Drivetrain Malfunction warning

MVSLBimmer · 04-19-2021, 03:00 PM

Hello everyone, first time posting. It has been one year since having the N20 engine replaced in my 2013 F30 328i X-Drive. This was a result of the TC issue and thank god I knew someone at the BMW dealer that got it covered by goodwill! A couple of days ago, we got a Drivetrain Malfunction warning, did a scan with BimmerLink and got the following codes:
120408-Boost pressure control shutdown as follow-up reaction
131501-VANOS, inlet, cold start: not adjustable

After some google research, it seems that the VANOS solenoid may be sticking, causing the CEL.

My question is, will continuing to drive car while waiting for repair/parts, hurt/damage my new engine? My wife drives this car mostly, so I don't want her to get stuck because we should not have driven it.

Any advice or guidance is appreciated.
Thank you

435gc · 04-19-2021, 06:23 PM

It appears that the engine has shut down boost due to the Vanos malfunction.This is a protective measure from the computer to keep you from running pedal to the metal.

Vanos is the variable cam timing system. Running the car with the Vanos disabled/shut down should not cause damage to the engine. It will just run with sub optimal performance and efficiency.

That said, I would definitely drive it very conservative and get it serviced as soon as you can.

Hopefully its like you said, the solenoid. Very easy and cheap fix. May just need to be cleaned.

If it is something in the Vanos like the tensioner or springs then the valve cover will have to be removed. Then you are getting into some bucks.

MVSLBimmer · 04-19-2021, 08:43 PM

Thanks for the info, much appreciated. I put a call into the BMW Center where I bought it and had the engine replaced, to see if they reinstalled old solenoids or installed new ones. Waiting for a return call(this was today 4/19/21). If for whatever reason they can't or won't replace under warranty, I will first pull them, clean them and reinstall, if that still doesn't solve it then I will buy both intake and exhaust from FCP Euro, install them myself. I have a great DYI repair shop near me, $20/hr to rent the lift/stall, comes with a full technicians tool box and the owner even gives advice/guidance! Do all my maintenance on both cars there. Will give update soon.

435gc · 04-20-2021, 10:33 AM

Solid plan.

Wish I had a place like that near me.

04-19-2021, 03:00 PM	#1
MVSLBimmer MVSLBimmer 6 Rep 7 Posts Drives: BMW 328I XDrive Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Rhode Island iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 3281 X-Drive [0.00] 2013 BMW 328i X-Drive [0.00]	Drivetrain Malfunction warning Hello everyone, first time posting. It has been one year since having the N20 engine replaced in my 2013 F30 328i X-Drive. This was a result of the TC issue and thank god I knew someone at the BMW dealer that got it covered by goodwill! A couple of days ago, we got a Drivetrain Malfunction warning, did a scan with BimmerLink and got the following codes: 120408-Boost pressure control shutdown as follow-up reaction 131501-VANOS, inlet, cold start: not adjustable After some google research, it seems that the VANOS solenoid may be sticking, causing the CEL. My question is, will continuing to drive car while waiting for repair/parts, hurt/damage my new engine? My wife drives this car mostly, so I don't want her to get stuck because we should not have driven it. Any advice or guidance is appreciated. Thank you
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04-19-2021, 06:23 PM	#2
435gc Lieutenant 174 Rep 462 Posts Drives: 2015 435i Gran Coupe xdrive Join Date: May 2019 Location: Charlotte iTrader: (0)	It appears that the engine has shut down boost due to the Vanos malfunction.This is a protective measure from the computer to keep you from running pedal to the metal. Vanos is the variable cam timing system. Running the car with the Vanos disabled/shut down should not cause damage to the engine. It will just run with sub optimal performance and efficiency. That said, I would definitely drive it very conservative and get it serviced as soon as you can. Hopefully its like you said, the solenoid. Very easy and cheap fix. May just need to be cleaned. If it is something in the Vanos like the tensioner or springs then the valve cover will have to be removed. Then you are getting into some bucks.
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04-19-2021, 08:43 PM	#3
MVSLBimmer MVSLBimmer 6 Rep 7 Posts Drives: BMW 328I XDrive Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Rhode Island iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 3281 X-Drive [0.00] 2013 BMW 328i X-Drive [0.00]	Drivetrain Malfunction Thanks for the info, much appreciated. I put a call into the BMW Center where I bought it and had the engine replaced, to see if they reinstalled old solenoids or installed new ones. Waiting for a return call(this was today 4/19/21). If for whatever reason they can't or won't replace under warranty, I will first pull them, clean them and reinstall, if that still doesn't solve it then I will buy both intake and exhaust from FCP Euro, install them myself. I have a great DYI repair shop near me, $20/hr to rent the lift/stall, comes with a full technicians tool box and the owner even gives advice/guidance! Do all my maintenance on both cars there. Will give update soon.
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04-20-2021, 10:33 AM	#4
435gc Lieutenant 174 Rep 462 Posts Drives: 2015 435i Gran Coupe xdrive Join Date: May 2019 Location: Charlotte iTrader: (0)	Solid plan. Wish I had a place like that near me.
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