I need help for once...
2016 R60 N18 (Wrong forum but theres morw traffic here)
114k Miles

I recently had a code P13C0 pop up idling at a stop light, giving me the half engine and limp mode. Once the code is cleared the car drives normal again.
I pulled the Vanos solenoids, replacing the rear as I had a spare and I cleaned the one closest to the front. There was a bunch of gunk on the one in the front, so I actually replaced it with the one from the rear. The code came back idling in traffic again.
I read it could be bad oil, so I put in some Liquid Moly Engine Flush and let it idle for 15 minutes and then did an oil change. I drove around for a while today and the car is running smooth and its peppy...but on my way to work tonight, once again at a light, the code came back.

I am worried it has to do with timing, although I have no other timing symptoms or issues.

What should I do or check next? Should I replaced both Solenoids with new replacements? How can I check to see if its the Vanos cams? How can I check timing without the cam lock set?

Do you see bad wear here?










I appreciate your time guys.

 

According to https://bmwfault.codes/Lookup it sounds like the VANOS solenoids need to be replaced. I would just get two new ones, just to make sure.

I used two of these in my R55 without issue:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...SIJS1RRQ%3D%3D

Your valve train looks pretty good, but maybe run another engine flush / oil change right before changing out the solenoids?

 

First check whether your new oil filter is clogged after the flush and oil change.

Next, enter your VIN at RealOEM. You will find one or two non-return valves on the N18 cylinder head. See part 06 in diagram. Try cleaning the non-return valve(s), which may be clogged.

 

@njaremka I ended up swapping the intake Vanos Solenoid for the one in the front and drove it around today more than I normally do. I even let it idle longer than normal just to see if the code would come back.
I havent had a code pop back up yet but idle is still not perfect (its close though). The car runs fine and has plenty of power but idle has random stumbles here and there.

@Maybe, maybe not I will look into those, I kind of expected to replace the Vanos gears if it continued but I will clean those out and do another flush with my fingers crossed.