Recurring 2a87

[RNM]

I have an 07 e90 335i with about 119k miles and as of lately I have been experiencing 2a87 exhaust vanos mechanism. I have already replaced both vanos solenoids and the code still pops up even when I am not on it. I am fearing the worst and think it could be my cam ledge bearings. I am not mechanically inclined to do this job myself so I will be taking it to a local BMW indy shop. My question is, once they are in there to do this job, is there anything else to look at or replace while they are there (like replacing oil pan gasket while turbos are out)?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Coupes66]

I have an 07 e90 335i with about 119k miles and as of lately I have been experiencing 2a87 exhaust vanos mechanism. I have already replaced both vanos solenoids and the code still pops up even when I am not on it. I am fearing the worst and think it could be my cam ledge bearings. I am not mechanically inclined to do this job myself so I will be taking it to a local BMW indy shop. My question is, once they are in there to do this job, is there anything else to look at or replace while they are there (like replacing oil pan gasket while turbos are out)?

Thanks in advance.

You don't have to remove the turbos to get to the camshafts. Have you tried swapping the camshaft sensors over to see if the sensor is faulty. They are located just above the vanos solenoids.

 

[RNM]

Thanks for the suggestion, will look into that.

 

[Jeffman]

About a year ago I saw a posting about mesh filters for the VANOS units fitted into the right side of engine block. If these VANOS filters are too clogged it could possibly cause these VANOS codes.

 

[RuskiRacer]

Is your oil cap filter tube there? I bought a car that had it's missing and caused me that code.

 

[tisdrew]

Bad oil, a clogged filter, or persistently low oil can cause the solenoids to not function properly resulting in this code. Cleaning off camshaft sensors, vanos solenoids, and the wiring terminals on both sides (into sensor, into dme) may alleviate the code. Given the mileage, it seems unlikely to me that it would be the ledges but it could well be if the cyl head did not receive adequate oiling over it's life.

 

[colo_evo]

Where are you located? I went through the same issue and had to do my ledges.

 

[RNM]

Where are you located? I went through the same issue and had to do my ledges.

I took the car in to my local BMW indy shop. I'm located in South Florida. Fingers crossed its not my ledges.

 

[Jeffman]

Bad oil, a clogged filter, or persistently low oil can cause the solenoids to not function properly resulting in this code. Cleaning off camshaft sensors, vanos solenoids, and the wiring terminals on both sides (into sensor, into dme) may alleviate the code. Given the mileage, it seems unlikely to me that it would be the ledges but it could well be if the cyl head did not receive adequate oiling over it's life.

I wonder whether using Liqui Moly Engine Flush before an oil change would help to clean things up here?
Liqui Moly 2037 Pro-Line Engine Flush - 500 Milliliters https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CR3RXTO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-4KuDbAJVW33Q

 

[RuskiRacer]

I wonder whether using Liqui Moly Engine Flush before an oil change would help to clean things up here?
Liqui Moly 2037 Pro-Line Engine Flush - 500 Milliliters https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CR3RXTO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-4KuDbAJVW33Q

It's worth a shot for sure it seemed to helped me out

 

[Asbjorn]

I had my camshaft seals replaced with the N55 type at around 100.000kms last year. Have done a ton of track days, and had no problems since. Got the code on track in correlation with high coolant and oil temps (280F or so), and replacing both solenoids didn't fix the issue permanently. Swapping the seal did. I guess the track use made the problem appear earlier on my car than other N54s.

 

[ShocknAwe]

My ledges went at 80k miles. Tried all of the above and nothing fixed it but replacing the actual cam ledges. They were visibly worn. Not sure what causes it as proper maintenance has been done on the car for it's whole life.

 

[colo_evo]

I had my camshaft seals replaced with the N55 type at around 100.000kms last year. Have done a ton of track days, and had no problems since. Got the code on track in correlation with high coolant and oil temps (280F or so), and replacing both solenoids didn't fix the issue permanently. Swapping the seal did. I guess the track use made the problem appear earlier on my car than other N54s.

Hot oil is thinner and the worn ledges couldn't contain the oil. My issue was also exposed with hot engine oil temps and got worse as time went on.

 

[RNM]

The oil cap filter tube and both cam position sensors were replaced and now I am throwing 2aa1 exhaust cam sensor. Going to double check the connection from the sensor to the dme now, but if it persists... Cam ledge?

 

[135Pats]

VANOS solenoids were what caused that code for me awhile back...Cam ledge(s) would be next on my list.

 

[doublespaces]

Did this get a solution?

 

[RNM]

Haven't had the chance to go wot on my car yet, will report back soon.

 

[RNM]

Did this get a solution?

Yes, it was the exhaust cam ledge that was causing the issue. It was replaced as well as the actuator and its running good now.

 

[VasN54]

Reviving this thread some extra questions.
What were the symptoms you were having? I'm having some issues right now despite changing Vanos solenoids a few months ago. I'm warrantying them right now and doing new crankshaft position sensors. I'm also going to try the check valve again. I have a single turbo 09 and I'm really hoping it's not my ledges!

 

[RNM]

I kept throwing 2a87 despite all of the recommendations mentioned in this thread. I bit the bullet and replaced the exhaust cam ledge and the problem was fixed.