BMW 130108: Intake VANOS Position Not Reached
BMW code 130108 means the DME asked the intake VANOS to move to a certain camshaft timing position and it did not get there. On newer B38T, B46 and B58M engines this is most commonly a DME software issue fixed by reprogramming, while on N55 and N51/N52/N54 engines it is usually a worn VANOS gear assembly or clogged solenoid needing a proper diagnostic read to confirm.
Quick facts
- System
- Engine / VANOS Variable Valve Timing
- Severity
- Moderate
- Can you still drive?
- Short drives only, diagnose soon
- Applies to
- DME (engine ECU). BMW SI B12 08 18 names B38T, B46M, B46O, B58M, XB1H and XB2H engines produced to 14/03/2018 (F22, F23, F30, F31, F32, F33, F34, F36, F39, F48, G01, G12, G30, G...
Also shown by some scanners as: 2D5B, 130104, 130308, 130304, 130713, 130714, 130715, 130716, 13070A, 13070B, 13070C, 130709, 130E20
Symptoms
- Rough running and rough idle
- Check engine light on
- Reduced power or limp mode
- Engine rattle, especially on start up
- Fault often shows up after prolonged driving at full operating temperature and clears after an ignition cycle
Common causes, most likely first
- 1
DME software error on B38T, B46 and B58M engines at certain software levels
BMW's documented fix here is a software update using ISTA, no parts needed
- 2
VANOS cam gear and central valve bolt filter screen failure on B38/B48, starving the VANOS hub of oil
- 3
Failed VANOS gear assemblies with loosened or broken attaching bolts on N55
- 4
Clogged VANOS solenoids from unfiltered oil, often traced to a missing oil filter cap insert, on N51/N52/N54
- 5
Spun camshaft reluctor wheel or timing chain wear throwing off actual valve timing
In stock now at M.S. Motor
Not sure what is wrong? Book an inspection.
WhatsApp us your fault code and car model to book a time. We scan the car, confirm the actual fault, and quote the used part and labour before any work starts. All parts tested, with warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still drive with this code?
The engine will still run, but it may feel rough and down on power. Because VANOS faults can be linked to timing chain or cam gear wear that gets worse over time, it is best to keep trips short and get the car scanned properly as soon as possible. If it is a B38, B46 or B58M engine in the affected software range, BMW's own fix is a software update, so insist on a full diagnostic scan before replacing anything.
Does this always mean I need a new VANOS unit?
Not always. On some newer engines like B38T, B46 and B58M, this exact code is often just a software issue that BMW fixes with reprogramming, no parts at all. On other engines like N55, N51, N52 and N54, the usual causes are worn VANOS gears, loosened bolts, or clogged solenoids from oil supply problems. The only way to know which applies to your car is a proper diagnostic read at a workshop, not a guess from the code alone.
How is this usually fixed, and what parts might be needed?
Depending on what the diagnostic scan finds, the fix path can range from a software reprogram with no parts, to replacing VANOS cam gear and adjuster units, the VANOS central valve bolt with filter screen, VANOS solenoid valves, the camshaft if the reluctor wheel has spun, or the oil filter housing cap insert together with a timing chain kit. We carry used original BMW VANOS parts for these repairs. WhatsApp us the code and car model for stock and today's price.
Which BMW models does this code apply to?
This exact 6 character code applies to F and G series BMWs with B38T, B46M, B46O, B58M, XB1H or XB2H engines, produced up to 14 March 2018, covering models such as F22, F23, F30, F31, F32, F33, F34, F36, F39, F48, G01, G12, G30, G32 and I12. It also covers N55 engines in F07, F10, F12, F13 and F25, and N51, N52, N52K and N54 engines. Note that on older E chassis cars with the N55 engine, the identical fault appears under a different 4 character code, 2D5B, not this one.
