I’ve got a 2008 mini cooper base with the n12 and I’ve got a p0012 code for intake camshaft position timing over retarted. This code came up after replacing the tensioner for the timing chain and I locked the engine and cams. Engine is timed correctly and runs alright. The symptoms I have is that my idle will jump to around 1200 rpm’s for a second and I can hear a ticking noise from the engine on a cold start. If I let the car warm up and then clear the code it doesn’t come back and the ticking stops. Car does not run bad and still drives, but does anyone know my issue?

 

Describe how you installed the new tensioner.

Why did you replace only the tensioner? When was the timing chain last replaced?

 

If you boy replaced the tensioner, there should have been no need to lock the timing gear, cams, and chain. Just pull the old one, then reinstall the new one. If you are 100% sure the timing is all good, then the VANOS solenoid might need to be replaced.

 

While I was in the car both cams lined up when locked, but the exhaust vvt gear was rotated a different direction. Does this have anything to do with the code?

 

If the timing chain was making the death rattle noise but only the tensioner was replaced (not the guides or chain), then the ticking noise could be broken pieces of the guides in the engine.

As njaremka mentioned, the fault code could be caused by a bad intake VANOS solenoid or alternatively the solenoid is good but its oil screen is clogged. Also make sure the engine oil level is not low.

You can also swap the intake and exhaust VANOS solenoids to check whether the intake solenoid is the problem.

 

The intake and exhaust VANOS units don't necessarily need to align visually. Was the crankshaft locked in the 90° piston position when you installed the cam timing tool?

 

Yes

 

Are you saying that you had the camshafts locked and then rotated the VANOS sprocket center bolt counter-clockwise? Remember, the VANOS sprockets are not keyed to the camshafts. They are only held fixed to the camshaft by the tension from the center bolt.

Do you know how to correctly check your timing?

 

No, when I took the valve cover off I noticed that the sprockets were not aligned but the cams were lined up together. I will take another look at the timing by putting the pin into the flywheel and see if the cams in sync.
I’m just wondering if the position of the sprockets mounted on the cam matter because they aren’t keyed.

 

There aren't any alignment marks on the VANOS sprockets. To check your timing, rotate the engine crankshaft bolt clockwise until you can insert the special tool into the alignment hole in the flywheel. Then remove the valve cover. Install the camshaft locking tools on the camshafts & look to ensure the writing on the center of the camshafts is at the 12 o'clock position.

 

Ok