I have been chasing the P0171 and P0174 codes on my 06 325i. I could not find a vacuum leak, but I looked under the valvetronic and saw oil, so I replaced the valvetronic gasket and my codes went away, my idle was smooth again and my MAF was reading 6 g/s when it had been reading about 3 g/s before replacing the gasket. Solved my problem too! Thank you so much!

That has to be the cleanest engine I’ve seen outside of a showroom! Thanks for the video!!

Thanks for sharing this vacuum leak area in the crankcase Which of course give problems

Great video George helps massively keep up the good work

Excellent video George! As always, very informative and helpful. Thanks for posting it.

Oh my god I’ve been chasing this problem for a month now, I just checked under my valvetronic motor and there’s fresh oil and I changed my valve cover gasket 3 months ago 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

Also make sure you remember to clean the VANOS filters, they will cause rough idle if clogged.

great work mate!! yeah bizar such a little gasket can cause that problem!! i had a oil filler cap once with a super small crack in it, wich caused a simular rough idle problem and power loss even! turned out previous owner damaged the filler cap by screwing it on wrong...i first also went the coilover,plugs,solenoids route and went nuts not solving it!!! then read about oil cap somewhere and found out that way where the problem was...new cap and problem solved!! so there you go...sometimes its the small and not so obvious things on an engine that can cause trouble,but can be sorted superquick and easy!! :-)

Thank you. Anytime I am aided, I would like to extended my warmest gratitude!

The leak was the source of oil on the outside, the proper re installation of the valvetronic motor was the solution for both the oil leak, and rough idle.

Brilliant! Unbelievable that little leak caused so much rough idle. Thanks for sharing.

@GeorgeAusters

3 жыл бұрын

No problem 👍

Hey man I just bought a 130i, your videos are so valuable man thank you for all your efforts really appreciate it.

@GeorgeAusters

10 ай бұрын

Glad to have you!

I had a rough idle on a n43 and cleaning injector tips and making sure they were calibrated correctly sorted it. If you didn't have the car from new then there's a possibility that someone replaced an injector and didn't calibrate it

Another very good video George

@GeorgeAusters

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Johnny!

Superb work!

I have the exact same issue. Thx for posting. That was my issue

thank you sir! will try it

Looks like in another video the seal leak at the oval seal of the valvtronic motor you had oil leaking into area 4-5 piston and solved ruff idle awesome. I am changing pcv massive intermittent smoke when pcv sticking

Good catch!

Very good may friend thanks for your time

Count the turns of the allen key when removing the VT motor, use the same amount of turns when you re-install and you’re golden

@ilisten2musik

Жыл бұрын

when i did my valve cover, i completely missed this step. entering service mode, and then re install. i just unbolted carefully and reinstalled. so that's where that rough performance is coming from. ay yi yi !!!!

@sameuldahl6132

8 ай бұрын

Please explain hole procedure for removing Vt motor

Got to say, this video really helped me so I thought I should also come back and give my little contribution. Before changing the valvetronic gasket the car would run lean with the MAP sensor plugged in and sounded like the engine was about to grenade itself. With the MAP sensor unplugged the car would run nicely but a bit rich with LTFT of around -13% to -15%. Changed my valvetronic gasket (and valve cover gasket) plugged in the MAP and the car is running like a star. LTFT and STFT are close to zero now. Thanks a lot.

@GeorgeAusters

2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome man!

I am so happy to see this video thanks

Great video again bro keep doing the good job 👑👑👑BMW👑👑👑

@GeorgeAusters

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks bro!

Did you have to relearn valtronic motor in ISTA after removing it and putting it in service mode? I heard that engine might not run properly if it is not done correctly.

Thanks, I also am having a rough idle problem. Other than this, what else should I check ? I have a bmw 325i 2006.

Thanks man!

Excellent video! Just subscribed! Do you have any videos where you do the fuel pressure test on this vehicle? I believe that is the problem on my vehicle, just not sure where to "T" in the fuel pressure gauge. I'm thinking maybe at the fuel rail near the firewall? Thank you in advance, and thank you for such great information!

Well done good one amazing the new gasket failed glad it's all sweet again

@GeorgeAusters

3 жыл бұрын

Yep, must have been improperly installed👍🏻

fairplay to you bro great job done thanx again for a great channel love it

@GeorgeAusters

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Kian!

@kianward5999

3 жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeAusters np pal

Great job !!! BUT, the car was really low on fuel. (only 12 miles to go). That can cause an issue on the fuel pumps. As soon as the first warning comes up you have go to the gas station. And with the price of BMW parts, better safe than sorry :-)

A very well done job!!!!!!

@GeorgeAusters

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate

You are a genius 👍👍👍

Thank man ❤❤❤❤

Hi George we have issue on p0303 cylinder missfiring, but when we replace the sparkplug still got same code p0303 then try to swap ignition cil from 1 to 3 same code appear, but then tried to swap different ignition coil then p0300 code apear which almost all cylinder are miss firing. any suggestion what could it be the issue?

may I have the part number of the gasket.thanks mate from Germany.

Quick tip - each time you remove the valvetronic motor you have to relearn its end to end position. There is a function for that in ISTA and it takes about 20 seconds or less once executed. If not you'll end up with less performance depending on how close you placed it into the previous position.

@LazarJankovicc

Жыл бұрын

Hey, got a used bmw recently, could you elaborate on how I can do this?

@florisvanvliet3542

Жыл бұрын

@@LazarJankovicc i read on a forum that you could also calibrate it by setting ignition to position 2 and pressening and depressing the throttle 10 times within 15 seconds, ill try that later today and see if it works.

@lonelymtbrider3369

Жыл бұрын

The position sensing is not done by the motor itself, but the eccentric shaft sensor....

@florisvanvliet3542

Жыл бұрын

@@lonelymtbrider3369 still there are 2 numbers ista gives you on the live data, something along the lines of sensor detected angle and motor set angle, mine are 52 degrees appart, though calibrating doesn't help. I suspect I have a broken servo motor

how likely is it to damage the boost sensor during a valve cover gasket replacement on a x3 xdrive28i? got my car back for the mechanics shop immediately it through a drivetrain malfunction warning and lost power/acceleration. RPM hitting 3500 the engine wining and the car is barely moving.

That created a vacuum leak, correct? Basically the gasket let air into the valve cover.

Can it also be caused by a fuel suction malfunction I don't know if I'm pronouncing it right but it would be on behind the driver side in the United States

Perfect

Another successful repair! thanks for sharing the knowledge!

@GeorgeAusters

3 жыл бұрын

No problem buddy!

@jafarabdunaabdu8519

Жыл бұрын

,😮3🎉rdxxzztx6z, ,6 and b😊,😊h

Noted with thanks bruh 🎉

your the man !!!!

@AMG28ful

3 жыл бұрын

No you are the man

I have the same rough idle on my N42B20A 2.0 valvetronic, if i remove the oil cap when engine is running the idle fall off almost to shut down the engine. Is the same procedure for solve my problem?

Last night I wanted to the grocery store car was running perfectly fine when I come back out start the car and it's missing start to leave and running rough no smoke coming out of the tailpipe any idea on what this could be any information would be highly appreciated

George, was that gasket causing a vacuum leak? Brilliant video. Thank you!

@GeorgeAusters

3 жыл бұрын

Yes sir!

@butcherbaker4258

2 жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeAusters when did you disconnect the ground wire? Before the VTM? Thanks mate 👍 Any help is greatly appreciated

@butcherbaker4258

2 жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeAusters and what are you using to keep things clean and shining. Thanks

That sound fine

I wonder if it was the leak, or if maybe the valvetronic motor was just slightly misaligned... and then this would explain a rough idle a bit better because I can imagine just a milimetric misalignment on the valvetronic motor wil cause the valves to be slightly more open or more closed than they are supposed to be and the engine will be struggling.

Amazing work. I think I’d have gone to We Buy Any Car before then

@GeorgeAusters

3 жыл бұрын

Haha!

Great video, thanks! I have a Z4 Coupe with the N52k (black engine cover) and now, when i start from cold, it revs instantly to 2000rpm, before straight down to 11oo rpm ish. Once warm, its down to 6-700 and a little unsteady idle (not as bad as yours was). My main concern is it going straight to 2000rpm- do you think a dodgy valvetronic filter could do this??

@GeorgeAusters

3 жыл бұрын

Get it scanned with ISTA👍🏻

@bdpheavygame

2 жыл бұрын

Clean vanso screens

Hello mate. I'm going to have a go at the motor gasket pretty soon so I'm after a bit of advice. After you put the motor into the service position to remove it do you need to reposition the worm gear when you've installed the motor back to the car? Thanks Will

@GeorgeAusters

2 жыл бұрын

You can just relearn the valvetronic positions

@sameuldahl6132

9 ай бұрын

I also want to know whether you just seated it or doing the procedure again ?

Any updates after the test drive

I was thinking it would be the Mass Air Flow Sensor from the previous video? I have the same problem as you but the misfire shows in cylinder 6.

@waqarditta7297

2 жыл бұрын

@@313BriX I can’t remember exactly, but I changed the injector and it sorted…the injectors need replacing in these.

Might want to post what brand seal you originally used so viewers don't make the same mistake, as that seal and that other little one in the front of the engine, along with the pvc tube in the back should be changed whenever you do the valve cover. I hate paying the genuine BMW parts tax when quality parts are available, but sometimes there isn't an option.

@GeorgeAusters

3 жыл бұрын

It was genuine, probably just a bad batch

Hi George, I also have a N52 but in an ‘06 325i and just started rough idling today, disconnected the MAF but still the same. I also just had the SES light on too (came in before disconnecting MAF to diagnose). I don’t notice vacuum leaks anyway, could it be O2 sensors? Or Vanos Solenoids? Can you help me narrow it down?

@erickhernandez4670

Жыл бұрын

@cleanthegreen have the same problem. Did you ever fix it?

Great work!!

Well done, would it be possible to measure the engine crankcase vacuum and figure out that it has to do with that ?

@stephanecampeau9814

Жыл бұрын

yesssss there is a bmw spec for that. bring your vehicle to a real tech! do not open you bonet to amateur. this video is basic and the guy is not a tech.

Got a 2D06 code air-mass system code what could it be for a 07 E60 530xi

About the valvetronic motor how to reinstall it? To put it into servicemode and take it out i understand but what is the correct way to install it again? Do i really just need to screw that back on or do i need to put it into servicemode again? Also after it is installed i've read that you need to relearn it with ISTA or press down the accelerator for a couple of seconds when the ignitions is on. So anyone can take there time and explain this step by step? :)

Do this gasket cause valvetronic adjustment range fault code 2a39?or its only for leaking oil ?

@GeorgeAusters

3 жыл бұрын

I doubt it

Hi George, does/did your RPM hunt or flutter when you apply light throttle (usually to target 1200 to 2000 rpm) when parked or in neutral? When I try to increase revs to 1500 the engine will hit it then drop down again and I'd have to apply more throttle to compensate. Then as I put more load on the alternator/drive belt (i.e. AC, lights, heated seats and window etc) the rpm will decrease and hunt a little more.

@naumanfayyaz9413

Жыл бұрын

What was the issue? I got the similar type?

@staticsubteran

Жыл бұрын

I have this issue too how did you solve it?

@rghant

Жыл бұрын

Check your disa valves

@staticsubteran

Жыл бұрын

@@rghant replaced them but didnt help.

@staticsubteran

6 ай бұрын

@ml9052 did you solve the issue?

Hopefully I can get an answer, after changing my valve cover gasket my 08 n52 idles erratically way worst than what you showed us with your car. I've changed everything spark plugs, Ignition coils, all gaskets, and the ESS gasket. The only time I ever had an idle problem was when my air intake coupler basically dried up, rotted and cracked. This issues shows the same symptoms of the last idle problem which is erratic idling along with the battery draining.

@GeorgeAusters

Жыл бұрын

This is likely your issue👍🏻

@josephchinyemba8394

5 ай бұрын

​@@GeorgeAustershello george

Hi mate, been following your channel for a while since you bought your 130i. So today I’ve just purchased a really smart 325i E91 with the same N52 engine. It’s only on 80k miles and runs great, sounds healthy too. However I noticed on my way home when accelerating to about 60-70 and then letting off the gas, the car has a very faint ticking noise. Just wondered if it’s a common fault on these? Any help would be appreciated... cheers mate 👍🏻

@sdgelectronics

2 жыл бұрын

Ticking is pretty standard on these.

@AugustDreamScape

2 жыл бұрын

These cars have a "natural tick", and that's as it should be. If the tick becomes "Too loud", you may have a problem. I only here the "tick" when driving under 40mph.

Can this cause motor manage lights on the dash?

THANK YOU, good info.

Hey G - its NOT the valvetronic motor gasket! Its the fact you have the some black coils and some newer type grey coils - IS a problem - when you change the coils the idle will improve massively - failing that its the vanos solenoids but you have done that? Im sure you improved things by changing the gasket and reseating the coils. If this doesn’t work I have one other suggestion. But I’m pretty sure thats a problem on your N52. The black coils are a very old type and fail sooner than the grey type. Giving you your rough idle (but not bad enough to generate misfire codes) - Regards

@GeorgeAusters

3 жыл бұрын

It was the gasket mate👍🏻

@mshahid2898

3 жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeAusters Trust me ✊🏼

@GeorgeAusters

3 жыл бұрын

I was getting the lean mixture codes indicating I had a vacuum leak. Once I replaced the damaged gasket, all fixed👍🏻

@mshahid2898

3 жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeAusters Just wait a few days they will be all back - the gasket does not cause lean codes - its the coils mate - been there before - the car has improved temporarily because you messed with the coils - Best wishes 👍🏼

@GeorgeAusters

3 жыл бұрын

I already tried the coils before mate. I done this about 4 weeks ago and car has been spot on since

I thought the position of the valvetronic motor needed to be learned by the computer any time you took it out on the magnesium head n52?

@_J.P._

Жыл бұрын

Yes it has to be relearned but depeding on how close you seat it back to its previous learned position you may end up with just a little loss of performance. It is possible to drive away with it and have it done at someones house meaning you don't need to keep it parked until someone comes to your place to do it.

@montana1636

Жыл бұрын

You can do it mechanically if you follow the proper procedure

You're blessed

Do Mustangs have those V motors?

hi George...my car idles rough only on cold start. do u think I could have a vacuum leak also??

@CoryDanks

Жыл бұрын

Did you ever solve the cold start rough idle?

Hi George. What error fault code diagnosis program/ tool do you use? Price?

@GeorgeAusters

Жыл бұрын

ISTA

@larsw.larsen4173

Жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeAusters thanks. Would you happen where to get a version for a Bmw e93 and the price?

Hey I know you didn’t have this issue, but I just upgraded my 325 intake manifold to a 330i (3 stage) intake manifold and now my car will die and barely idle… I’m not sure what to look for or what to do, so if you have any insight that’d be awesome

@Nate-ek8qk

2 жыл бұрын

check if the disa valve is good and get it tuned to be able to utilize the disa valves on the manifold.

my 320i have rough idle and some time the motor shuts down. i don’t have any error on diagnostics😢

It’s crazy 🤔

It can come from the pcv, or a crack in the plastic.

Hy exact type of igniter?

Aren’t you supposed to relearn the valvetronic motor when u remove it and put it back on?

@frenchaccent540

3 жыл бұрын

Unless I am mistaken, only if you “replace” the VALVETRONIC motor

@sdgelectronics

3 жыл бұрын

You're correct. You should always do it. I suspect the poor idle was nothing to do with the gasket, rather the position of the valvetronic system was different this time around

@Unknown9704_

2 жыл бұрын

How do you relearn it ?

same symtoms,and chasing a code poobc,and misfire on cylinder 5.changed all coils and plugs,still a rough idle.wondering if this could be the problem?great video.

@reddog9401

2 жыл бұрын

@@313BriX i found the problem,vent line was causing air leak making it run rough.i did replace the maf.

@qais..2025

Жыл бұрын

@@reddog9401 I have the same problem as u. What did u did exactly to fix it?

@reddog9401

Жыл бұрын

@@qais..2025 it was a vacuumed line leak.

Hey George. Did you do a smoke test on the engine before you found this problem?

@GeorgeAusters

2 жыл бұрын

Nope

@hayhay5656

2 жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeAusters Okay, I am having something very similar happening with my N52. Going to get a smoke test done to see if its a vacuum leak. Do you think if it is the issue you had, you would see smoke leaking through there? Appreciate the response!

@GeorgeAusters

2 жыл бұрын

Yes likely

@TermsAndConditionsApply

Жыл бұрын

Hi there. Did you ever do the smoke test?

Where should I connect a smoke hose to do vacuum test?

@hanynowsky

3 жыл бұрын

On the throttle body intake boot or on the CCV hose close to the oil filter housing.

@GeorgeAusters

3 жыл бұрын

Anywhere really, as long as it gets into the crankcase and air intake

Hi George, I recently had a water pump failure. It was fixed and everything is up and running again. However, I suddenly experience something fishy with the idling. It’s not relay rough idling or jumping rpm. It’s when I come to a stand it is idling around 800 rpm and after 5 seconds it drops to 700 rpm. It doesn’t seem like a harm or anything but I didn’t have it before, so I am wondering if it’s normal. Any idea where this might come from?

@guray16

Жыл бұрын

May be valve cover issue What happens if u open the oil fill cap. Is it ok ?

@jonaskuhlmann642

Жыл бұрын

@@guray16 yeah nothing suspicious with an open oil cap. But that’s for the hint, I’ll investigate on the valve cover

@nvl2691

Жыл бұрын

@@jonaskuhlmann642 What I’ve noticed on the N52 (on my N52N, magnesium cover engine) is that it seems to have 3 idle speeds. Cold idle is 1000 rpm, warm idle is 650 rpm but whenever you clutch in - whether you’re stopped or moving - it idles stop 800 rpm. I believe it’s to aid starting from a stop and / or gear shifting.

🙌🏼

Thanks bro My problem is when I start the engine I get rough idle for less then a minute then it goes to normal I checked the valve tronic gasket there is no leak what could be the reason?

@danyal175

Жыл бұрын

Hey, im having similar issues with mine, were you able to figure out what the problem was with yours?

@al-maskari5463

Жыл бұрын

@@danyal175 no still the same 😔

Hi, What if after replacing this gasket, there is still a problem with rough idle? is there left air elsewhere?

been chasing a cylinder 1 misfire for a month now, going to check this tomorrow :D

@melvinmartinez9744

2 жыл бұрын

Let me know what fixed it

@willd3808

2 жыл бұрын

@@melvinmartinez9744 fuel injector

@theequalizer3330

2 жыл бұрын

Disa valve

@montana1636

Жыл бұрын

You have to flash program each injector to function with the control module to keep it in the proper range

07 Z4 SI 188k miles. At low rpm at start up. I get a bouncy rough idle. But at high rpm. No issues at all. I’m thinking it’s my disa valves. Since they regulate air at low rpm as well.

do we need to remove the ground wire when we remove coil for inspection?

@GeorgeAusters

2 жыл бұрын

No

@henry48181

2 жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeAusters Thanks

excuse me, I have seen your previous video and when you unplugged the MAF sensor, the idle smoothed , if I was you I would have ruled out the sensor just as you said, but now the problem is solved from the valvetronic motor seal , why did the idle smooth after unplugging the sensor if it was not the issue , I dont understand it . Also another question , I'm a beginner but please explain this to me, the valvetronic motor seal is leaking out oil and letting air in , is the problem is the oil getting on the spark plugs not letting them fire properly or it is the air coming in? if it is the air how can this create a problem since the air is leaking in to the cranckcase and not the intake manifold?

@matinarabzadeh9837

3 жыл бұрын

was this ever explained to you becuase i have the same questions and dont have the answers

@osamamaddani

3 жыл бұрын

I have done more research, it’s the PCV system it sucks blowby fuel vapors from the crankcase into the intake manifold and replaces it with clean air from the intake after the MAF sensor and before the throttle valve, which regulates the pressure of the crankcase, when a gasket is leaking unmetered air goes into the crankcase and gets sucked in by the Pcv system. I’ve seen cars with oil leaks that run good, I guess it depends on the severity of the leak or the Pcv system itself. BMWs have more complicated Pcv systems but the principle is the same, search for Pcv positive crankcase ventilation, and feel free to reply if you need anything

@johnr1515

2 жыл бұрын

any un-metered air going into engine means incorrect fuel/air ratio

@stever5893

2 жыл бұрын

the reason is, that the MAF sensor reads how much air the engine receives and tells ECU so it could provide a good air/mix ratio. if the sensor is disconnected the reading will go to default and the engine will not fluctuate anymore. when you step on your pedal more air is being introduced to the engine which will require more fuel. that sensor provides the air intake data to ecu and it will provide correct amount of fuel.

@dhalsim-1

2 жыл бұрын

The problem could likely have been the valvetronic motor seal all along. Disconnecting the MAF will actually disable the valvetronic motor, and allow the engine to fall back on the 'MAP' sensor method working the throttle body (therefore reducing rough idle in his case) You can also disable this motor by disconnecting the eccentric shaft sensor on the valve cover, which is probably a better way to go about it. As for how it caused rough idle I'm not sure. Perhaps oil leaked onto some grounding wires or maybe it did cause an air leak who knows. But disconnecting the MAF and getting smooth idle doesn't always mean the MAF is at fault (though it quite often is) Make sure to check that eccentric shaft sensor plug too for leaking oil. And if you decide to disable the VVT motor + MAF, make sure you clean the 'MAP' sensor (usually on the intake manifold) and check it's working correctly.

brilliant!

What would be a few things to check if a diesel Is idling then dies down but doesn’t stall 🤔

@GeorgeAusters

3 жыл бұрын

I made a video on N47 rough idle

@Mr330d

3 жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeAusters I’ll check it out thanks because it’s really annoying only happens when cold though

just found this channel, did you have a burning oil smell by any chance?

@GeorgeAusters

3 жыл бұрын

Nope, that’s when oil is dripping on your exhaust

@carldavidson2012

3 жыл бұрын

Man wears oil as aftershave, his BMW provides an endless supply of it :)

@ComicalAwesomeness

3 жыл бұрын

I'm having a hellish time diagnosing it, student with an e92 really wasn't the call 😂😂

@TelstarTAK

3 жыл бұрын

I had this on my E90 318i and turned out to be a small oil leak on the brake vacuum pump seal and rocker cover gasket at the rear of the engine bay dripping onto hot exhaust. Not unexpected when mileage is around 100K. I had the exact same issue with a 2002 E46 318i.

Merci beaucoup 👍👍🙏🙏

Hey George any updates? My n52 has that nasty start that sounds rough and the shaky idle. I had the intake manifold replaced for free during recall work and the valve cover has been done recently as well... Going to follow your Video on cleaning the Vanos filters first but this feels a whole lot like a vacuum leak! Maybe run a smoke pot with the valve cover off? Cheers

@GeorgeAusters

3 жыл бұрын

This seal fixed it for me👍🏻

@ezhiksobolevskii432

2 жыл бұрын

What kind of recall was that?

Smoke test??

hi do you need to reset valvetronic motor after reinstalling ? some says need to be with insta , some says just turn the key is enough thks

@GeorgeAusters

3 жыл бұрын

No need to reset

@jamsbong

3 жыл бұрын

just the car on off a few times without starting the car. that will reset it. This tip from FCPEURO

@z4funkdreamer986

3 жыл бұрын

James B thank you do you have the link video from fcp euro ?

@sdgelectronics

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, or if can cause poor idling (!)

@z4funkdreamer986

3 жыл бұрын

SDG Electronics who to believe ?? Sdg electronic says yes and george auster says no georges , how many miles did you do since the last valvetronic removal ? did you notice something wrong ?

prosze wiecej filmow o tym silniku n52

Will this cause p300 -p305 codes?

@luisvargas8371

Жыл бұрын

I replaced clogged cats and my cars check engine light would come on flashing . Loss of power it still sounds as of it were clogged..I changed coils spark plugs oil change oxygen sensors maf sensor serpentine belt and radiator. New battery also..I don't k ow what it can be?. Currently have p0300 thru p0305 codes..

Did you do a relearn on the servo motor?

@GeorgeAusters

2 жыл бұрын

Yes already done

So it's just replacing valvetronic motor and that's it? 😃🤔