[flysmith]

I just purchased my '13 328i M-sport xDrive from a private seller in NY - took a train from Philly to pick it up and drive it home. Less than a week later after getting a handful of Drivetrain Malfunction warnings and one limp-mode instance, I started the car Thursday evening to extremely rough idle and limp mode - not drivable.

I had it towed to an indy specialist in my area (Western suburbs of Philly) who diagnosed a failed valvetronic servomotor. They're still working on the quote as they need cost of additional parts required from BMW, but I've been told over $3k to have it replaced - I'm guessing close to $4k when the estimate is complete.

Some background - the timing chain was replaced in March of this year at the prior owner's BMW dealership at 64k miles and BMW covered the cost - the seller had reported screeching at start up like a slipping belt.

I handed over the service receipt for the rebuild to my local center so they can review what was done and consult with the dealership about potential warranty coverage (though I have little hope for this outcome).

I'm not a litigious person and frankly, I don't know how I could prove the seller knew of impending valvetronic servomotor failure, but stomaching a $4k bill after just buying the car makes me sick to my stomach. That's nearly 30% of my purchase price on the car! I was planning to ask the guy for help on the repair - on the order of 50%+... thoughts?

I will be seeking a second opinion but I know the place (Bavarian Motor Sport Kennett Square, PA) is competent - it's well-rated and other local mechanics have respect for the guys there.

So I've got some questions and am seeking the collective advice of folks here -
- I've searched on this and don't see that it's a common failure - has anyone else experienced this and, if so, what was the outcome?
- no-brainer, get a second opinion?
- what are the typical costs seen with this replacement from other indys?
- since the timing chain was recently replaced, but clearly not anything else that wasn't already defective, what would be some items to consider replacing beyond plugs and coils while they're in there considering the engine has 70k miles on it?

Any advice, help, or referrals to other competent service techs in the vicinity who might be able to do this for less would be greatly appreciated.

[bimmer456]

Did you know the vehicles history prior to purchase, like the timing chain issue? Even if you scored a deal it would not be worth it with a a $4k repair after purchase which is nearly half the retail value of the car. Best to go CPO unless the car has a clean history with no issues or recalls.

[flysmith]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

Did you know the vehicles history prior to purchase, like the timing chain issue? Even if you scored a deal it would not be worth it with a a $4k repair after purchase which is nearly half the retail value of the car. Best to go CPO unless the car has a clean history with no issues or recalls.

4k is 50% of the retail value? Not in my research and I searched nationally before settling on this particular vehicle. Beyond that, being that I purchased the vehicle already, telling me to go CPO isn't helpful at this point.

[sspade]

Sorry to hear about your situation...

Have not heard of that failure yet on N20/N26. Hoping someone else chimes in that has.

Searched realoem for the part number but was unable to locate. Internet search reveals this was a common issue on E90 body but not (yet) on F30.

I would get a code scanner (BimmerLink and OBD dongle) to see what codes may be present yourself.

Keep us posted on the outcome.

[sspade]

I would want the previous owner to make good for the failure as well but I highly doubt that will happen.

This is the risk of buying used vehicles especially high end ones.

Get a code scanner and research the crap out of this forum for simple DIY's so that you dont have to pay an indy for easy stuff you can do yourself.

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by sspade

I would want the previous owner to make good for the failure as well but I highly doubt that will happen.

This is the risk of buying used vehicles especially high end ones.

Get a code scanner and research the crap out of this forum for simple DIY's so that you dont have to pay an indy for easy stuff you can do yourself.

Valvetronic is essentially the throttle body for BMWs. However there is a backup conventional throttle body that is supposed to operate if the valvetronic is disabled. Not sure if there is a default mode that can allow the engine to idle and then just use the normal throttle body until you can get it fixed. Time to invest in a Bentley manual and elbow grease as well as ordering parts from FCP Euro with free lifetime replacement.

[rjd_F30]

Definitely not a common failure for the F30s. I've spent a good bit of time on here and I believe you're the first instance of valvetronic servomotor failure I've seen. For that reason it's hard for us to give you a window of what a reasonable repair price would be considering this isn't something that happens often. Also, it's up to you to get a second opinion or not. It can never hurt, other than it being a waste of your time if the second opinion is the same as the first. If you trust the mechanic the car is at now, I wouldn't necessarily recommend a second opinion but I also wouldn't recommend against it.

As far as other stuff you should doing maintenance wise at 70k miles, plugs and coils is a good idea, and it would probably be wise to service all fluid. If it shows a trans fluid change 10k miles ago on the vehicle history, then obviously don't worry about it, but I doubt that will be the case. So I would look into doing (preventatively and just to keep the car in good working order as long as possible): trans fluid, diff fluid, engine oil, plugs and coils, coolant flush. Look for if/when any of these things were last done on your car, and then consider performing these maintenance items accordingly.

[RMachuca3d]

Why would the seller have to pay anything? If the car was driving/running fine when he sold it to you then thats that. Is it bad luck that this would happen? Certainly, is it his fault in any way? Nope.

[flysmith]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

Valvetronic is essentially the throttle body for BMWs. However there is a backup conventional throttle body that is supposed to operate if the valvetronic is disabled. Not sure if there is a default mode that can allow the engine to idle and then just use the normal throttle body until you can get it fixed. Time to invest in a Bentley manual and elbow grease as well as ordering parts from FCP Euro with free lifetime replacement.

When the valvetronic is disabled, several cylinders misfire so it's overall output is significantly reduced. Despite the power reduction, can it be driven without damaging the engine?

I watched a video in Portuguese of a valvetronic replacement and it doesn't appear to be a straightforward DIY project, and especially not for myself.

[Billfitz]

FWIW once out of warranty you should not be going to a dealer for service. Dealers make little to no money selling cars, so the service department is what supports the entire operation. Go to an indy that specializes in German cars. Also, this is what you're paying $3k plus to replace:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...hoCABsQAvD_BwE

[flysmith]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

FWIW once out of warranty you should not be going to a dealer for service. Dealers make little to no money selling cars, so the service department is what supports the entire operation. Go to an indy that specializes in German cars. Also, this is what you're paying $3k plus to replace:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...hoCABsQAvD_BwE

I wasn't planning on using a dealer for the service unless there was some way they'd warranty the rebuild they did earlier in the year.

Yes. I found the part online, too, and was shocked there could be that much labor to get it in and out to run up a $3k+ tab. Any hardcore hobbyists in the Philly area want to take the job on?

[flysmith]

Here's the video I found online. You can turn on close caption auto translate to understand what they're saying if you don't speak Portuguese.

It looks pretty buried in the block...

[flysmith]

Originally Posted by sspade

I would get a code scanner (BimmerLink and OBD dongle) to see what codes may be present yourself.

Keep us posted on the outcome.

Thanks for the tip on which scanner to purchase. I'll definitely keep everyone posted.

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by flysmith

When the valvetronic is disabled, several cylinders misfire so it's overall output is significantly reduced. Despite the power reduction, can it be driven without damaging the engine?

I watched a video in Portuguese of a valvetronic replacement and it doesn't appear to be a straightforward DIY project, and especially not for myself.

Yeah it seems it would be a complex job. The valvetronic controls the valve lift which affects engine speed/output. I would find an Indy mechanic if it seems to complicated to DIY.

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

Yeah it seems it would be a complex job. The valvetronic controls the valve lift which affects engine speed/output. I would find an Indy mechanic if it seems to complicated to DIY.

Agreed, something I would probably leave to a professional.

[flysmith]

I want to take it for a second opinion, so the question is - can I drive it essentially in limp mode without damaging anything?

[BunkerJ]

Originally Posted by flysmith

I want to take it for a second opinion, so the question is - can I drive it essentially in limp mode without damaging anything?

I would not. You're likely going to further damages.

[flysmith]

Major update to the story. I called the dealer who rebuilt the motor earlier this year. Those repairs / replacements are warranted for two years, but although there was a valvetronic error, they didn't replace the servomotor and it tested clear after they completed their repairs, so it doesn't fall under that coverage.

However, the SA informed me that the valvetronic servomotor was included the category of parts that are SULEV-related since my model was purchased in NY state. My 328 is a SULEV (super ultra-low emissions vehicle) model - I didn't realize there was a difference. Shame on me. In any case, the SA told me that if the vehicle was registered in a SULEV state (which it's not), the valvetronic motor would be covered under the extended warranty for that category of parts. SULEV coverage extends anywhere from 70-150k and up to 15 years depending on the parts.

In my zest to find a loophole to this warranty coverage exclusion for non-SULEV state residents, I started googling and found an old thread where someone mentioned that the BMW warranty did not specify where subsequent owners of the vehicles had to reside / have the vehicle registered to get the coverage. Mind you, the OP was referring to a 2004 328i, so I found and downloaded the warranty for 2013.

In the 2013 warranty, BMW does specify where they will honor SULEV part warranty coverage and it turns out that my state (PA) is one of the handful of non-SULEV mandated states where BMW will honor the coverage. My guess is that BMW does this as they presume used vehicles will trade in a multi-state region around the state of original purchase.

So... the Service Manager of my local dealership is doing his due diligence to ensure the part is truly covered before I have my 328 towed in for service, but I'm quite hopeful that I'll dodge the $3k bullet on this repair.

I'll post another update once the vehicle is either in the shop or if they ultimately deny the claim. Hope springs eternal!

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by flysmith

Major update to the story. I called the dealer who rebuilt the motor earlier this year. Those repairs / replacements are warranted for two years, but although there was a valvetronic error, they didn't replace the servomotor and it tested clear after they completed their repairs, so it doesn't fall under that coverage.

However, the SA informed me that the valvetronic servomotor was included the category of parts that are SULEV-related since my model was purchased in NY state. My 328 is a SULEV (super ultra-low emissions vehicle) model - I didn't realize there was a difference. Shame on me. In any case, the SA told me that if the vehicle was registered in a SULEV state (which it's not), the valvetronic motor would be covered under the extended warranty for that category of parts. SULEV coverage extends anywhere from 70-150k and up to 15 years depending on the parts.

In my zest to find a loophole to this warranty coverage exclusion for non-SULEV state residents, I started googling and found an old thread where someone mentioned that the BMW warranty did not specify where subsequent owners of the vehicles had to reside / have the vehicle registered to get the coverage. Mind you, the OP was referring to a 2004 328i, so I found and downloaded the warranty for 2013.

In the 2013 warranty, BMW does specify where they will honor SULEV part warranty coverage and it turns out that my state (PA) is one of the handful of non-SULEV mandated states where BMW will honor the coverage. My guess is that BMW does this as they presume used vehicles will trade in a multi-state region around the state of original purchase.

So... the Service Manager of my local dealership is doing his due diligence to ensure the part is truly covered before I have my 328 towed in for service, but I'm quite hopeful that I'll dodge the $3k bullet on this repair.

I'll post another update once the vehicle is either in the shop or if they ultimately deny the claim. Hope springs eternal!

What a surprising and positive outcome. Good luck! Please update this thread.

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by flysmith

Major update to the story. I called the dealer who rebuilt the motor earlier this year. Those repairs / replacements are warranted for two years, but although there was a valvetronic error, they didn't replace the servomotor and it tested clear after they completed their repairs, so it doesn't fall under that coverage.

However, the SA informed me that the valvetronic servomotor was included the category of parts that are SULEV-related since my model was purchased in NY state. My 328 is a SULEV (super ultra-low emissions vehicle) model - I didn't realize there was a difference. Shame on me. In any case, the SA told me that if the vehicle was registered in a SULEV state (which it's not), the valvetronic motor would be covered under the extended warranty for that category of parts. SULEV coverage extends anywhere from 70-150k and up to 15 years depending on the parts.

In my zest to find a loophole to this warranty coverage exclusion for non-SULEV state residents, I started googling and found an old thread where someone mentioned that the BMW warranty did not specify where subsequent owners of the vehicles had to reside / have the vehicle registered to get the coverage. Mind you, the OP was referring to a 2004 328i, so I found and downloaded the warranty for 2013.

In the 2013 warranty, BMW does specify where they will honor SULEV part warranty coverage and it turns out that my state (PA) is one of the handful of non-SULEV mandated states where BMW will honor the coverage. My guess is that BMW does this as they presume used vehicles will trade in a multi-state region around the state of original purchase.

So... the Service Manager of my local dealership is doing his due diligence to ensure the part is truly covered before I have my 328 towed in for service, but I'm quite hopeful that I'll dodge the $3k bullet on this repair.

I'll post another update once the vehicle is either in the shop or if they ultimately deny the claim. Hope springs eternal!

Nice! Awesome to finally hear of a warranty story that (hopefully; presumably) goes in favor of the owner. Please update whenever it's all said and done.

[CTNYCLurk]

I actually have an F30 N55 2013, was told by an indy shop here in Richmond Hill Queens NYC, that my valvetronic motor + eccentric shaft needs replacement...my car also threw a drivetrain malfunction, which would get thrown everytime I start the car.

I recall a 400ish$ quote for the motor, 120ish$ for a harness, and 550ish$ for the eccentric shaft + 750 for labor... though its supposed to be about 1200-1500$ for labor, quite a bit of work is involved.

[yoon_209]

Originally Posted by rjdnyy224

Definitely not a common failure for the F30s. I've spent a good bit of time on here and I believe you're the first instance of valvetronic servomotor failure I've seen. For that reason it's hard for us to give you a window of what a reasonable repair price would be considering this isn't something that happens often. Also, it's up to you to get a second opinion or not. It can never hurt, other than it being a waste of your time if the second opinion is the same as the first. If you trust the mechanic the car is at now, I wouldn't necessarily recommend a second opinion but I also wouldn't recommend against it.

As far as other stuff you should doing maintenance wise at 70k miles, plugs and coils is a good idea, and it would probably be wise to service all fluid. If it shows a trans fluid change 10k miles ago on the vehicle history, then obviously don't worry about it, but I doubt that will be the case. So I would look into doing (preventatively and just to keep the car in good working order as long as possible): trans fluid, diff fluid, engine oil, plugs and coils, coolant flush. Look for if/when any of these things were last done on your car, and then consider performing these maintenance items accordingly.

i just got this valvetronic errror on my car three weeks ago and i have a '13 n55 with only 50k miles.... gonna take to shop today