All,

The engine light for my 2009 R56 came on, and I brought it in to my Mini shop. He said the code had to do with the Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid and the solution was to replace it (he recommended just doing both).

I haven't noticed any problems with the car besides the engine light, and I asked him what'd happen if I didn't replace them. He said nothing - no damage will happen to the car if I don't replace them.

I'm all about saving money, but would you say he's right? I have already replaced the camshaft timing chain 30k miles ago (at 110k now).

 

The car will run poorly, rough idle, hard starts, low power, misfires, all sorts of stuff.

If you want a cheap option you can try pulling the solenoids and cleaning them out, but that usually only buys you a few months, I'm not sold on "if you're replacing one just replace the other", they're not the cheapest.

If you've got a fault for a VANOS solenoid start with cleaning it, if the fault persists replace it.

 

Thanks!

I was looking at this article:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti..._Replacing.htm

It doesn't seem too complicated. What are the things that could go wrong?

 

You'll make a small mess with the oil that leaks out of the ports; other than that it's a very straight forward job.

 

thanks! I’ll go ahead and do it myself.
when the article speaks of a fastener, do you know what I need?

 

www.realoem.com for part number, probably the bolt or screw to attach to engine is "fastener".

 

The bolt holding them in will either be a T30 or a 10mm cap head.

 

Replaced both solenoids and sensors on my 2010 R56 a few weeks ago. Car runs much better. Some things to watch for:
- Some say can't reuse attachment bolts, I reused mine with blue thread locker
- Limited access on firewall side solenoid, best to remove the air intake tube
- Difficult to grasp solenoid bolt while unscrewing, which means the bolt could fall into the engine compartment. Mine did, and luckily got stuck on the drive belt pulley. Had to magnetize a long screwdriver to get it out - could have been a disaster. I would put a rag under the screw to catch it if it falls while removing.
- Kept getting CELs after replacing parts. Took it to the Mini dealer and they reset the adaptations, not expensive but worth knowing.
Good luck hope it works out for you.