Help - Valvetronic Electric Issues
 

Well, this is interesting.

X5, 4.8, 2007, I am getting the following codes:

002A69: Valvetronic actuator motor: power supply
002A6B: Valvetronic power limitation


Engine was starting and in severe limp mode.

Then, I did the following:

Replaced the valvetronic motors on each bank. Install went fine. I did follow the TIS directions for e70 located here: https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...e-gear/BXdnwTe

This document says unscrew and screw back on, so that's what I did.

I did have to manually turn the actuators full counter clockwise. Engine starts; same problem.


I also replaced the two relays on valvetronic: K6319a and K6317.
Located here: https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...tronic/dHmuaCP

I also replaced the 40amp fuses in the Engine Bay - all good.

I checked most of the wiring from the actuators to the relays - looks fine.

Tried to start again. Same codes keep coming back. I think I hear the driver's side actuator spinning when I turn car off, but not the passenger's side. Is it possible the eccentric shaft is stuck? Or there is a mechanical bind somewhere?

I've hooked it up to ISTA+ too. Same codes. Going through the procedures there, it's verified the car it running on throttle only - hence the reduced power mode. I was able to query the valvetronic module. Althought, I'm not sure if that means much.

My next look is at the IBS cable. I did swap the battery with a known working batter from x5m. I did text the battery. It's good.


Any thoughts or help? Thanks.

Did you recently have an oil service? Correct oil and filter used?


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Good point; I thought the same. I drained and filled the oil today, fresh filter, etc. Same error codes.


I'm thinking it could be the power distribution box (the large red thing on top of the battery). According to the wiring diagram, the valvetronic is powered directly from there. Thoughts??


See attached for the inside of the power distribution box. BMW claims the black circuit/board are fuses. They don't look like it to me. How do I go about testing this board?

Attachment

Have you let your Valvetronic motors calibrate for a couple minutes before starting? Key in, button pushed without starting?


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There would likely be additional issues if your battery cable were faulty.

Those are fuses but they aren't designed to be replaceable.

I suspected as much. Reading a TIS document now that states, "fusible links (non replaceable)" as the BMW term.

I will order a new power box and report back.

Powerbox changed; same problem.

I am out of ideas at this point.

I will recheck all the wires, and I guess the valve cover is due on this x5.

So, when I get the covers off, I will check for physical blocks and replace the eccentric sensors.

You said the wiring “looks fine.” Did you test the wiring for power with a voltometer to make sure the Valvetronic motors are getting power?


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Just an ohmmeter. They should be 0 ohms. Or a voltmeter, if the one side is connected to the battery, it will be the same on the other side

When my N55 had valvetronic codes, they had to replace the essentric shaft (twice), DME and accuator (twice).

Yeah, I won't be going that far. It's a 2007 with 173000 miles. I normally drive the x5m, and use the x5 for pulling the boat.

Still haven't had time to take valve covers off and see engine internals, yet.

Any other ideas - keep them coming.

I’m thinking eccentric shaft sensor.. the sensor has two “probes” that monitor the position of the eccentric shaft and create a voltage “loop” that the DME monitors to adjust the position of the valvetronic motors. If a sensor is bad and the DME cannot tell where the eccentric shaft is it will default to intake valves open and use the throttle body as a “segregate” intake valve and throw the car in to sever limp mode.

I’d love to say test the eccentric shaft sensor but I’ve only seen it done with some “shop tools” never a volt/ohm or multi meter. May be possible but would require some google digging.

I'm hoping the sensor too.

Found this https://www.searchautoparts.com/auto...stems?page=0,2

This sensor is a complex magneto-resistive device with two sensors monitoring the position of a magnetic wheel mounted on the end of the eccentric shaft. One sensor is called the measuring sensor and the other the evaluation sensor. The measuring sensor is checked more frequently and the evaluation sensor is used for plausibility. This sensor transmits data and is not a linear device like a throttle position sensor, so scope testing the sensor will not reveal the eccentric shaft position to a technician although it is an interesting device to scope. The scan tool can be used to monitor eccentric shaft position which is usually displayed in degrees of rotation from zero degrees, (min stop) to about 225 degrees, (max stop).

But, not much else available. Well, the engine will be coming apart soon...I hope.