Bmw valvetronic,Explained,Diagnosed,Fixed

In this video we diagnose a BMW with an intermittent valvetronic fault.

Actronics;

Scantool used in the video;
Launch X431 PAD V ECU online programming scanner

For business inquiries (Not for technical questions);

[skrevox]

Aaaaah the lovely N46 engine. Between the endless valvetronic faults, valve stem seals made of cardboard, timing chain guides also made of cardboard and the endless oil and coolant leaks, there is never a dull moment with this one.

[dhalsim-]

I've been looking everywhere for a good video that properly explains valvetronic motor issues, and now I've found one. Cheers

[htownblue]

YES! I did this job once and can’t wait to hear DD break it down. Already smashing the like button. Diagnose Dan never disappoints.

[ashercohen]

Thanks again for the obvious study, you are never in a hurry to replace the part and that is what is special about you

[MrFryfish]

Clever, clever, clever; very well explained!
Thank you Dan!
And yes low resistance to the body or case of any electric motor it is a bad sign that that motor is about to fail, if not already faulty.
The isolation resistance between windings and the case should be at least 1 Mega Ohms, if not more; tens of Mega Ohms.

[maximillian]

Let me say, this was the best diagnostics video I've seen - Well done, Dan!

[nicknicu]

You’ve just destroyed another myth calling these engines “ over-complicated “. In my eyes this engine is way less complicated than a V-tec engine for example…
As always, you’ve done a great job breaking it down so that everyone understands! 👌

[andrianmonk]

Dan - another great video. You take the complicated and make it seem like it's nothing so the rest of us can understand. You are truly an expert and superb instructor. Bedankt.

[aktanf]

Another great video Dan. Just remember, before removing the Valvetronic motor, one must relieve the tension on the return spring by either putting the Valvetronic in the “service” mode, or by manually relieving the tension with an Allen wrench through the little pin hole on the back of the Valvetronic motor unit.

[dhrida]

The diagnose with the multimeter on the old motor could be considered, but it might not be accurate, unless it's a weak spot prone to fail, but it can be considered in following fixes based on the same system, great content! Also very educative and detailed on how these systems work!

[jasoneyes]

Nice one Dan. I see alot of desinigrated ground straps on old BMW's. When these straps lose their capacity to flow current, bad things happen. The current tries to find an alternate path with up to 220 amps of arcing power. Electric motors get hot, arcing thru the driveline bearings... These ground straps are usually barried deep in the engine bay out of sight.

[trevormansfield]

Brilliant video. You are without question the best diagnostician on YouTube. Too many people over complicate things. Thanks.

[TheKeenMechanic]

DAN you are the most amazing Mechanic in the world. The effort and dedication is on a different level. You even sent the fans to be diagnosed and tested so you can let us all know and obviously satisfy your curiosity too. I wish you had more time to create more content for us. You are my idol and I hope that some day I am half as good mechanic as you are🤝

[OM-wyue]

Bonjour Dan,
Le fait d'avoir une résistance sur l'ancien moteur, vient du fait que c'est un moteur avec des charbons. L'usure de ces derniers produit de la poussière qui est conductrice. Nettoyer le rotor et le stator redonne l'isolation.
Merci pour tes bonnes vidéos👍👍👍

[JimmyMakingitwork]

They should have BMW valvetronic motors in vending machines. Right next to the oil filter housing gaskets and cooling system parts. ;)

Thanks for the video!

[MrFirdel]

Dan, im addicted to your videos. Your sense for detail is fantastic! Please dont stop!! :)

[paulomarques]

I am from Brazil. Thank you very much to share you knowledge.

It helped me a lot in a diagnosis I'm doing on a BMW X3 F25 N20 year 2015 DTC 135808. This car only presents a defect after warming up.

[rayh]

Dan, if the test is on a 2 wire motor it is a brushed motor and the high resistance reading to ground could be carbon deposits either on the brush gear or field windings insulation breaking down. It can be a very good test of an aged motor and yes, a faulty one.
I'm a former Auto Electrician and now Electronics Engineer so I love your videos, brilliant information, well explained and fun. Keep them coming. Ray

[steveo]

Excellent video. My only critique might be the wiggle test. It was very aggressive. Other than that, spot on diagnosis work.
30+ years of fixing cars and my mentor explained to me long ago the benefits and short comings to wiggle testing.
I used to wiggle test wiring as aggressively as your video showed, and often had little-to-no success. My mentor then would have pinpointed the issue within 20 min.
The problem as he explained to me was my method. Aggressively shaking wires can temporarily reconnect questionable connections, making the problem disappear for a while. He went on to explained wires don't move that much in the vehicle, even going down rough roads at 130 kph.
He suggested a far more gentler approach, focusing on areas that round sharp bends near metal engine parts. Areas that could provide an unwanted ground.
While I realize that broken wires were not the issue this time, someone with lesser experience attempting to copy your technique, might find your example less productive.
That being said, you definitely know your craft. Keep up the great content.

[Nypartcannon]

I’d like to see that resistance reading when the motor was warm and also a insulation tester would show the potential short to chassis in the motor winding. Love this video