S55 intake camshaft pitting/rust

[Wojtasso]

Hello everyone,

Today, while adjusting the tightening of the exhaust camshaft bolts, I noticed pitting/rust on the intake camshaft. What could be the cause? The car has 70k km. The camshaft according to my dealer is available to order with a lead time of approximately 2 months. What can result in further driving without replacing the camshaft? Has anyone had a similar case?

Regards

[theweebabySeamus]

What is the issue the car is having that you are repairing? I know there have been VVT motor issues on cars that are not driven for long periods of time, could be related.

[Wojtasso]

Originally Posted by theweebabySeamus

What is the issue the car is having that you are repairing? I know there have been VVT motor issues on cars that are not driven for long periods of time, could be related.

Knocking on idle up to 5 minutes after starting up when cold. There is a PuMA case from BMW related to this noise (aligning of exhaust camshaft). After assembling today, this knocking noise is gone, but now I am thinkg what to do with intake camshaft

[swagon]

Originally Posted by Wojtasso

Knocking on idle up to 5 minutes after starting up when cold. There is a PuMA case from BMW related to this noise (aligning of exhaust camshaft). After assembling today, this knocking noise is gone, but now I am thinkg what to do with intake camshaft

have you got the PuMa document to share please?

[Wojtasso]

Originally Posted by swagon

have you got the PuMa document to share please?

I could even have related for your VIN. PM me.

[K8_M235i]

I’m also very interested in seeing that document. Everything I’ve ever seen has either consisted of replacing camshafts or lifters/cam followers.

[Wojtasso]

Originally Posted by K8_M235i

I’m also very interested in seeing that document. Everything I’ve ever seen has either consisted of replacing camshafts or lifters/cam followers.

So guys, I attachted PuMA case related to my VIN. I had to translate whole document with google translate from my language to english, because BMW AIR portal has documents in langauge where is your billing address. I also had to remove dealer ID and my VIN number. I hope this will help to someone. As I mentioned in first post, after rethigtening of bolts, the knocking noise is finaly gone!

[Tech567]

That engine does not look healthy. How often are you changing your oil and with which?

[Wojtasso]

Originally Posted by Tech567

That engine does not look healthy. How often are you changing your oil and with which?

Every 10kkm at my dealer. Currently is 0w-30. My dealer said that the cause of this is a long period of non-use of the vehicle. The car sat unused for over a year as I was on a contract abroad. They said not to worry that there can be no complications from it.

[Austin_M4]

I have seen this issue also on N55 engine, found it out when I was replacing valvetronic eccentric shaft and motor. Unfortunately another symptom was worn intake camshaft ledge, which is visible only after dissasembly of bearing ledges.
I am wondering if the cause is corrosion due to moisture in oil because of short travels or car sitting for a long time. Maybe another reason could be improper lubrication.

I would definitely check camshaft ledges and not rely on dealers words.

[Wojtasso]

I checked bearing ledges-everything looks fine!

[Tech567]

Originally Posted by Wojtasso

Every 10kkm at my dealer. Currently is 0w-30. My dealer said that the cause of this is a long period of non-use of the vehicle. The car sat unused for over a year as I was on a contract abroad. They said not to worry that there can be no complications from it.

Yah they swapped to 0w30…. I wouldn’t trust anything but 5w30 or 40, especially in an M car. Had a friend went to dealer and they put that in her car. 3 months late engine seized up.

[swagon]

Originally Posted by Wojtasso

So guys, I attachted PuMA case related to my VIN. I had to translate whole document with google translate from my language to english, because BMW AIR portal has documents in langauge where is your billing address. I also had to remove dealer ID and my VIN number. I hope this will help to someone. As I mentioned in first post, after rethigtening of bolts, the knocking noise is finaly gone!

Thanks, found it earlier today in AIR, too.

In case you're German or speak German, MX Motorsport has done a video on the issue

[simone.benati]

Hello, how did you end up fixing this issue?

Did you change your engine entirely? My mechanic is worried that I might have to replace it entirely...
He believes that underneath it might be worse

Thank you