Another dumb question but I didn't find the answer (or missed it), what oil did you put in?

10w40 Mobil 1 synthetic, had 5w30 before and no difference in tapping or code.

if the change made no difference, we're back to opening it up or a cleaning agent.

You don t think swap Vanos side would help isolating the issue?

It might. I'm split right now between guide debris somewhere in the circuit and/or vanos problem.

Considering the work involved in swapping the vanos, if it were my car, I'd probably try the solvant option first.

Do you have INPA? if you do, you could check if beyond the retarded issue, the vanos is operating when driving. it would tell you if there is some operation or none at all.

I don t have INPA only a code reader :-( Seem like there is plenty of power when I push the gas...so I m assuming even of over retarded it must me working. Dunno know at this point this is crazy!!

Maybe someone local could stop by and give it a go at checking before you open it up or you could order it, it might prove useful.

Alternatively you could try draining and filling up with 10W60 but it won't truly solve the problem.

Yours is not a simple issue even though the fix will probably be something simple.

Thank you Sir! I ll keep investigating and post my findings to help others...

Please do, I'll admit I'm curious about the cause.

Well well well, thinking the problem was in the head I should have looked at this sooner. there is a check valve on the block going to the head on either side. I also found a hex plug on the back of the head leading me to my next steps...
A) see if I can connect an oil gauge on that plug
B) prob won t work but can try will be to blow air thru that hole or fish out debris
Z) taking the head off ..at this rate wtfn

I want my baby back!

Keep you posted..stay tuned