine and i have it connected to 12V. It seems to be ok.
So, new camshaft position sensor and a functional Vanos solenoid. Still getting on OBD code 1519. The check engine light now is OFF, pending code 1519 but after a while it is lighted and MIL is ON.
Does anybody know how I can solve this problem?
Thanks for reply!
-----Answer-----
Dear Jonu,
Please tell me the year and series of your car. There are single VANOS and double VANOS systems. Better still,
give me the last 7 digits of your VIN. Also, did the dealer give you the OBD code 1519? And why did you go to the dealer for diagnosis in the first place? I can not help you if I do not have enough information about your car and its problems.
Thanks,
Tino
AnswerDear Jonu,
Thanks for your quick update. You may or may not have needed to replace the cam sensor. I think the OBD fault that you got for cam sensor was a plausibility fault due to the malfunctioning VANOS. But it is water under the bridge. And at some point in time you would have needed a new cam sensor anyway. Back to your data needs.
So you checked the solenoid and it moves the plunger/tappet?
Remove it again and try to move the tappet with your fingers, I think it will if you already tested it with 12 volts. But this is not my point.
Now try to move the plunger of the piston that the solenoid is supposed to move. If it does not move easily then it is defective and the VANOS adjusting unit must be replaced.
You can buy this part from any BMW dealer or from parts resellers on the internet (of course they also buy it from dealers). Try Yahoo or Google search, type BMW Parts, then browse and look for availability and pricing (P/N 11361748819). Putting it in is a complex job even for experienced mechanics. You need to follow the exact repair procedure to do a proper repair. You also need special tools
like camshaft alignment tools and one for VANOS calibration in addition to normal mechanic's tools.
I would not recommend this to a do-it-yourselfer. Severe damage can happen with a misstep. Either you have it repaired by your dealer or bring it to an independent shop that specializes on BMW's.
I hope that I have helped you in this matter.
Have a nice weekend!
Tino
