R55 Clubman 283d fault

[DevonLad]

Ok I need some advice, as the title says my 2009 R55 Cooper Clubman N12 engine has thrown a 283D - VANOS Exhaust Adaptation Stop fault. I have trawled through 100's of posts on Google but still can't come up with a definitive answer to the question of what to do about it.

Some are suggesting it's a definite timing chain replacement others aren't. I fully intend to get the issue fixed however I don't want to spend money needlessly.

I am hoping a Mini guru can point me in the right direction here, should I just clean/replace the vanos solenoids(I have already bought new one's) fresh 5W40 fully synthetic and a new oil filter then reset the vanos adaptions? or should I just bite the bullet and fit a new timing chain kit as well?

Obviously the costs involved in the 2 jobs will be vastly different and I'm really hoping the cheaper option might cure it. I should add there is no significant noise from the chain area.

I'm keen to get things moving ASAP so any advice anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated. TIA.

Worst case scenario sell for spares or repair.

[Elliot2000]

If you have already bought new solenoids it’s worth sticking them on and trying it before anything else, they don’t take long. Have a look at the gauze filter on the old ones to see if they are blocked or even split. There’s also a chance it’s the exhaust vanos hub itself- especially if the gauze on the solenoid has split - the hub is easy to replace and doesn’t take long but u will need timing tools and if u co replace it u can then check the timing is ok too