Vanos adaptation values

[Gerard778]

Hi folks.

I'm new to this forum and I'm hoping someone can help me out.

I've got a 2007 Mini Cooper non-turbo. I've recently been experiencing a rough, high, fluctuating idle when starting from cold and a reduction in power, whether hot or cold. I'm getting code 287D which just keeps coming back.

I've replaced both vanos solenoids and both camshaft position sensors and the fault is still there. I have checked my timing using a Laser tool and it was spot on. The chain was replaced only 3000 miles ago and it still looks and feels tight.

After replacing the vanos solenoids, I carried out a vanos adaptation reset and got the following values:

Intake adaptation value 148.6 (It should be between 140 and 160)
Exhaust adaptation value 59.2 (It should be between 40 and 60)

My question is: what do these values actually mean or indicate? I'm assuming there is something amiss with the exhaust vanos phaser or exhaust camshaft oil control rings, but do these figures suggest anything definite?

Hope someone can help.

Cheers.

[badwolf340]

I take it you have also checked for air leaks etc

[cuddles]

Welcome to NMS

[MINI William]

Welcome to NMS. Have you checked for any air or oil leaks?

[Gerard778]

Hi folks.

Yeah, I've checked for leaks everywhere. I've been trying to diagnose this for about 6 weeks now and it's doing my head in. I'm thinking it's a vanos phaser or camshaft O ring fault. but I'm open to other suggestions.

I've just reset the vanos adaptations again and took it for blast on the motorway. Now, I'm getting fault codes 287D, 2845 and 283D.

Any ideas?

[MINI William]

My next question was going to be if you had checked the O Ring. Fault codes 2845 & 283D both lead to the exhaust side of VANOS

[Gerard778]

No, I haven't checked the camshaft O rings yet. I'm going to whip the valve cover off again and check the phasers and O rings.
Is replacing these O rings a job you've attempted yourself? I'll have a go at most jobs but these O rings fill me with dread as they look as if they need to be stretched quite a bit to fit them?
I see you're located in Midlothian. Is there a good mechanic in the Edinburgh area you trust with your Mini? Thank you.

[MINI William]

No, I haven't checked the camshaft O rings yet. I'm going to whip the valve cover off again and check the phasers and O rings.
Is replacing these O rings a job you've attempted yourself? I'll have a go at most jobs but these O rings fill me with dread as they look as if they need to be stretched quite a bit to fit them?
I see you're located in Midlothian. Is there a good mechanic in the Edinburgh area you trust with your Mini? Thank you.

No it’s not a job I’ve done myself.

There’s not a garage I use in the Edinburgh area, for any work needing done on any of my MINI’s I use B&M Centre in Glasgow that have always done great work on my cars, other members of NMS have also used them. Sorry I can’t personally recommend anyone closer but you won’t be disappointed if you decide to use B&M

[Gerard778]

Yeah, I've seen B&M mentioned in a few threads. Thank you. I might have to give them a shout. Do you know if B&M have the proper BMW Mini diagnostic equipment?

[MINI William]

Yeah, I've seen B&M mentioned in a few threads. Thank you. I might have to give them a shout. Do you know if B&M have the proper BMW Mini diagnostic equipment?

They do have all the proper diagnostic equipment

[nobbyclark]

There used to be a Mini specialist just outside Edinburgh (theminiworks.co.uk). They are still on Google Maps but their website appears to have gone AWOL.

[Gerard778]

So, I replaced the timing chain with a Febi Bilstein one, even though it didn't really need replaced. I also replaced the metal exhaust cam or rings with the newer rubbery ones. The metal ones looked slightly worn but not much.

I timed up the engine using my Laser tool and the timing is spot on. Guess what? The fault is still there, even after resetting the vanos adaptations.

Any suggestions? Anyone?

- - - Updated - - -

[MINI William]

Can’t think of anything else over what’s been said previously/ what you’ve already done. Maybe need to speak to a specialist garage now.

[badwolf340]

Have you checked EGR for any leaks or being blocked

[Harmchar]

Have you checked the intake manifold. There's a YouTube video keeps popping up on my recommended viewing that said a small leak there gives rough peaky idle and crap fuel economy.

https://youtu.be/7KNGx9RQQAw

This one.