[Rube]

Hey Everyone,

I have a 2013 X3 N55, about 92k miles.

So i got a drivetrain malfunction back in Mid February where i was greeted with a less than smooth start up, the high idle was choppy and then the codes came - the codes as per my Foxwell scanner were:
120408 - charging pressure control switch off as consequence
131508 - Variable camshaft timing control (VANOS) intake. Cold start not controllable.
I cleared the codes at that time and was fine for just about a month (although admittedly i didnt drive that much during that time period).

A couple days ago - i got the drivetrain malfunction again same 2 codes plus 1 more.
10BA40 - outside temp sensor plausibility. Ambient temp greater than model?
120408 - charging pressure control switch off as consequence
131508 - Variable camshaft timing control (VANOS) intake. Cold start not controllable.

For now, i swapped the vanos solenoids (they looked clean, and i cleaned them up with brake cleaner just in case). So for now i want to see if the codes come back if it will swap over to Vanos exhaust code.
If not i may check into the Vanos servomotor, i REALLY hope i dont have the shredded vanos bolts. Although mine is a 2013 X3 N55 so it appears i am outside the recall that affected 2011 to 2012 i believe.
Another piece of information, well before i threw the drivetrain malfunction, ever since i got the X3, on restart when warm i would sometimes get a hunting/suring idle like 700 - 900/1000rpm and then when in gear it would also surge. But i never threw any codes previously.

Anyone come across something similar?

Thanks!
Rube

[najnad]

How old are your spark plugs?

[Rube]

Originally Posted by najnad

How old are your spark plugs?

I replaced all 6 plugs with NGK and Delphi coils probably around 8k miles ago. If you're thinking misfire, would that usually be accompanied by a misfire code?
Also wanted to add, the surging idle was present when i first purchased the X3 at 82k miles, which is why i ended up replacing the plugs and coils. That didn't have any effect, the surging/fluctuating idle on a warm restart still persisted (although not every single time. very strange).

[najnad]

smoke test, look for vacuum leak

[Rube]

Originally Posted by najnad

smoke test, look for vacuum leak

Yes, good idea. might take a bit to get the kit but ill report back. thank you!

[lovesdogs]

So... apparently BMW X3 model years 2013-2015 are made with plastic timing chain guides. Which, of course, plastic gets brittle and breaks.....

I have a 2013 X3 with 62,000 miles on it. In February 2021, I received the "drive train malfunction error". Took it to the dealership and had to have all this work done.... $5500.00 worth of work to replace parts, etc all due to the timing chain guides.

3/11 - less than 600 miles since I picked up my newly repaired car from the dealership - I got the "drive train malfunction" error again... This time it is a Intake cam solenoid. The dealership fixed it, took it for a test drive, and it died on them.... and now I need a new motor

My advice is - anyone with a 2013-2015 X3 - GET RID OF THEM NOW!!!

[Rube]

Originally Posted by lovesdogs

So... apparently BMW X3 model years 2013-2015 are made with plastic timing chain guides. Which, of course, plastic gets brittle and breaks.....

I have a 2013 X3 with 62,000 miles on it. In February 2021, I received the "drive train malfunction error". Took it to the dealership and had to have all this work done.... $5500.00 worth of work to replace parts, etc all due to the timing chain guides.

3/11 - less than 600 miles since I picked up my newly repaired car from the dealership - I got the "drive train malfunction" error again... This time it is a Intake cam solenoid. The dealership fixed it, took it for a test drive, and it died on them.... and now I need a new motor

My advice is - anyone with a 2013-2015 X3 - GET RID OF THEM NOW!!!

Sorry to hear that! Which engine did you have, i understand the 4 cylinder turbo engines had that problem.