New e70 owner HELP with P0012 code
 

Hows it going Xpost?
I am new to this site but at all to BMW's! Ive owned an e30, e36, e46, e92, e85, and an e86.
I was previously an automotive mechanic and now I am a jet engine technician, so I have a large amount of knowledge when it comes to cars. but this time I've been stumped and could use some help!

So I picked up my 2010 x5 Msport at about 6k under blue book because it was at a dodge dealership and it had a check engine light.
so I get these two codes. p0012 and p1434
I've been doing a ton of research on this problem.
I've seen that it can be an intake cam sensor. so i order two of them and replace both of them. no luck
I saw someone have the incorrect oil which caused the vanos to freak out.
I got oem bmw oil and filter from ecs. no luck
Next step was to replace the vanos solenoids. I ordered two of them from getbmwparts.com. installed them. surprise surprise. no luck..

When I clear the code, start the car and drive, no MIL. but as soon as I shut the car off and restart it, the light comes right back on with both codes

I have ran out of solutions at this point.
I am reading online that the p1434 code is for the secondary air pump, i don't believe that the air pump would be causing a p0012 code, so i haven't bothered replacing that yet.

It runs fine and drives fine as well.

does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks in advance for any help!

Have you tried to take it to indy and pay them to tell you what it will take to fix the car?
This could be a simple way to find out what parts to replace or chase and troubleshoot.

Just saying...


(good luck)

Crazy way to throw parts at an issue.....

(Now maybe you are coming to understand why that dodge dealer was happy as all get out when some sucker bought it for 2k over auction wholesale.)

Any chance the motor had been opened? Timing might have been set wrong. Issues with the VANOS (not the solenoids but the mechanical parts)

All you have is a code reader? No computer with BMW software???
If you have a computer you could monitor timing, run a vanos function test, see that it is doing what it should be doing

X2...however, what is the mileage of the vehicle? I would try a reputable indy shop...Most dealers are just "parts replacement specialists)...35i I imagine?

I am loathe to take it to a dealer. As above they are parts replacers.

Everyone thinks BMW dealers are the pinnacle of technical expertise, with fastidious old german mechanics in the back, with a team of software wizkids to support.... FAR from true.

While you CAN find expertise, it is rare. All they do is run tests, start replacing parts the computer says might be bad.

Also the concept of the 'magic bullet' fix seems to plague owners...by this I mean "do all the diagnostics, and tell me the single 'nut' 'part' or 'sensor' that is bad to fix all these symptoms. Sometimes you can, sometimes you cant.

Your car may have been opened- THAT creates an impossible diagnostic scenario- a dealer assumes 'as factory' condition. Add a 'someone messed with the timing' and they can have you cha$$ing your tail.

This is why you do not buy cars with CELs thinking "oh its an easy fix"...especially from dealerships since THEY have mechanics and those mechanics can (and will) do the easy fixes!