Repair-It

And the CEL is out. Fixed forever?

Nope. The P0344 came back. Fortunately, I've ordered replacements for both of them, so I'll do that this coming weekend.

In other news, it's possible that the CPS codes are being triggered by failing VANOS seals. VANOS is the variable camshaft phasing system BMW put on these engines. The M54 has the dual-VANOS system meaning both the intake and exhaust camshaft can be adjusted. Everyone here will find this surprising, but BMW used cheap rubber o-rings inside the VANOS unit which wear out and stop holding the full amount oil pressure which causes various issues. The internet seems to thing the factory seals need to be replaced somewhere between 60-100k miles. The car has 95k, so I've ordered a kit for that too. The good news is the silicone an viton replacement seals should last the remaining life of the engine.

Stay tuned for more German nonsense.

Frank asked about a possible 99 Z3 that's been sitting. I told him to pass. Maybe you will be able to provide some credible advice.

kevm14 wrote:Frank asked about a possible 99 Z3 that's been sitting. I told him to pass. Maybe you will be able to provide some credible advice.

If he can get it for free, he'll only need to spend ~$2500 resolving the sitting issues and lack of maintenance, in my experience.

And that's if he does all the work himself.

That's pretty much what I told him. Seems like it might be a fun extra car but I am sure it will need a ton of similar work and he's not really up for a project.

Cam sensors arrived. Not sure if I'll have time before this weekend. The light is staying on this time, so that's something.

The light went off on Thursday. Sigh. What is this some type of German car? Also, I didn't get around to replacing the sensors this past weekend. True story.

I have heard of cam phaser issues on the LH2 Northstar, too, but it seems to be far less prevalent than what you describe. Moreover, I have one with 128k and the other with 142k on the original phaser stuff with no issues (knock aluminum).

And, the light is back on. In case anyone forgot, this engine only has 95k.