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BMW 2A82 and 2A87: intake and exhaust VANOS faults
BMW's own codes for VANOS (variable cam timing) that is slow or stuck. Common on N51, N52, N54 and N55 sixes. Oil supply and the solenoids come first.
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Codes on this page
| Code | Definition | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2A82 | VANOS intake: stiff, jammed mechanically (also "variable cam control test") | SI B11 02 08 (PDF) |
| 2A87 | VANOS exhaust: stiff, jammed mechanically | SI B11 02 08 (PDF) |
| 2A7C | VANOS, inlet, cold start | SI B12 14 12 (PDF) |
| 2A7A | VANOS, exhaust, cold start | SI B12 14 12 (PDF) |
P-codes are the generic OBD-II codes any reader shows. Six-character and four-character hex codes are BMW's own, read with a BMW-capable scanner; the wording is BMW's, from the source shown.
What it means
These are BMW engine computer (DME) codes used on E- and F-series sixes. They mean the intake (2A82) or exhaust (2A87) camshaft didn't reach its target position in time; 2A7C and 2A7A are the cold-start versions. A generic OBD-II reader may show them as P0011–P0015. BMW lists 2A82 and 2A7C among the codes that cause repeat visits when they aren't fully diagnosed.
Can I keep driving?
Usually yes, gently; get it checked soon. BMW describes the typical case as reduced power after driving for some time at full operating temperature, with the engine usually normal again after the ignition is cycled. A rattle with the codes is a reason to have it looked at before more driving.
Usual causes on BMWs
| Cause | Cars most affected | What you notice | Evidence | Repair prices (national average) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insufficient oil supply to the VANOS units | N51, N52, N52K, N54 (E82, E88, E90–E93, E85/E86) built 2005–2010 | BMW's procedure: run the test plans, check the oil filter cap insert is present, then replace both VANOS solenoids and change the oil and filter. | SI B11 02 08 (PDF) | VANOS solenoids (intake / exhaust) Indie $549–$703 Dealer $973–$1,199 |
| Sticking solenoid from debris | N52 in E60/E90 built 3/2005–6/2005 | Hard starting, rough running, cam sensor and VANOS codes. BMW's fix was blowing out the solenoid with shop air and a DME update that flushes the valve; replacing the solenoid was no longer needed. | Vehicle Service Pros | VANOS solenoids (intake / exhaust) Indie $549–$703 Dealer $973–$1,199 |
| Loose or broken VANOS gear bolts | N51, N52K, N52T, N55 | Rattling, power loss, 2A7C/2A7A/2A82/2A87 and camshaft sensor codes. BMW replaces both VANOS gear assemblies. | SI B12 14 12 (PDF) | — |
A bulletin isn't a recall and doesn't mean your car has the problem; open it for the exact models and build dates. Estimates are national averages built from BMW warranty labor time, regional shop rates and parts prices; open a repair for your ZIP. "Owners paid" is the middle half of sourced prices, shown where we have at least 3.
What to do
- Check oil level and the oil filter cap insert at the next oil change.
- Swap the intake and exhaust solenoids (they are the same part on many sixes) and see if the code moves.
- Ask whether a DME software update applies to your car.
Warnings it can bring up
Other BMW bulletins that mention it
- SI B07 03 14 Electrical system fault codes E46, E60, E61, E63, E64 and others · Nov 2016
- SI B12 14 12 N51, N52K, N52T and N55 Engine: Various Faults Stored in DME Related to VANOS and Camshaft Position E60, E70, E82, E88, E89 and others · Oct 2014
4 of the BMW bulletins we hold mention it in their text; these are the closest matches.
Sources
- BMW SI B07 03 14: Diagnosing stored fault codes to help avoid repeat repair visits (NHTSA)
- Vehicle Service Pros: "Bimmer bugs" (BMW N52 bulletin summary, cam sensor and VANOS codes), Dec 2013
- NHTSA: BMW technical service bulletins and recalls by VIN
Bulletins are cited in the tables above. Explanations are ours; where a source is an owner report rather than BMW, it is labelled as one.