2 years back my car encountered idling issues which could not be resolved, no fault code no errors....Nothing. The car just could not maintain an idle and will just die off.

I took a mallet and started knocking on various components and somehow manage to narrow it down to this valve, replaced it and it was all good. (I know it's very ghetto but it worked so let's leave it at that )

Recently I am developing a low oil pressure light at idle and hearing the rough rattling sound of the timing chain touching? the valve cover at around 2.3k to 2.5k RPM

Now I am suspecting it's the same valve.....question is....

Anyone has any idea what does this component do?

Part number : 11367537692

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...13&hg=11&fg=15

Thanks!

 

There was another post with a similar issue you're having. They ended up replacing the Vanos valve. Part # 11368610388. Its on the same parts page you linked to. Some people have had luck cleaning this valve. Others needed to replace it. Its not too difficult to get to, so if you're slightly tech savvy, then you should be able to do the job without a hitch.

 

Potentially dumb question: You have checked the oil level, right?

 

+1. The early N14's burned oil faster than the later N14's and a lot more than the N18's. I also have a '07 and if I'm not carefull it will consume oil quick. Using 0w-40 has seem to help a bit, but like StoF is hinting at, low oil level can cause these issues too. Particularly if the oil level drops down low continuously it can ruin these valves.

 

Car was just serviced with new oil and filter..so yeah that take it out of the qns. And I am very aware of the voracious appetite this thing has for oil....

 

Does anyone know what function the Non-Return Valve serves?

Whenever I start my 2007 MCS (62K miles) I wouldn't say it attempts to stall in anyway, but there's a jolt (not a stumble) while idling whether at operating temperature or at startup. It doesn't get that cold here in Southern California. On original HPFP, no commen HPFP symptoms at all. Vanos solenoid pulled and looks extremely clean!

 

This non-return valve allows oil going into the VANOS unit and when the engine shuts off, it'll keep oil in the VANOS. It's a mechanical check valve, unless you find it extremely gunked up, you should only need to clean it once in a while with carb cleaner. The unit which really needs care and cleaning is the VANOS unit itself, not so much on these non-return check valves. On other BMW models, the oil inlet on their non-return valve usually is built with a screen to keep it from getting dirty.

 

Yuptec the non return valve can be cleaned with carb cleaner? I'm mothodically going through fixes to fix my P0012 code. I replaced all the plugs, one was definitely fouled. I have the Vanos solenoid coming in the mail today and I'll replace that next (R56 S). I also ordered a new valve cover since mine is leaking pretty badly. I also orderd new coils which I should have tomorrow. I was going to order a new valve but if it can be cleaned I'd like to do that while replacing the vanos.

 

Yes you can absolutely clean the valve with Carb Cleaner, I have an air compressor in my garage, so what I usually do is I'd spray carb cleaner and jet it with compressed air to get it turbulated inside while it dries fast that way. Do that a couple times then install everything back in. Just be mindful that if you are going to do this, be sure to order the o-ring seal before you open it up. This is a cheap part just in case after you open it up, if there are any visible damages to the o-ring seal, you got something to replace with right away. The part number for the o-ring seal is 11367507729, real cheap to get.

This non-return valve is a mechanical ball valve with a spring behind it, unless the spring breaks (which for the life of this device should never have to happen), you should never need to replace it, just need general cleaning. This part isn't notorious to cause any failures in the car, if it's stuck real bad, it'll just starve the VANOS solenoid unit of oil in turn you probably will just lose some performance because the solenoid won't have enough oil to run it. I've researched a lot so far on this, and I haven't seen any real reports of this part causing much of an issue. The first time I take it out for a cleaning on my wife's 09 MCS (87k miles), it's got little bit of dirt and gunk in it. cleaned it up put it back in, no issues. Then at 102k miles with a routine intake valve walnut blast job, I took the non-return valve out for a looksee, clean as a whistle. At 120k miles observation, still clean. I'll check it again at 150k miles if we still have this car by then.