Vanos error 130308?

Tiny
GABOSS12
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 BMW 320I
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
Hello, I have a 2013 f30, n20 engine code with the Vanos error 130308 (sae:P0015), that come on frequently. I have changed the actuator ( the part that is visible from the engine bay) but to no success. The timing chain doesnt seem to be run down, but when I start the car, sometimes I can hear a little sound for like a second. Other than that, the car drives and runs normally, it pulls really good with all of the horsepower. I’m thinking of changing the regulator on the exaust side ( the wheel like part with teeth ), but I dont know exactly how to narrow down the problem, from what I have read it can be either a solenoid, the timing chain or the regulator. Either way I m trying to find as much information as possible before going to a mechanic and spending time and money there, and I think that I need to also buy the timing chain locking kit, so that we can work with the regulator and timing chain. Has anybody got any idea how to narrow this problem down without spending that much cash. I will also attach some photos that might help.
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Monday, December 1st, 2025 AT 2:00 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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Yep, the vanos can not be moved, this code 130308 / P0015: VANOS exhaust: cold start control fault. Camshaft does not reach the target position quickly enough. You said you replace the vanos control solenoid for the exhaust camshaft correct? Also, make sure the engine oil and filter are clean and full, it must have good engine oil to work correctly. The rattle at idle is not a good sign, you can have a broken timing chain guide or the chain is worn out, (tough to see). Or the vanos is worn out and needs to be replaced. Here is the location of the valve so you can make sure this is the unit you replaced. It will be the one with the blue connector. Please upload a short video in your response of the problem, so I can see what's going on :) Check out the images (below).
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Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 AT 10:19 AM
Tiny
GABOSS12
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Thanks for the reply, I have changed the part attached down, the car does the sound only on cold starts, and for a few seconds, the first part is the one that I’ve changed, and the next one contains the parts that i’m thinking of changing, any other advice?
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Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 AT 11:32 AM
Tiny
GABOSS12
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And if you can please add a link or something in order for me to view the part.
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Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 AT 11:33 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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There must be two different styles of engine they installed in these cars. Once take the magnetic actuator, which is the first image you show and the other style which controls the oil directly. Can you please unload an image of the front of the engine in your car so I can see it? If the engine make noise at the cold start up this is telling us there is a problem in the timing chain system of the engine which will cause the codes, pretty common at 120k.
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Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025 AT 9:42 AM
Tiny
GABOSS12
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Here is a sound check
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Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025 AT 10:21 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Thanks for the videos, yep, the timing chain components need to be looked at, you can hear the engine making noise at idle which is the classic sign the timing chain, guides and vanos need to be replaced.
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Thursday, December 4th, 2025 AT 8:15 AM
Tiny
GABOSS12
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How can you know that the vanos needs to be changed too? Thank you for the reply. I will look into the timing chain, but can you please tell me what to look at in terms of Vanos.
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Thursday, December 4th, 2025 AT 12:09 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Testing the vanos is difficult, most people just replace them when they are doing the timing chain job. Most shops just include the vanos with the the price estimate. If you look at timing chains replacement kits you will see the vanos in there too.
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Friday, December 5th, 2025 AT 9:27 AM

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