After change chain tensioner

neosez · 06-12-2020, 09:25 AM

2013 X3 N20 28i

Today I changed Chain tensioner as preventative maintenance, but soon I start the car, I got Drivetrain Malfunction. When I read the code through ISTA,

these codes are

code:131501 VANOS, intake, cold start: not controllable
code:131401 VANOS, exhaust, cold start: not controllable
code:130104 VANOS, intake, control fault, camshaft jammed

based on codes, I believed that timing is incorrect/out. Need to do timing, if it's timing than does anyone know do I have to remove oil pan/ remove the subframe as well or just fix this by opening the engine valve cover and use the chain time tool?

or plz guide me in the right direction if it relates to something else, as I only replaced the chain tensioner only follow this instruction https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...shaft/HtiBPV3K

I also find this SIB https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...53485-8362.pdf based on that its just the DME software update. Not sure what to do.

bhkj9999 · 04-01-2021, 10:40 AM

car sold

MSport_Jon · 04-12-2021, 04:12 AM

It cannot be timing. Timing is performed by the timing chain. You only touched an accessories belt part. Look into loose connectors.

Just looked at TIS. The only thing it mentions is to observe the direction of travel of the belt if reuse.
It does not mention locking any accessories or pulleys in place while replacing the belt. I believe something else is happening in your case.

Also look into Removing and installing/replacing hydraulic valve (N55). This was under the acc belt repair replace section on TIS

Quote:

Originally Posted by neosez

2013 X3 N20 28i

Today I changed Chain tensioner as preventative maintenance, but soon I start the car, I got Drivetrain Malfunction. When I read the code through ISTA,

these codes are

code:131501 VANOS, intake, cold start: not controllable
code:131401 VANOS, exhaust, cold start: not controllable
code:130104 VANOS, intake, control fault, camshaft jammed

based on codes, I believed that timing is incorrect/out. Need to do timing, if it's timing than does anyone know do I have to remove oil pan/ remove the subframe as well or just fix this by opening the engine valve cover and use the chain time tool?

or plz guide me in the right direction if it relates to something else, as I only replaced the chain tensioner only follow this instruction https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...shaft/HtiBPV3K

I also find this SIB https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...53485-8362.pdf based on that its just the DME software update. Not sure what to do.

wrongmark · 03-05-2022, 04:25 PM

Did you ever solve this? I've done exactly the same thing and caused this issue by replacing the timing chain tensioner.

Trickd122 · 05-28-2022, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrongmark

Did you ever solve this? I've done exactly the same thing and caused this issue by replacing the timing chain tensioner.

Hello did you ever resolve that issue? Having the same

Barbera335 · 05-29-2022, 01:14 PM

Most likely you have broken timing chain guides and the whole timing set will need to be replaced. This is a common issue on the N20 engine.

wrongmark · 11-24-2022, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trickd122

Hello did you ever resolve that issue? Having the same

Sorry for massively late reply - I use the F30/E90 forums usually. Yes I solved this. The exhaust cam had jumped one tooth when changing the tensioner. I managed to replicate this with the valve cover removed.

So a warning to anyone thinking of doing this without the valve cover removed (and preferably an extra pair of hands to keep tension on the chain) as it can happen. I would say that this is not for the average DIYer but is doable if you've got the knowledge, tools, time and inclination.

The fix is to correct the timing with the special tools specific to the N20/N26 engine.

Ivan67 · 12-11-2022, 05:48 PM

Previous posts of “timing chain upgrade” explains my experience.
I agree, you need to remove the VC and lock the cams.
Still a pretty straight forward job, and hopefully will prevent the chain to jump.
Good luck to those that proceed with the project.
Ivan.

bmwPower99 · 12-12-2022, 11:54 AM

Thanks for this. I saw a video where the chap replaced it without the locks and I thought it was an easy DIY. Think I'll avoid this.

wrongmark · 01-09-2023, 01:31 PM

It is possible without the timing tools, but if you risk needing to re-time the engine if something moves. You could remove the valve cover and get a friend to hold tension on the chain while you change the tensioner, but it’s not exactly a quick job.

Aleks2505 · 11-24-2023, 08:34 AM

Hello all. My chain has also jumped and I did buy the alignment tool and about to tackle this job. Once I have the valve cover off, finding top dead center, locking in the pin, When I go to align the cams, are you able to lift the chain off the intake cam to move it into position with the mark facing up, or do you have to undo the vanos in order to move the cam into its proper position? Thanks. I have an N55 engine.

06-12-2020, 09:25 AM	#1
neosez New Member 4 Rep 6 Posts Drives: X3 2013 F25 Join Date: May 2018 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	After change chain tensioner - Drivetrain Malfunction 2013 X3 N20 28i Today I changed Chain tensioner as preventative maintenance, but soon I start the car, I got Drivetrain Malfunction. When I read the code through ISTA, these codes are code:131501 VANOS, intake, cold start: not controllable code:131401 VANOS, exhaust, cold start: not controllable code:130104 VANOS, intake, control fault, camshaft jammed based on codes, I believed that timing is incorrect/out. Need to do timing, if it's timing than does anyone know do I have to remove oil pan/ remove the subframe as well or just fix this by opening the engine valve cover and use the chain time tool? or plz guide me in the right direction if it relates to something else, as I only replaced the chain tensioner only follow this instruction https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...shaft/HtiBPV3K I also find this SIB https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...53485-8362.pdf based on that its just the DME software update. Not sure what to do. Last edited by neosez; 06-12-2020 at 01:43 PM..
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04-01-2021, 10:40 AM	#2
bhkj9999 New Member 10 Rep 19 Posts Drives: X5 xDrive50i Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: United States iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW X5 xDrive50i [0.00]	car sold Last edited by bhkj9999; 06-06-2021 at 05:51 PM.. Reason: car sold
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03-05-2022, 04:25 PM	#4
wrongmark Second Lieutenant 98 Rep 256 Posts Drives: E90 320i, F31 328i Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: South Yorkshire iTrader: (0)	Did you ever solve this? I've done exactly the same thing and caused this issue by replacing the timing chain tensioner.
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05-29-2022, 01:14 PM	#6
Barbera335 Captain 169 Rep 660 Posts Drives: F25 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: socal iTrader: (0)	Most likely you have broken timing chain guides and the whole timing set will need to be replaced. This is a common issue on the N20 engine.
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12-11-2022, 05:48 PM	#8
Ivan67 New Member 1 Rep 18 Posts Drives: e30 M3, F25 X3, e90 335d Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Miami iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 335d [0.00] 1988 BMW M3 [0.00] 2014 BMW X3 [0.00]	Previous posts of “timing chain upgrade” explains my experience. I agree, you need to remove the VC and lock the cams. Still a pretty straight forward job, and hopefully will prevent the chain to jump. Good luck to those that proceed with the project. Ivan.
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12-12-2022, 11:54 AM	#9
bmwPower99 Private First Class 19 Rep 148 Posts Drives: bmw f25 X3 35d Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: uk iTrader: (0)	Thanks for this. I saw a video where the chap replaced it without the locks and I thought it was an easy DIY. Think I'll avoid this.
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01-09-2023, 01:31 PM	#10
wrongmark Second Lieutenant 98 Rep 256 Posts Drives: E90 320i, F31 328i Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: South Yorkshire iTrader: (0)	It is possible without the timing tools, but if you risk needing to re-time the engine if something moves. You could remove the valve cover and get a friend to hold tension on the chain while you change the tensioner, but it’s not exactly a quick job.
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11-24-2023, 08:34 AM	#11
Aleks2505 New Member 5 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 2008 E93 M3, 2012 X5 35i Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Hello all. My chain has also jumped and I did buy the alignment tool and about to tackle this job. Once I have the valve cover off, finding top dead center, locking in the pin, When I go to align the cams, are you able to lift the chain off the intake cam to move it into position with the mark facing up, or do you have to undo the vanos in order to move the cam into its proper position? Thanks. I have an N55 engine.
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