2008 120i P0015

[krisby 0]

The wife loaned her 2008 120i to her sun in November to take to Waiheke, I said no going up gravel roads to wineries with it. 3.5 hours later I get a call saying the EML was on and he had gone up a dusty gravel road. Moron.

Anyway, I said to get it back to their hotel, and then the next morning he said it felt fine when driving to the ferry, and then at Half Moon Bay to our place 5 minutes from. I read the codes and it was throwing P0012 and 0011 related to the vanos. As per Mr Google, I took the advice of a good thorough clean of the solenoids, it seemed to help initially, took it for a good drive and it seemed almost better than ever, we stopped at the 5 Stags in Whitford, had a pint,  an hour later drove 20 meters and the EML came on, full limp mode. 

I bought another Solenoid which didn't really make any difference, but EML was coming and going, and then the 0011 and 0012 codes stopped and I was left with P0014 and 0015. So I got a replacement CPS off a guy on trademe after my local mechanic (not a euro specialist) quote me over $300. I thought it was a refurb, and the photo showed continental/BMW branding, but it threw more codes than ever, I removed it and saw it was unbranded. So I sent it back. I then got a replacement VDO part from a guy in Tauranga, fitted it, and was left with just a P0014 code. Brilliant, swapped it round with the other CPS got a P0015, so it seems the CPS are causing some mayhem.

However, during this the timing chain/guide has started making a noise, so I don't expect that a replacement CPS will resolve all the issues. After getting very frustrated one evening last week having chased these codes around I emailed BM Workshop Botany, as it was after hours. Come Thursday night, got home, saw the BMW, remembered I had contacted them, now after hours again, so I sent another email. Still nothing today. Now I could call them, but if that is their level of customer service I am reluctant.

I did some hunting and saw the recommendations for Motor Worx, was going to try them but the website is down and someone on google reviews is asking where Glenn has gone. 

I know he was a member on here but seems to have changed allegiance to Hyundai now.

Anyway, looking for help recommendations on either fixing the BMW myself, or a good workshop in east auckland, I don't think the car should be driven far so would prefer if they have a flat bed to collect.

Cheers

 

[Eagle 1662]

A proper scan tool goes along way.

Glenn (Botany Motor Worx) is retired but still posts on here occasionally 

BM Workshop Botany seems to be the recommended one for East Auckland.  I don't know of any others out that way but others may. I know how you feel in regards to emails but some places just aren't very good with email correspondence for whatever reason so it may just pay off to ring them instead.

[krisby 0]

I've got Carista and Torque, though Carista is the one that gives the best results for codes. Not only P Codes but the 2845 and 296D as well, which again is what leads me to the CPS issue.

I'll give BM Workshop a bell then. I would have normally, but when I remembered I'd heard nothing it bothered me on principal, and its the wifes car so hadn't been a top priority, but about to sell her old Saab, so unless I let her drive my Passat 3.2, I better get her BMW fixed pronto.

[Eagle 1662]

Better than nothing but still quite limited to what a proper scan tool can achieve. I think id rather have a Saab than one these engines, one of (if not the most) unreliable engine BMW has made.

[B.M.W Ltd 950]

Hi Kris

It needs to be diagnosed properly first before you start throwing money on it for parts. Ring and ask for Kevin at BM Workshop in Botany Ph: 2716636.

As Jared said I'm retired now and don't fix cars anymore , even my own as I have other interests now. And yes I drive a Hyundai Kona now. Best car I've ever owned and suits my needs perfectly. Only complaint I had with it was the horn. I've fixed that 

Edited February 4, 2019 by B.M.W Ltd

[krisby 0]

Thanks Glenn, I'll give him a bell today then.

[krisby 0]

16 hours ago, Eagle said:

Better than nothing but still quite limited to what a proper scan tool can achieve. I think id rather have a Saab than one these engines, one of (if not the most) unreliable engine BMW has made.

True, the 2.0t in her 9-3 has caused zero dramas in 6 years, still pulls strong and with 137500miles on her, doesn't look like changing soon either. That engine, in the BMW chassis would be great fun though.

[krisby 0]

The 120i is in for repairs now. Have been quoted $3500 to fix valve stem seals, valvetronic actuator and timing chain guide. I guess will need an oil change as well, but $3500 on reflection seems a bunch of money for what I can tell is $1000, give or take, of parts. Hopefully their quote is way north of the actual.