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BMW P0011, P0012, P0014 and P0015: camshaft timing codes
The variable cam timing (VANOS) isn't moving a camshaft to where the engine computer asked. On BMWs that usually means oil supply, a VANOS solenoid or, less often, the VANOS gears or timing.
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Codes on this page
| Code | Definition | Source |
|---|---|---|
| P0011 | "A" (intake) camshaft position: timing over-advanced or system performance (bank 1) | Generic OBD-II |
| P0012 | "A" (intake) camshaft position: timing over-retarded (bank 1) | Generic OBD-II |
| P0014 | "B" (exhaust) camshaft position: timing over-advanced or system performance (bank 1) | Generic OBD-II |
| P0015 | "B" (exhaust) camshaft position: timing over-retarded (bank 1) | Generic OBD-II |
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
BMW's VANOS uses oil pressure, switched by a solenoid for each camshaft, to advance or retard the intake ("A") and exhaust ("B") cams. These generic codes are what a basic OBD-II reader shows when the measured cam position doesn't match the target. A BMW-capable scanner will usually show the BMW code instead; for the common E- and F-series sixes see 2A82 and 2A87.
Can I keep driving?
Usually yes, gently; get it checked soon. Expect rough idle, hesitation or reduced power. Low oil level or pressure can cause these codes, so check the oil first. If a rattling noise comes with the codes, have it inspected before driving much more: BMW has a bulletin for loose VANOS gear bolts that cause rattle and power loss.
Usual causes on BMWs
| Cause | Cars most affected | What you notice | Evidence | Repair prices (national average) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VANOS solenoid stuck, dirty or failed | N51, N52, N54, N55, N20 and later | Codes after a cold start or once fully warm; BMW's N52 guidance was to blow out the solenoid and update the software. | SI B11 02 08 (PDF) Vehicle Service Pros | VANOS solenoids (intake / exhaust) Indie $549–$703 Dealer $973–$1,199 |
| Oil supply: low level, wrong oil, missing oil filter insert | N51, N52, N54 (and other sixes) | BMW found missing oil filter cap inserts letting unfiltered oil clog the VANOS solenoids. | SI B11 02 08 (PDF) | — |
| Loose or broken VANOS gear bolts | N51, N52K, N52T and N55 (bulletin) | Rattle from the engine, power loss and VANOS or camshaft position codes. BMW replaces both VANOS gear assemblies. | SI B12 14 12 (PDF) | — |
| Timing chain stretch | N20/N26 above all | Cam timing codes with a whine or rattle; BMW extended N20/N26 timing chain coverage on eligible cars. | SI B11 03 17 (PDF) | N20 timing chain replacement Indie $2,769–$3,101 Dealer $3,416–$4,858 Indie owners paid $2,375–$2,832 Dealer owners paid $3,550–$5,000 |
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 the oil level and when it was last changed.
- Have the codes read with a BMW-capable scanner to get the BMW fault text.
- Before buying solenoids, ask whether cleaning and a software update apply to your engine.
Warnings it can bring up
Related codes
2A82 / 2A87 (VANOS) 2A9A / 2A9B (cam sensor) All fault codes
Other BMW bulletins that mention it
- 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
- SI B12 15 13 N20 and N26 Engine: Various VANOS System Faults Stored in DME E60, E84, E89, E90, E92 and others · Jan 2014
- SI B12 08 18 Rough running and various VANOS faults stored G01, G11, G12, G30, G31 and others · Mar 2018
- SI B01 10 14 VANOS warranty extension E60, E70, E82, E88, E90 and others · Feb 2018
- SI B11 11 18 VANOS replacement G11, G12 · Jan 2019
- SI B01 21 18 N63: oil consumption class action settlement diagnosis/repairs (version 13.0) E60, E70, E71, E72, E82 and others · Jun 2021
- SI B11 07 23 Voluntary emission recall 23e-a05: replace switchable rocker arm G05, G06, G07, G70 · Aug 2026
- SI B11 16 14 Timing chain inspection G32, E60, E70, E71, E72 and others · Mar 2022
20 of the BMW bulletins we hold mention it in their text; these are the closest matches.
Sources
- OBD-Codes.com: P0011 definition
- OBD-Codes.com: P0012 definition
- OBD-Codes.com: P0014 definition
- OBD-Codes.com: P0015 definition
- US EPA: What to do with the check engine light (EPA420-F-00-041)
- 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.