Cooper is throwing a CEL- Code is p054b "Cold Start "B" Camshaft position timing over-retarded Bank 1"

Some digging indicated that this might be a VANOS issue. Possibly the camshaft position sensors. The car was restarted several hours after driving at full temperature, but it was very hot outside.

PS-I have the N18 engine.

Recently did an oil and filter change to 0w-40 Mobil 1 from some cheap blend from the mechanic. OEM Filter. Oil level seems to be slightly above the middle of the dipstick range.

Ive had on and off codes a few times a year for a while, but this is the first time Ive finally bought a scanner to start addressing them.

THANKS!

 

Update: after doing lots of web reading, and lots of research here on NAM, Ive decided to just clear the code and wait until it comes back. The car still runs great, and I'm not sure if its a VANOS issue or a Camshaft Sensor issue. If/When it pops back up I'll decide whether to do 1 or both VANOS and 1 or both Camshaft Sensors. Possibly there will be symptoms or other issues that will help me pinpoint it.

PS-Love the scanner (Schwaben by ECS), its paying for itself already!

 

i suspect it is your vanos. not sure how many miles are on the engine, but perhaps the dirt from oil is filling the "filter" on the vanos preventing it from doing its job. I think I had that issue with my N14, replaced the vanos and everything was ok.