New X5 4.4 Owner Resto *long thread with pic dump*

[David.X5]

Sadly I have a similar problem - no codes yet, but the VANOS startup rattle came back a couple of months after doing the Beisan rebuild. Raj answered a lot of questions, and I even removed the actuators to replace the check valves (again) that sit behind the VANOS actuator and then replaced the actuators with no improvement), but I haven't been able to figure it out. Car drives fine, but the startup rattle BUGS me. Don't have any suggestions on this one...

[Deansbimmer]

Apparently the culprit of the Code 34 can be one of three faults which are more clarified by pulling the standard OBD2 code. Mine is P0022 which is a retarded vanos when requested to advance. It's a rare code, and is a mechanical/hydraulic problem with the VANOS itself.

It looks like I'll probably be pulling the VANOS and swapping it with another one I rebuilt today.

David, I think I may have messed up the seals during my rebuild. Perhaps something similar happened during yours and the seals are leaking enough to allow rattle?

[David.X5]

I'm afraid you may be right (something went wrong with putting in the new seals or pressing it, etc). I keep going back to that - no way to know, and new VANOS are not cheap... I really don't like doing some complicated procedure for the first time when it really matters.

[diyanich]

I guess you all read this thread,but just in case I post it here too

VANOS INPA code #33 #34

[Deansbimmer]

Well I'm still working on the vanos solution...It wasn't an issue with the vanos itself, so I believe its an electrical issue now due to the way the readings look. I have a thread going on over on some other forums HERE and HERE

Meanwhile, I got lucky and bagged a unicorn- a complete OEM trailer hitch setup! I paid an arm and a leg for it but after working with it firsthand I couldn't imagine an aftermarlet one. I'm glad I held out for the real deal.





My X5 had these brackets already installed, and was pre-wired.

[jsoto]

I would have considered getting the hitch PC before putting her on.

Going to give her a coat or 2 before bumper get's put on ? Or you are plowing away at the long list of to-dos

[Riggodeaux]

That, sir, is a unicorn, proven with pix! The oem westfalia hitch is far superior engineering to the aftermarkets, and you are certainly a skilled unicorn hunter. congrats.

[Deansbimmer]

Originally Posted by jsoto

I would have considered getting the hitch PC before putting her on.

Going to give her a coat or 2 before bumper get's put on ? Or you are plowing away at the long list of to-dos

Nope, the hitch was completely rust free aside from a couple rusty bolts. Original powder coat is great. It was just dirty which doesn't bother me since it's hidden. I wiped it clean before I put the bumper back on.

I've already towed with it. Installed it and picked up my toolbox in the same day




I'm plowing away on the car's issues still. I got some new Bridgestone H/L Run-Flats installed last weekend. I decided to stay with the 18's I have. I am looking at some spacers though...

I noticed now that the side view mirrors are misbehaving. The driver side is loose and won't adjust, and the passenger side is doing that constant hunt to hold a position. I found the DIY for that so I'll hit that task soon...

[Deansbimmer]

Alright, so I got the VANOS problem beat!

Turns out it was electrical. When I disconnected the solenoid I got a code for the tank evap valve, which is right next to the VANOS solenoid. Curious, I investigated and followed the wires into the wiring plenum on top the bank 1, where I found the wires for the two solenoids were smashed between the plastic housing and its lid, where they had rubbed over time enough to short together. I wouldn't have noticed before, because I bought this car with a blown engine so had never seen it running.

I suppose the ecu was talking to the tank solenoid and incidentally activating/deactivating the vanos solenoid, and vice versa. I fixed the wire issue and the light went off and has stayed off. The car runs great now.

I went and had the state inspection passed yesterday, and registered it this morning. Hooray!

[ScoobyDooBMW]

Congrats! Those electrical issues can be a pain for sure.