Bit of an update on my running issues.

After doing some research on the internet, I discovered that you can disconnect the vanos solenoid without any real adverse affects to the vehicle so that is what I have done. There is a lack of midrange right now but the truck seems to run ok.

So far, I have not had any issues after disconnecting it. I had cleared the codes from the ECU which were primarily based on problems with ignition advancement and after a couple of days of driving I got a code 1525 (manufacturers code) which I assume is the system telling me that the solenoid is missing. No other codes have been displayed so far and but I do still have a couple of incompletes. We will wait and see what happens.

The biggest problems I was having was intermittent rough running, stalling going around corners (rapid lift off the throttle) and general rough idle issues. The rough running has stopped, the idle seems to drop normally but the idle still seems like it is low and because of that the truck seems a little grumbly. I think I may have another issue causing the idle issues.

Will post back again after a few days of driving which would be more than enough to throw a code or display some of the previous running issues. If that all checks out, maybe its just a bad solenoid? If not, it certainly points to the vanos system somewhere as being the culprit.

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2004 BMW X5
3.0L Inline 6 Auto