Hi all,
I was replacing the infamous HPFP yesterday (thanks to the amazing tutorial posted by Sandwalk3r) and had the air box out of the way when I noticed a motor that is mounted on the engine just below and to the rear of the HPFP (see pic). This motor turns and makes a noise - a very audible one - whenever I open the driver door, start the iginition, or simply park, remove the key and wait about five minutes (it seems to turn about every 5 minutes for about 15 minutes after the car is parked). This noise sounds like what youd expect from a starter motor but is very isolated and only last for about a second or two. I know this is what is making the noise because I can eliminate the sound by disconnecting the electrical socket from the motor. I am curious if someone could please fill me in on what this part is and it's function. I'm curious to determine if the noise it is making is natural or if it is a sign that it needs to be replaced. Any input would be appreciated!





View from front of engine bay looking straight down where air box would be

 

Just the valvetronic actuator :

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/11377591588/ES2136414/

Its adjust the cam gear , its will make noise as it adjust the timing of the engine gear.

 

Here is a thread on NAM where this individual had an issue with the valvetronic actuator. 11377591588 is your part number for it.

 

Is this different than the VANOS solenoid? Should it normally be audible? Even if the engine is off and the key out - should it turn? What would symptoms/side effects of this part if it is failing?

PelicanParts thanks for the resource

 

You're welcome. When they fail some cause no start issues. I do not believe there is reason for it to have power or do anything once the engine is turned off. It shouldn't be making any noise that I am aware of as I've never heard a BMW make noise. Were there any faults in the system?

 

The vanos solenoid is on the other side and is fluid driven. This should only make noise and adjust when the motor is running. Not when off unless you just shut down or before you start up. Have you had a CEL related to timing in the past. Other then that it make a typical small electric motor noise. If its bad it would throw a timing CEL P code.

 

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EliasBruce Minaise

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I have not had any codes show that we're specifically related to this - I had multiple misfire codes and the HPFP "low pressure" codes prior to replacing the HPFP the other night but I think they were pretty much all directly related to the fuel pump issue. I don't remember noticing this part make any audible noise before though and don't think it should be running with the car shut off...

 

Now that you have it fixed and put back together. Did you clear the codes and are there no longer any faults in the system?

 

Unfortunately I have not yet cleared the original codes, but will do tonight. The vehicle is idling strange (rpm fluctuates - not rough idle, but above 1000rpm and back) and transmission is shifting oddly. I am trying to isolate the cause of these issues which is why I'm curious about this part. I originally thought of bad 02 sensors or vacuum leaks which I still need to check, but maybe this is contributing?

 

When you clear the codes if that an issue it should throw a code for a timing issue.

 

If the part is bad would it have thrown a code by now? Nothing else showed I'm the last scan besides misfires

 

Hmmm... Almost sounds like the adaptations for the transmission needs to be reset, this requires special software, but that wont affect idle. The "solenoid" might be related. At this point I'd plug in and see what codes are currently present and go from there. If you don't get anywhere with it I'd probably recommend an indy shop checking it out.

 

Possible, but some code readers are slow to pick up codes , my Actron unit would only pick up the O2 code half the time and had trouble connecting in the past. Some other readers you have to clear and re read them to get all the codes. The tool the MINI dealership uses picks them up all the time and tells you much more. I work on both my MINIs over the years so there are some things only a owner would know.

 

Good to know. Maybe I'll take it in to get it scanned/reset. Could be worth it in case I'm not picking up all the codes

 

Since this is still on topic, could someone explain what kind of side effects one would experience due to a bad solenoid? I've looked around and haven't found a clear explanation...

 

Welcome. If the engine could not adjust the timing most likely it would stumble or a misfire for a short bit.

 

If the VANOS solenoid is putting the cam in a "odd" position then it may all be related. Usually though the engine module is very sensitive to cam and crank timing that I would expect a fault to be stored for that. Just a thought. Good luck and let me know what you find.

 

Is there a relay for this that could be bad, causing it to activate randomly after the engine is off? Maybe a short? I realise it can't activate itself haha so there should be something telling to come on/off....maybe a short? I don't think the latter applies though because the power line to this part is pretty short and it would be noticeable if it was grounding. Any input?

 

There is no relay I have seen for this taht I have seen , its powered by the DME signal. I would check the wire harness to it for damage or a short if you want. I dont see anything from you pic above.

 

Will do! Thanks for the suggestion. And ya, sorry about the pic it was late last night and I didn't want to tear further into it so I just snapped a photo before I put the air box back in

 

Welcome.

 

What would happen if I unplugged this with the engine idling?

 

It should throw a code, and the car might stumble, lose timing, I would not test it unless you want to.

 

So does it run continuously when the engine is running?

 

Yes, its just screws in and out adjusting the timing gear on the outlet when the DME calls for it based off the rpm and engine management.