N52 vanos recall
Discussion
Has anyone had the recall letter through the post requesting this to be done?
I was aware the US n52 cars could suffer from loose Vanos bolts but wasn’t aware it extended to EU cars too.
If you have had the work carried out, how long did it take? Did BMW perform any other recall work at the same time?
I currently have a cabin air blower motor recall pending too.
As the dealer will need to take the top end of the engine apart, is it likely i can try and negotiate a complete new cam cover on this age of car (2009) as i understand as they age they are prone to get brittle and crack. After performing a smoke test a while back i suspect mine has as the car runs slightly lean.
I was aware the US n52 cars could suffer from loose Vanos bolts but wasn’t aware it extended to EU cars too.
If you have had the work carried out, how long did it take? Did BMW perform any other recall work at the same time?
I currently have a cabin air blower motor recall pending too.
As the dealer will need to take the top end of the engine apart, is it likely i can try and negotiate a complete new cam cover on this age of car (2009) as i understand as they age they are prone to get brittle and crack. After performing a smoke test a while back i suspect mine has as the car runs slightly lean.
E82_125i said:
As the dealer will need to take the top end of the engine apart, is it likely i can try and negotiate a complete new cam cover on this age of car (2009) as i understand as they age they are prone to get brittle and crack.
The only people that can answer this are the dealership, can't see a reason why they wouldn't if they are in there anyway.E82_125i said:
After performing a smoke test a while back i suspect mine has as the car runs slightly lean.
Not quite sure why you think a cam cover would/could cause a lean running engine.How do you know it is running lean?
What did the smoke test show?
Got the recall letter for 2011 z4 2.5l about 6 months ago saying dealer would be in touch soon to book in warranty work. I left it a little while then rung round a few dealers to get dates and all were willing to do it but maybe wait a few weeks for spot. Eventually one could do the next week.
Was told it was an all day job but it was done by lunchtime. Was told bolts were replaced but no more details than that.
Not bad for a 13 year old car.
Was told it was an all day job but it was done by lunchtime. Was told bolts were replaced but no more details than that.
Not bad for a 13 year old car.
E-bmw said:
Not quite sure why you think a cam cover would/could cause a lean running engine.
How do you know it is running lean?
What did the smoke test show?
I performed a diy smoke test and found that there was a small amount of smoke coming from deep down within the cam cover down by a spark plug tube. Can only assume theres a small crack there. It occasionally feels a bit down on power and seems to have positive fuel trims along with a mixture control code when i scan it so can only assume i have a vacuum leak from there. How do you know it is running lean?
What did the smoke test show?
MajorMantra said:
Am I right in saying this only affects later N52 cars? (Thought I saw 2009-on somewhere but may have imagined it.)
I think thats right. Mine is a 59 model N52. I was quite surprised myself to be honest as ive only heard of this being an issue on US cars.Edited by MajorMantra on Wednesday 11th September 07:39
E82_125i said:
E-bmw said:
Not quite sure why you think a cam cover would/could cause a lean running engine.
How do you know it is running lean?
What did the smoke test show?
I performed a diy smoke test and found that there was a small amount of smoke coming from deep down within the cam cover down by a spark plug tube. Can only assume theres a small crack there. It occasionally feels a bit down on power and seems to have positive fuel trims along with a mixture control code when i scan it so can only assume i have a vacuum leak from there. How do you know it is running lean?
What did the smoke test show?
It will not cause lean running.
Had my 2011 125i done a few weeks ago at Sytner's. Rocker cover gasket replaced but they wouldn't provide me any details and have zero paperwork to show it has been done. Asked for lists of parts fitted but claim they cannot provide this. Change of policy? didn't use to have a problem of getting lists of parts in past for work on my Z$ 35i when iit went in(often)
Now have an oil drip on garage floor(none before) took to indi-they took under shields off and cleaned down
Seems to be coming from rear of engine. Rocker cover gasket leak at rear-jt's a guess at moment
Now have an oil drip on garage floor(none before) took to indi-they took under shields off and cleaned down
Seems to be coming from rear of engine. Rocker cover gasket leak at rear-jt's a guess at moment
E-bmw said:
That will be getting past the rings into the engine & out through either a crack or most likely a passing cam cover gasket.
It will not cause lean running.
Im guessing that would cause a vacuum leak though if im correct? It will not cause lean running.
The car idles fine though, just feels a little hesitant and flat to drive at times.
Sofa said:
Had one through for my 2010 125i- shocked since it’s seemingly a long running issue and isn’t exactly a new thing.
Anyone know if the valve cover gasket gets done? I’m hoping so if they’re taking the valve cover off… would be a nice bonus.
The gaskets will get replaced because the cover comes off…if yours is weeping that’ll be a nice bonus. Anyone know if the valve cover gasket gets done? I’m hoping so if they’re taking the valve cover off… would be a nice bonus.
E82_125i said:
Has anyone had the recall letter through the post requesting this to be done?
I was aware the US n52 cars could suffer from loose Vanos bolts but wasn’t aware it extended to EU cars too.
If you have had the work carried out, how long did it take? Did BMW perform any other recall work at the same time?
I currently have a cabin air blower motor recall pending too.
As the dealer will need to take the top end of the engine apart, is it likely i can try and negotiate a complete new cam cover on this age of car (2009) as i understand as they age they are prone to get brittle and crack. After performing a smoke test a while back i suspect mine has as the car runs slightly lean.
If there’ are two outstanding recalls there is no reason why they can’t be done together. I was aware the US n52 cars could suffer from loose Vanos bolts but wasn’t aware it extended to EU cars too.
If you have had the work carried out, how long did it take? Did BMW perform any other recall work at the same time?
I currently have a cabin air blower motor recall pending too.
As the dealer will need to take the top end of the engine apart, is it likely i can try and negotiate a complete new cam cover on this age of car (2009) as i understand as they age they are prone to get brittle and crack. After performing a smoke test a while back i suspect mine has as the car runs slightly lean.
The dealer probably would replace the cover at your cost. It’s an expensive part though. Personally I’d want it inspected to make sure that it is cracked before coughing up £400 or so.
E82_125i said:
E-bmw said:
That will be getting past the rings into the engine & out through either a crack or most likely a passing cam cover gasket.
It will not cause lean running.
Im guessing that would cause a vacuum leak though if im correct? It will not cause lean running.
The car idles fine though, just feels a little hesitant and flat to drive at times.
You need to look elsewhere for the issue.
Managed to get the recall carried out recently, actually had two pending. The other was the heater blower motor plug recall.
Was quite surprised how quickly i was able to get this booked in.
To my surprise BMW will actually replace your entire valve cover and relevant gaskets with this recall. I was advised they do this now given the age of the valvecovers. So i now have a brand new one with fresh gaskets! Just aswell as my valvetronic one was leaking significantly.
There was no mention of the vanos bolts being loose. Here is the invoice i received from them itemising what was done.
Im not sure which parts on here are the bolts themselves, do they replace the whole actuator or just leave them alone if they look ok?
Was quite surprised how quickly i was able to get this booked in.
To my surprise BMW will actually replace your entire valve cover and relevant gaskets with this recall. I was advised they do this now given the age of the valvecovers. So i now have a brand new one with fresh gaskets! Just aswell as my valvetronic one was leaking significantly.
There was no mention of the vanos bolts being loose. Here is the invoice i received from them itemising what was done.
Im not sure which parts on here are the bolts themselves, do they replace the whole actuator or just leave them alone if they look ok?
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