Howdy Y'all.
About once a tankful (or every two weeks or so), I get an orange engine, and requisite reduction in power (no boost), that goes away after about 20 miles or so.

It usually happens at off-throttle doing highway driving. It gives me the orange engine on the tach, but no lights on the speedo. My Torque says there are no codes in memory or active, but it says this WHILE the light is on and power is obviously reduced.

The car is a 2009 MCS with about 109k. Pretty well bone stock.

I changed the plugs about 4k ago, and I always use 93 octane Shell gas.

Thoughts?

 

Probably a BMW specific code Torque app can't read. Happened to me a while back, turned out to be the exhaust side VANOS. Anyways, without knowing the code, is a true shot in the dark..

 

Sigh...

Ever since I had the engine harnesses replaced due the dreaded oil pump unloading solenoid leak, I too have suffered similar events.

No codes, self resets or after engine restart all OK...

Any thoughts? Anyone...? Bueller...? Bueller...?
E

 

Am thinking this is something to do with the o2 sensor. The data log on torque says "read not complete" on the sensor and catalyst line.



Still... ANY thoughts are welcome.

 

What is the fix for exhaust side VANOS? What IS VANOS?

 

Download BMWhat

 

They replaced it. It's a solenoid on the side of the head that the computer uses to change the valve timing. I believe the n18 engine has two, one for the exhaust cam shaft and one for the intake cam. Do a search for VANOS, there are threads with pictures what it looks like..

 

Likely something you'll have to take to the dealer to get read. I'm sure there are codes of some sort stored and Torque just can't read them.

 

DANG! That did the trick! Several codes, now I have to pay for the Real App.

Thanks for that tip!