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BMW E46 318i (N46) 2004 - Valvetronic problem - Fixed #

Posted by Sean Murphy on June 6, 2011, 6:21 pm

Year of Manufacture *: 2004
Engine Size and Code *: 2.0 N46
( Optional ) Scanner Used: Autologic
( Optional) Fault Codes: None

The PCV system looked a little odd so we removed the inlet manifold, checked all the breather hoses and replaced the PCV valve itself which had a split diaphragm in. However, the idle hasn't really improved.

I tried running with the MAF disconnected but it made no difference so assume that is ok.
I checked the plugs and they appear to be a little sooty but were firing ok and the coils have been tested and are OK.
Autologic does not show any DME fault codes, and the valetronic is not in limp-mode BUT if i unplug the valvetronic actuator motor with the engine running the idle smooths right out and idles perfectly!

I've removed the cam-cover and visually inspected the valvetrain and all appears to be fine.
I've removed the actuator motor and it spins quite freely so is not jammed.

Refitting the motor and doing a "learn valetronic stop positions" with AL you can see the whole assembly driving and stopping OK - everything appears to be working OK but when its all connected it runs really rough - anyone come across this before and offer some advice?

My current thinking is that either the motor isnt man enough to adjust the valvetronic setup when the engine is running, or its being fed duff information from the eccentric shaft sensor and 'putting' the valve opening in the wrong positions - any advice?

Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem

Posted by Steve Kefford <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT1094' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 7, 2011, 10:28 pm, in reply to "BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem"
Stephen Kefford

Two I have recently dealt with, the first had suffered with water ingress to the valvetronic ECU but this one did put up the odd code and the water ingress was obvious when I opened the ECU.

The other was similar to yours, no codes, with very rough running which smoothed out when the actuator motor was unplugged (forced to run as though non valvetronic engine), this one occasionally turned over as though there was no compression and when trying for wide open throttle would bog down, motor checked out good and appeared to learn stops OK.
This one was the eccentric shaft sensor at fault.

Hope this is of some help

Cheers

Steve

Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem

Posted by Sean Murphy <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT1788' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 14, 2011, 5:43 pm, in reply to "Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem"

This one is still eluding me! To date we have:

Reflashed the ECU with the latest software
Replaced the valvetronic actuator motor with a known good one (& relearned stops)
Renewed the eccentric shaft sensor
Swapped the cam sensors over
Confirmed physical cam timing is OK
Swapped the vanos solenoids over
Checked each coil pack
Changed the plugs
Cleaned the MAF
Renewed the PCV
Smoke-tested the inlet system
visually checked the cams & valvetronic shafts for damage

...all of which have made no difference!

If starting the car with the valvetronic motor disconnected the car will idle smooth-as-you-like (valvetronic in 'limp mode' and valves @ 9.5mm lift), untill you plug the motor back in then it all goes lumpy again. Valve lift is then around 0.69mm on idle and no fault codes are being logged.

Any suggestions or pointers?

Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem

Posted by David Davies <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT5218' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 14, 2011, 10:20 pm, in reply to "Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem"
David Davies

Could excessive carbon on the backs of the inlet valves cause this problem when the lift is a mere 0.69mm.? You've done everything but check the valves themselves. Maybe try some Forte additive to see if it makes any difference.

Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem

Posted by Steve Kefford <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT1094' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 14, 2011, 11:05 pm, in reply to "Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem"
Stephen Kefford

Sean, as you have changed the valvetronic motor with a known good one I assume you have a donor car to swap bits from?
Not the best form of diagnostics I know, but have you tried a known good valvetronic ECU on it? No coding required just the stops to learn and very quick to swap over.

Steve

Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem

Posted by Sean Murphy <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT1788' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 15, 2011, 6:24 pm, in reply to "Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem"

Thanks for the advice guys. I dont have a donor car unfortunately - the actuator motor was a bought-in unit and all the cam sensors etc are just swapped from one side of the engine to the other to see if the fault moves/improves/worsens at all (which it didnt).

At the moment i'm waiting for Autologic to modify the ECU programming so i can adjust the amount of valve lift at idle to see it it improves matters - if it does then i'm either looking at carbon build up on the valves (restricting the intake air flow) or worn valvtronic levers. I'll let you know what happens if/when they get back to me with the modded software!

Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem

Posted by Mark Robins <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT1448' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 16, 2011, 8:28 am, in reply to "Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem"
Mark Robins

Although I guess you would have had a fault code logged, there wouldn't an issue with the vanos units causing a valve timing issue? I'm thinking that valve lift is also effecting valve timing and maybe by disconnecting the valvetronic system you are effectively altering valve timing?

Just a thought and hard to prove!

Mark

Fixed #

Posted by Sean Murphy on June 25, 2011, 6:39 pm, in reply to "Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem"
Message modified by board administrator June 28, 2011, 3:35 pm

Had some custom software done by Autologic that enabled me to increase the minimum valve lift which improved the idle considerably, confirming my theory that the eccentric levers are worn.

Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem *FIXED*

Posted by Michael Whitworth <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT5568' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 26, 2011, 10:25 pm, in reply to "Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem *FIXED*"
Mike Whitworth - Administrator

Hi Sean,

Glad you got this one sorted, Its at times like these that you realise how good the Autologic and especially its support team are.

Mike

M.O.M. Miserable Old Manc

Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem *FIXED*

Posted by Andrew Ruellan <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT5382' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 27, 2011, 6:59 pm, in reply to "Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem *FIXED*"

What a load of whaffle....

The dealer machine has done this since the Valvetronic system come out.

People without underlying product knowledge or training don`t know any better,so things like this look so special when they really are not.

You can`t beat dealer machines with test plans and guided tests etc.

Regards

Andrew Ruellan

Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem *FIXED*

Posted by Darren Bamford <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT5465' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 27, 2011, 9:27 pm, in reply to "Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem *FIXED*"

Sean

The point Andrew his making is that all versions of the DME ME9 on N42 / 46 engine have the ability to program a slight offset that can increase the base setting of the minimum valve lift limits from 0.3mm to 0.9mm.

Also the DME ME 9 will perform Minimum travel adaptation . Due to differing levels of internal friction from one engine to another, each individual engine has a slightly different air requirement at idling speed. Thus the valve travel of the variable valve gear at idling speed is dependent on the engine's internal frictional losses.

The minimum valve travel is limited to a specific practicable distance. This is necessary in order that manufacturing differences in components do not result in severely uneven distribution of intake air to the individual cylinders. If the amount of air required to maintain idling speed is less than that achievable with the minimum permissible valve travel, the throttle valve closes by an amount sufficient to reduce the idling speed to the required level.

If the DME then nevertheless detects uneven running at minimum valve travel, the minimum permissible valve travel is increased. When valve travel is greater, the differences between individual valves are proportionally lower.

Example: Minimum valve travel: 0.3mm, Difference in valve dimension: 0.03mm = 10%

Example: Minimum valve travel: 0.6mm, Difference in valve dimension: 0.03mm = 5%

There is also a maximum limit to adjustment of the minimum valve travel as above a certain valve opening, the desired consumption-reducing effects of the Valvetronic system are lost.

So are you saying the Function to alter the minimum valve lift was missing , Which I have to say its always been there when I have needed it when using Autologic. Or are you saying the Autologic team actually wrote a programme that altered the valvetroinc base setting so it is greater than the BMW original programming limits, i.e greater that lets say 0.9mm.

The picture shows wear on the eccentric cam /intermediate levers . Also sticking valves can cause the problems.

Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem *FIXED*

Posted by Sean Murphy <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT1788' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 28, 2011, 3:01 pm, in reply to "Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem *FIXED*"

I agree that Autologic for the N42 engines has always had the 'adjustment' facility for variable valve lift. This N46 used DME_meV 9_2 which did not, on the Autologic system, have that adjustment. I spoke to Autologic who then incorporated this adjustment into the MEV9_2 software (and made it available to all in release BMW101 onwards).

All arguments aside, i adjusted the lift up a little with the new software and the problem was 'cured' (i use that term very liberally and not as a difinative indication of a permanent fix).

As for Andrews comments, the dealer tool may or may not have this functionality, but as i dont use the dealer tool i find the tone of your response unhelpful and uneccesary (unlike the majority who took the time to offer genuine advice). To assume i dont have the "product knowledge" just because i dont choose to use the dealer tool is incorrect at best.

By extension, the next time to try to code folding mirrors-on-lock on an 2010 M3 and cant do it with your "dealer tool" that would give me the right to insinuate that you "lack product knowledge and experience and dont know any better" just beacuse i can do this with my aftermarket tool!

Wish i hadnt bothered to post the results now.....

Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem *FIXED*

Posted by Darren Bamford <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT5465' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 28, 2011, 6:05 pm, in reply to "Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem *FIXED*"

Hi Sean

Fair comment and well put.

So the adjustment was just missing from the function list on this version of ME9. The Autologic team added this function and which meant it now replicated what GT1 or ISIS would do.

Don't be off put by Andrews response , I think it was the use of the term " custom software" that Tip him over the edge. What is amazing is how fast the BMW guy's at Autologic can fix problems and add new features, If there was a world record for this then they would be "Record breakers" for the fastest.

And Autodiagnos for the slowest

Deep down Andrew would love a Autologic to compliment is impressive set of O/E BMW and Mercedes diagnostic tools.

These are Forums, and the nature of forums is to Debate and everyone has different views and opinions. Don't get upset

Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem *FIXED*

Posted by Michael Whitworth <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT5568' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 28, 2011, 6:47 pm, in reply to "Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem *FIXED*"
Mike Whitworth - Administrator

Hi Sean,

As I am sure you know I am a BIG fan of Autologic and believe in praising its good points, but i won't hide its shortcomings. If you are saying that The Autologic software engineers just added a function that was available on the N42 to the N46 that should already have been there, then although its great that they have quickly sorted this, its not so good that it was missed in the first place.

Having said that I don't expect every single function to work exactly as the dealer tool does every time. Remember the software is "reversed engineered" with all the problems that entails and not just a direct copy of the dealer tool. (but thats another story, so please don't go there Andrew

).

I will try to speak to the chief BMW software engineer tomorrow to clarify what they have actually done.

WRT...Andrews comments, Andrew is a well respected and very knowledgeable Technician Who specialises mainly in Mercedes and BMW using only officially licensed dealer tools. I know Andrew personally and consider him a good friend. He has strong views and is passionate about his job. Don't be offended by his forthright and confident approach thats just the way he is. And his product knowledge is second to none.

>>>>Wish i hadnt bothered to post the results now.....<<<<<

Why does this line always come out when someone is challenged, I find there is more to be gained from a sensible debate and disagreement than most other threads on here as it gives you an opportunity to read different opinions and sides to an argument and come to an informed and balanced view of the topic in question.

Mike

PS I have just read DBs reply before posting this as I started typing this over an hr ago before DB posted, but too much happening here to type it all in one go. It looks like he echos what I have written.

M.O.M. Miserable Old Manc

Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem *FIXED*

Posted by Michael Whitworth <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT5568' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 28, 2011, 6:49 pm, in reply to "Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem *FIXED*"
Mike Whitworth - Administrator

>>>>>Deep down Andrew would love a Autologic to compliment is impressive set of O/E BMW and Mercedes diagnostic tools.<<<<

You know its true Andrew..............

M.O.M. Miserable Old Manc

Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem *FIXED*

Posted by Pete Mutlow <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT1569' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 28, 2011, 9:27 pm, in reply to "Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem *FIXED*"
Peter Mutlow

Hi Mike,

"why does this line always comes out when someone is challenged". I don't think it is the case all the time. What provokes this is the nature of the challenge and as you know I have harped on about this in the past. I have however mellowed a bit on this subject but I can see why people can get upset. Having exchanged the odd PM with Andrew in the past, I concur with every thing you say about him. A top man.

Regards

Pete M

Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem *FIXED*

Posted by Dave Hill <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT2783' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 29, 2011, 10:11 am, in reply to "Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem *FIXED*"

Hi Sean

There is a little more to this than meets the eye.

Andrew takes a keen interest (putting it mildly) in BMW/Mercedes diagnostics & he enjoys a degree of combat (for want of a better word) whenever he sees Autologic mentioned.

For an insite into why Andrew likes to keep AL on their toes, you should read this thread....

http://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/msg/archive/1191416849.html

It doesn't hurt to hear an opinion from the other side of the fence, as it does balance the debate somewhat. Autologic can be portrayed as perfect & Andrews input helps to "keep them honest" so to speak!

Andrew's bluntness can cause some initial anger, but once you get the phone call, you soon realise what he is all about

He pissed me off once too!

Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem *FIXED*

Posted by pete greenow <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT1543' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 30, 2011, 7:41 am, in reply to "Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem *FIXED*"
Peter Greenow

Hi

Hi guys.

Interesting thread, don't be put off by Andrews bluntness Sean, he really is almost a decent bloke! Rarely will back down over a "discussion" tho, probably because he is usually right! Except where one praises Autologic! he's definately wrong there !

As for Mike's comments / suggestions he may be a "closet A/L owner" - he definately doesn't have an A/L to play with in his closet!!! they don't put the premier multimake diagnostic platform in Pink suitcases!!!

See you in Harrogate Andrew? you still on the Newky Brown??

Regards Pete

Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem *FIXED*

Posted by Dave Hill <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT2783' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 28, 2011, 6:09 pm, in reply to "Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem *FIXED*"

As a follow up on this Autologic discussion, I recently had an E46 325Ci which had been converted from SMG transmission, to manual gearbox. The engine controller was logging a DTC..... "No SMG signal via CAN" which would not clear.

Although this DTC was not causing any issues (no MIL) I called Autologic & was put straight through to a BMW team member, who talked me through the procedure that allowed me to edit the vehicle order & thus prevent the DME from looking out for the SMG data & allowing me to clear the DTC.

Whilst chatting to the Autologic support tech, I asked him about an actuation that I had noticed was abscent. On my own 330Ci, I had noticed on GT1 that it was possible to activate the tail pipe flap, yet I couldn't find it amongst the many actuation available on the AL tool. The response was quite interesting.

It was explained that, not all test plans are carried over from GT1 to the Autologic platform. The majority of the commonly used tests & actuations are loaded, but the less often used functions, sometimes are left out. It was also highlighted that, although some functions were not possible with Autologic, there are many area's were the tool can perform tasks that the dealer tool can not! For example, the editing of the "vehicle order" (as previously mentioned). I was told that the "tail pipe actuation" function could be added, but as it was a simple device to test via more conventional methods, then it would most likely, not warrant an addition to the software. To be fair, the guy had a point.

Returning to Andrews point, he is right of course. The dealer tool, complete with a full understanding of it & the technical things that it is guiding you through, are hard to compete against. However, for the rest of us in the real world

Autologic does provide an unparalleled opportunity to "get the job done". The benefit of having a considerable arm around ones shoulder, when venturing into the unknown is something that you just don't get with any other gear, even legitimate dealer level (in my experience anyway)

Sorry to drift off topic, but I thought my recent experiences were kind of relevant.

Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem *FIXED*

Posted by Matt Booth <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=ukat3028' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 29, 2011, 9:42 am, in reply to "Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem *FIXED*"

"...there are many area's were the tool can perform tasks that the dealer tool can not! For example, the editing of the "vehicle order" (as previously mentioned). "

Not wanting to put fuel on the fire but this isn't true. The dealer tool can indeed change the vehicle order. On the GT1 it used to be uploaded from a floppy. On SSS there was an option to add or delete feature. Not sure on ISIS.

But Autologic does it for far less money

Matt

Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem *FIXED*

Posted by Dave Hill <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/ukautotalk4/info/user=UKAT2783' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on August 29, 2011, 11:27 am, in reply to "Re: BMW E46 318i (N46) Valvetronic problem *FIXED*"

Hi Matt

I did wonder about the facts about my statement

I expected Andrew to seize the chance to correct me, but you sound suitably well informed.

I don't think that I would dare to mess about with such things though, on my clone GT1, with no safety net.

Cheers

Dave

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