@@AskTheCarExpertsI have a question if my eccentric shaft is stuck and the valvetronic motor is stuck also they won’t budge, can I turn the crank pulley to free them up. My engine cranks but won’t start I watched the chain move and I have the vavle cover off. I tried turning the shaft and motor already. Also like in you video there shaft is in the open position.
Excellent video!! I'm going to have to replace the Eccentric Shaft on our 2007 BMW X3 3.0si. You don't even want to know what a decent BMW shop wanted to do this job. Once upon a time I was a service tech at a Lexus Dealership(Flat Rate), then Obama Care changed my status from full timer to a part timer because of Medical Insurance...Union Shop. So I eventually left the automotive field altogether and started doing my own thing. I still do most of my own service/repairs because I don't trust anybody, LOL. Thank you for making this video and I'll be subscribing to your channel to watch more of your videos.
I was quoted $6500 for the valvetronic, eccentric, and high pressure fuel pump. I have been watching a few different valvetronic replacement videos but i just dont know if i have the confidence to pull it off myself.
Definitely battling the issue of replacing just the motor and the shaft not liking it. N55 code 2DCF (Valvetronic no movement identified) Replaced servo motor with used from donor engine Ran relearn process. Ran into : Valvetronic difficulty rotating Time to drop $900 ish for new shaft, motor and bearings. Thank you for saving me some money with the lack of specialty tools needed:)
When you turn the eccentric shaft away from the valvetronic motor, keep a wrench on the end and briefly install the minimum stop to prevent the shaft from kicking back into the motor worm gear! It will save your worm gear, and possibly a finger…
Awesome little trick. I have tried to read up on some replacements for the shaft and motor and this was by far the most comprehensive thing out there. I do have some questions of installing the new parts though. Is there any prep required for installing the new shaft I.E. lubing it up before putting it in? Also, when I was quoted by BMW for the replacement, they had warned me that the position of the shaft/motor matters and will have to be calibrated through the DME. Is this something I would have to be worried about using this method? or does that only apply if the springs are removed? Either way, this was already incredibly informative. thanks!
You can definitely use some assembly lube. There is some special grease but assembly lube would work fine. As long as the process was done right the dme will self calibrate when you turn the key on. In fact it always does a self check calibration every time the car is started.
Just seen your video awesome stuff. So I have a 2012 328i 2.0 turbo and I keep getting system too rich code. Took spark plugs off but they don’t look like it’s running rich. Fuel trims go -20 even -30 both long and short. I disconnected the valtronic motor and fuel trims go to normal. I don’t get codes for either timing or valtronic. Can a shaft or valtronic motor be the cause for system too rich. Or something else might be telling valvetronic to move positions?🤷🏽♂️
@franklopez6465 Wow crazy problem. Too rich can be an air restriction. Make sure you have an OE air filter. Make sure the oil does not smell like fuel. If it does the high pressure pump might be leaking into the crankcase.
N52 is just a little different. It is important to know that after removing the position sensor, there is a spin mount in the front of the shaft. It must be removed before loosening the shaft, or the shaft will get caught against the front spring, and it will not be possible to remove the shaft without possible damage to that front spring/rod guide. Maybe I'll video how to do so. Good luck!
Wonderful video and smart trick! I think you mention this trick will work on a N52 as well? Any hands on experience there? And will the additional bolts be the same M6 with 1.0 pitch and 30 mm you think? Thank you so much!
Wonderful! Rebuilding my N20 (rod bearings).My question to you is.What position do you put eccentric shaft in,prior to instaling engine backin vehicle?Also several people suggest vehicle relearns valvetronic itself,whereas others say you definately need scanner to relearn end stops.What are your thoughts on this? Thanks Roger. Any videos on N20 rebuild???
Hello Kristine, Great question! There is no need to put the valvetronic in any specific spot. You are correct that the system will do a relearn sweep when you key the vehicle on ( Just key on not starting). The BMW manual does state a relearn test plan needs to be run but often you can get away with the normal learning sweep with the key on. I do plan on making more videos on the N20 but life has been hectic. I want to get my E46 part out done. I also am trying to buy a Z3 with a blown engine with the M54 so I can do an engine rebuilt. Hoping to work out a deal for the car. Lots of fun projects and so little time :) I need a million subs to help support me and then I can do this full time 😎
The sensor usually would set a fault code but in general a failing eccentric shaft would set valvetronic faults and usually the BMW test plan would state to replace the eccentric shaft motor AND the shaft at the same time.
@@AskTheCarExperts do you think it's risky if I use an eccentric shaft from China? because (for the N52) all the second hand OEM one's are really worn, and the brand new OEM part is £500. but I can get one from China for £200. taking into account the kind of stresses the eccentric shaft deals with, do you reckon the Chinese part isn't worth it?
This trick work on the N55? More caps would have more tension points increase chance of breaking the shaft..I suppose with you method and going slow even pressure the chance of that would be reduced. Curious if you have experience doing this on an n55 tho
Thank you for the quick reply!! Performing procedure now. We just need it loose enough to get the spring and the shaft to te engage. The shaft went passed the max stop instead of the min stop 🤦♂️ hoping this works! 🤞
I've never replaced a camshaft before,it's scary to folks not in the trade, and not done right,without positioned.at the right setting when assembled,you got a.nightmate,asking what did ibdo wrong.So if you can't tackle it exactly like the video,don't attempt it,to save.money.
Hey I hope someone can help me. I did this 1.5 years ago without the special tool to open the springs like in the video and now i have the same problem again ... can it be because of that?
@@AskTheCarExperts you did a great job in the past year I’ve taken my card to bmw 3 times it’s been almost 17k in repairs they said it needed everything I bought the car last year at carmax so I got the max care warranty so each time I have to spend over $500 this time they are saying the battery is dead completely i have no idea how but I’ve take my car to 2 different shops in different states the first two times it happened it my state the 3rd it happened while out of state they needed all kinds of oil change proof and all that they finally approved the work. And they are saying everything that was recently repaired 2 month ago needs to be redone now and it has bmw warranty and now they are saying it might not need it lol but the problems it’s had was hpfp oil pan all the belts it was spraying oil out the side of the oil filter housing gasket , transmission pan bushings and suspension along with like other major repairs I don’t remember and the first time I said it was the hpfp they refused to listen to me and they did all kinds of stuff rhat was around 10k and I had to take it back a month later with same problem so the 2nd time they did the hpfp and transmission pan and suspension stuff and finally it wasn’t dying out on me in the middle of the road it was very dangerous it would say drivetrain malfunction and lose all power i would have to stop and start the car again and this time everything was fine except a hard shift from neutral to 1st gear and when I went into a store I came out and my car wouldn’t start and the battery died so now I apparently have to buy. A $609 battery and pay the $500 makes me so upset I vented to you because you seem like an amazing mechanic I hope you get your shop bro I subscribed. Now that everything is going to fixed after another another 9k I think I’ll sell it and it makes me sad I’ve had many BMWs they are all a nightmare
@@JusZard Thanks for subscribing Justin. Wow that's a lot of history :) Sorry to hear you ran into all these issues. Quite a few sound like common problems. High pressure pump, oil pan, oil filter housing all common items unfortunately. Sounds like you really tried to take care of your BMW!
@@AskTheCarExperts thanks I appreciate that I do care very much about the car my mom actually got it for me right before she passed . Just curious why doesnt BMW have recalls on any of this stuff?
Why do the evccentric shafts go bad?,Shouldnt bmw adress thus and put better cam shafts in the engine so it n9t required as often? Thats a money maker on parts and labor,for the bmw dealerships,and ifbthe car is out of wa,then ouch$$#$#,open up your wallet again,poor owner who already spent $100k,originally.Now the car cost him $$103,000 dollars.If.he.cant watch your video, and do it himself right,or figure our bthe cars issue,so throwbin a diagnostic also,and inconvenience.
@AskTheCarExperts I understand that,but it seems most owners run into this problem sooner or later,some swear they maintained vehicle per bmw standards,and still have expensive repair bills.
The best most honest answer is to never keep any German car past the factory warranty if you're concerned about spending $2K - $5K on maintenance and repairs every year thereafter.
Awesome detailed information you’ll have trouble finding elsewhere!
This is why you want to support Roger and Zion reach their goal.
Thank you Mario!
Don’t have eccentric/valvetronic problems but I’ll save this for later 🤦🏻♂️ thank you!
That's good Alfred! My friends N55 has this issue now and needs a new motor and shaft. I hope yours lasts a long time!
@@AskTheCarExpertsI have a question if my eccentric shaft is stuck and the valvetronic motor is stuck also they won’t budge, can I turn the crank pulley to free them up. My engine cranks but won’t start I watched the chain move and I have the vavle cover off. I tried turning the shaft and motor already. Also like in you video there shaft is in the open position.
*yet...
That was awesome. I am battling a no start after valvetronic motor replacement right now
Hello Is it a crank no start or a no crank no start? I will try to reply back but it can be hard to find comments sometimes.
@@AskTheCarExperts It cranks and tries to start but just never catches
@@blackrednek did you end up figuring out what was wrong? Im in the same situation
Excellent video!! I'm going to have to replace the Eccentric Shaft on our 2007 BMW X3 3.0si. You don't even want to know what a decent BMW shop wanted to do this job. Once upon a time I was a service tech at a Lexus Dealership(Flat Rate), then Obama Care changed my status from full timer to a part timer because of Medical Insurance...Union Shop. So I eventually left the automotive field altogether and started doing my own thing. I still do most of my own service/repairs because I don't trust anybody, LOL. Thank you for making this video and I'll be subscribing to your channel to watch more of your videos.
Awesome Shiloh! You will have to let ke know how the repair goes. This would be expensive at a dealer.
I definitely will post results after completion.
@@shiloh5199How'd it go?
I was quoted $6500 for the valvetronic, eccentric, and high pressure fuel pump. I have been watching a few different valvetronic replacement videos but i just dont know if i have the confidence to pull it off myself.
Definitely battling the issue of replacing just the motor and the shaft not liking it.
N55 code 2DCF (Valvetronic no movement identified)
Replaced servo motor with used from donor engine
Ran relearn process.
Ran into : Valvetronic difficulty rotating
Time to drop $900 ish for new shaft, motor and bearings. Thank you for saving me some money with the lack of specialty tools needed:)
Wow, a clever trick for eccentric shaft replacement! A similar trick is used for M54 camshaft removal. I will be using it soon. Thanks.
Hi Tom, Yes indeed! I will need to do this trick for the camshafts on the Z3 as well.
Thanks. U really made the jobs easy for me
Awesome bud! This trick worked well for you?
Love this trick! I just did mine using your video! Worked like a charm!
Awesome!
Awesome video, this will help me complete the job on my n55, from what it seems, n20 is very similar!
They are very similar :)
Wow, what an awesome little trick! Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks Roger you’re the best🇨🇦
Thanks Anthony! This was a cool trick to share! Let me know if you get a chance to try it!
When you turn the eccentric shaft away from the valvetronic motor, keep a wrench on the end and briefly install the minimum stop to prevent the shaft from kicking back into the motor worm gear! It will save your worm gear, and possibly a finger…
Great tip Max!
Awesome little trick. I have tried to read up on some replacements for the shaft and motor and this was by far the most comprehensive thing out there. I do have some questions of installing the new parts though. Is there any prep required for installing the new shaft I.E. lubing it up before putting it in? Also, when I was quoted by BMW for the replacement, they had warned me that the position of the shaft/motor matters and will have to be calibrated through the DME. Is this something I would have to be worried about using this method? or does that only apply if the springs are removed? Either way, this was already incredibly informative. thanks!
You can definitely use some assembly lube. There is some special grease but assembly lube would work fine. As long as the process was done right the dme will self calibrate when you turn the key on. In fact it always does a self check calibration every time the car is started.
Just seen your video awesome stuff. So I have a 2012 328i 2.0 turbo and I keep getting system too rich code. Took spark plugs off but they don’t look like it’s running rich. Fuel trims go -20 even -30 both long and short. I disconnected the valtronic motor and fuel trims go to normal. I don’t get codes for either timing or valtronic. Can a shaft or valtronic motor be the cause for system too rich. Or something else might be telling valvetronic to move positions?🤷🏽♂️
@franklopez6465 Wow crazy problem. Too rich can be an air restriction. Make sure you have an OE air filter. Make sure the oil does not smell like fuel. If it does the high pressure pump might be leaking into the crankcase.
Brilliant video tutorial pity about the lighting tho😂😂❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thank Noel, Hoping to revamp my garage once my z3 project is done. Ligting and insulation is on my list :)
N52 is just a little different. It is important to know that after removing the position sensor, there is a spin mount in the front of the shaft. It must be removed before loosening the shaft, or the shaft will get caught against the front spring, and it will not be possible to remove the shaft without possible damage to that front spring/rod guide. Maybe I'll video how to do so. Good luck!
Once I get an N52 to tear down, I will have to make a another video
Wonderful video and smart trick! I think you mention this trick will work on a N52 as well? Any hands on experience there? And will the additional bolts be the same M6 with 1.0 pitch and 30 mm you think? Thank you so much!
Yes, the same procedure with a few more cylinders.
@@AskTheCarExperts You are of great help! Will be shopping some bolts and getting ready. Thanks!
@@vincentvanhaaren3204 Let me know how it goes. We just did one at my shop this way just the other day.
What if I pulled my eshaft cam slightly turnt cam wasn’t fully level teeth facing down like yours will it matter?
Wonderful! Rebuilding my N20 (rod bearings).My question to you is.What position do you put eccentric shaft in,prior to instaling engine backin vehicle?Also several people suggest vehicle relearns valvetronic itself,whereas others say you definately need scanner to relearn end stops.What are your thoughts on this? Thanks Roger. Any videos on N20 rebuild???
Hello Kristine, Great question! There is no need to put the valvetronic in any specific spot. You are correct that the system will do a relearn sweep when you key the vehicle on ( Just key on not starting). The BMW manual does state a relearn test plan needs to be run but often you can get away with the normal learning sweep with the key on. I do plan on making more videos on the N20 but life has been hectic. I want to get my E46 part out done. I also am trying to buy a Z3 with a blown engine with the M54 so I can do an engine rebuilt. Hoping to work out a deal for the car. Lots of fun projects and so little time :) I need a million subs to help support me and then I can do this full time 😎
Ah, I just figured it out.
Zion is starting his own channel and he needs the wheelbarrow 🤙🏼
LOL I think he will hit 1M subs before me!
So cool 😂❤
Thanks!
What are some symptoms if this eccentric shaft sensor or shaft was bad?
The sensor usually would set a fault code but in general a failing eccentric shaft would set valvetronic faults and usually the BMW test plan would state to replace the eccentric shaft motor AND the shaft at the same time.
I have an n51 I'm trying to get the head off although the worm gear is in the way of one head bolt the eccentric shaft is not wanting to rotate
You might still have one of the end stops installed. Remove it so you can turn the shaft past the end stop.
you are incredible
Thanks bud! Glad the video helped!
@@AskTheCarExperts do you think it's risky if I use an eccentric shaft from China? because (for the N52) all the second hand OEM one's are really worn, and the brand new OEM part is £500. but I can get one from China for £200. taking into account the kind of stresses the eccentric shaft deals with, do you reckon the Chinese part isn't worth it?
THANK YOU
You are welcome! :) Thanks for subscribing!
Are the screws tightened to the normal torque? Maybe its falsified because of the spring force?
Hello Enrico, All items should be torqued to spec. There is no excessive spring tension. The shaft will just be pulled into place slowly.
How difficult is this on the N52 engine?
It is basically the same procedure with two more cylinders :)
Hi I did everything in the video and my eccentric shaft bearly have tension and I have no spark or fuel please help if u got any information
Hi Brandon, Sorry to hear you have some issues. This type of problem is too deep to diagnose via a UA-cam chat.
This trick work on the N55? More caps would have more tension points increase chance of breaking the shaft..I suppose with you method and going slow even pressure the chance of that would be reduced. Curious if you have experience doing this on an n55 tho
Yes it definitely works on the N55 also. Small steps in loosening and tightening.
By the way, I love your logo!
Thank you for the quick reply!! Performing procedure now. We just need it loose enough to get the spring and the shaft to te engage. The shaft went passed the max stop instead of the min stop 🤦♂️ hoping this works! 🤞
@@outlaweuro How did it go?
@@tuned_auto it does work!! Loosened the caps enough to get the shaft back into the correct position.
Do I need to take the whole engine out of the car to get this part replaced
No not at all. This was an engine failure which makes producing information easier. This can be done in car.
I've never replaced a camshaft before,it's scary to folks not in the trade, and not done right,without positioned.at the right setting when assembled,you got a.nightmate,asking what did ibdo wrong.So if you can't tackle it exactly like the video,don't attempt it,to save.money.
This trick also works on S55 engine?
Should work with any valvetronic system
Hey I hope someone can help me. I did this 1.5 years ago without the special tool to open the springs like in the video and now i have the same problem again ... can it be because of that?
Hello, The procedure would not be the cause of the current failure. It could be a part failure if non OEM parts where installed.
This happened to my car 2016 435x
Sorry to hear that Justin. Did you repair it?
@@AskTheCarExperts you did a great job in the past year I’ve taken my card to bmw 3 times it’s been almost 17k in repairs they said it needed everything I bought the car last year at carmax so I got the max care warranty so each time I have to spend over $500 this time they are saying the battery is dead completely i have no idea how but I’ve take my car to 2 different shops in different states the first two times it happened it my state the 3rd it happened while out of state they needed all kinds of oil change proof and all that they finally approved the work. And they are saying everything that was recently repaired 2 month ago needs to be redone now and it has bmw warranty and now they are saying it might not need it lol but the problems it’s had was hpfp oil pan all the belts it was spraying oil out the side of the oil filter housing gasket , transmission pan bushings and suspension along with like other major repairs I don’t remember and the first time I said it was the hpfp they refused to listen to me and they did all kinds of stuff rhat was around 10k and I had to take it back a month later with same problem so the 2nd time they did the hpfp and transmission pan and suspension stuff and finally it wasn’t dying out on me in the middle of the road it was very dangerous it would say drivetrain malfunction and lose all power i would have to stop and start the car again and this time everything was fine except a hard shift from neutral to 1st gear and when I went into a store I came out and my car wouldn’t start and the battery died so now I apparently have to buy. A $609 battery and pay the $500 makes me so upset I vented to you because you seem like an amazing mechanic I hope you get your shop bro I subscribed. Now that everything is going to fixed after another another 9k I think I’ll sell it and it makes me sad I’ve had many BMWs they are all a nightmare
@@AskTheCarExperts or I’ll say tech because your more then a mechanic
@@JusZard Thanks for subscribing Justin. Wow that's a lot of history :) Sorry to hear you ran into all these issues. Quite a few sound like common problems. High pressure pump, oil pan, oil filter housing all common items unfortunately. Sounds like you really tried to take care of your BMW!
@@AskTheCarExperts thanks I appreciate that I do care very much about the car my mom actually got it for me right before she passed . Just curious why doesnt BMW have recalls on any of this stuff?
Why do the evccentric shafts go bad?,Shouldnt bmw adress thus and put better cam shafts in the engine so it n9t required as often? Thats a money maker on parts and labor,for the bmw dealerships,and ifbthe car is out of wa,then ouch$$#$#,open up your wallet again,poor owner who already spent $100k,originally.Now the car cost him $$103,000 dollars.If.he.cant watch your video, and do it himself right,or figure our bthe cars issue,so throwbin a diagnostic also,and inconvenience.
Most often, this is caused by improper maintenance. Bad maintenance history on cars is very common.
@AskTheCarExperts I understand that,but it seems most owners run into this problem sooner or later,some swear they maintained vehicle per bmw standards,and still have expensive repair bills.
@KM-ol5bs Great explanation! City driving or a lot of stop and go would absolutely create more wear over time. Thanks for posting!
The best most honest answer is to never keep any German car past the factory warranty if you're concerned about spending $2K - $5K on maintenance and repairs every year thereafter.
@ohger1 Yeah thats the bottom line,for wealthy enthusiasts that are young,this old dude found out the hard way, unfortunately....like many of us.