[Blk550Msport]

I have a 2014 550i (N63TU) that has the Vanos fault code 131401 vanos exhaust not adjusting. The Dealer says the two solenoids on the drive side needs to be replaced, but the cost is roughly $1k for the job. I’m going to do it my self but can not find any replacement videos or DIY documents on my engine. What DIY material I do find is on the older N63 engine with the Vanos solenoids side by side, where as my engine has them separated.

One sits higher on the head where the other sits behind the throttle body.

Can anyone help point me in the direction of DIY material for replacing The Driver side Vanos solenoids, intake and exhaust.

I have the intercooler out, but now need to know if the throttle body has to come out and does that require a gasket replace if it is removed?

[7'er-addict]

I can send PDFs from the ISTA workshop manual Monday, PM me if I don't respond here.

[7'er-addict]

Me again.

You were close, throttle bodies do need to be removed.1.pdf

2.pdf

3.pdf

[Blk550Msport]

7'er-addict , Greatly appreciate the assistance with this project. That is extremely helpful, thank you. I was surprised to find no DIY videos on the replacement for my N63TU model.

Do you by chance also have the replacement instructions for the left side?

[7'er-addict]

1.pdf


No DIY videos as there aren't a ton of N63 powered cars out there, that the owners are taking care of themselves. The newer ones are either under warranty or owned by folks who take them to a shop/dealer, the older ones are in junk yards.

[ultamte]

Thanks @7'er-addict. Saved these PDFs in case I need them down the road for my 2014 550i Xdrive.

[EL Jeffe 5]

Each Vanos is held by one bolt
Make sure you replace O Rings
I’m pretty sure you will have to reset adoptions on your Vanos when you install new ones.
You need ista + to do this reset
If you end up having check engine light you definitely will need to have someone reset Vanos with ista+
Good luck

[Blk550Msport]

EL Jeffe 5 thank you, the new Febi solenoid came with the o-ring. Perfect OEM part.

EL Jeffe 5 when you refer to ISTA+ are you just saying that the codes need to be cleared/reset? I have the bummerlink app and I am able to perform the reset. Is there another procedure that is required?

I had the code 131401 exhaust cold start on bank 2 and I replaced both intake and exhaust vanos sensors on bank 2. I cleared all the codes and now I get the 131401 code comes on bank 1 exhaust. Is that because I need to do the ISTA+ to reset?

I wasn’t getting the codes for bank 1 prior to replacing the solenoids on Bank 2. Is that common for the other bank / two units to go bad after replacing the original bad vanos units?

[EL Jeffe 5]

Yes and no
Yes codes have to cleared out faulty codes.
No you have to reset adoption on Vanos when you install new ones or when you take them out and move around timing.
I know you didn’t move timing all you did was take old Vanos out and installed new ones. But you still have to reset adoptions on Vanos.
That’s different from erasing faulty codes or clearing out faulty codes.
For this you need ista+ or high end OBD2 reader that is capable of resetting adoptions on Vanos.

[EL Jeffe 5]

After replacing Vanos you should let your car run for 5 minutes than adoptions should be reset.
Where are you located?

[Blk550Msport]

EL Jeffe 5 that’s the part I missed and why I think bank 1 is throwing the code now. I’m in Las Vegas.

[EL Jeffe 5]

If you can find someone to just reset you should be good to go.
Even if you take it to local bmw it should be 10 min job but they probably will charge you 1/2.
Reason why I was asking where are you located I would help you but sorry dude I’m in Midwest
Just tell them to reset adoptions on Vanos they will know exactly what your talking about.

[Blk550Msport]

EL Jeffe 5 really appreciate all the help and the offer. I wasn’t going to tackle the job as I was a bit intimidated by the task, but this community has been instrumental in giving confidence and support with DIY projects on our beloved BMWs..

Thank you to everyone that help!!

[EL Jeffe 5]

It’s easy don’t feel intimidated
if you hit snag just ask help is here

[Blk550Msport]

EL Jeffe 5 resetting the vanos adaptations for both DMEs (both banks) and clearing the codes helped smooth out the idle but did not work to prevent the code from coming back for bank 1 exhaust.

I drove the car for 60 miles after the reset and everything was good. I go to start the car in the morning, temp at 45 degrees, and the error code comes right back on start - bank 1 exhaust cold start - code: 131401.

Is there anything else I should try, maybe put more miles on it to see if that helps recalibrates the sensors? Or do I just replace both vanos solenoids on bank 1 and hope that clears the codes and issue?

Thanks I’m advanced for any assistance that can be provided in correcting my faulty 131401 vanos error code.

[EL Jeffe 5]

Yes I would change Vanos
But you can take your air filter housing off on bank one and check make sure your cam shaft sensors are plugged in check wires just in case.
Cam shaft sensors are located in the back of the engine on 550i
When you take off air filter housing just look down you should be able to spot it and check it

[mickeyvalentine]

I know its from the beginning of the year but this was super helpful information for me. Had to replace all 4. Big thanks!

[f85carolinian]

Originally Posted by Blk550Msport

EL Jeffe 5 resetting the vanos adaptations for both DMEs (both banks) and clearing the codes helped smooth out the idle but did not work to prevent the code from coming back for bank 1 exhaust.

I drove the car for 60 miles after the reset and everything was good. I go to start the car in the morning, temp at 45 degrees, and the error code comes right back on start - bank 1 exhaust cold start - code: 131401.

Is there anything else I should try, maybe put more miles on it to see if that helps recalibrates the sensors? Or do I just replace both vanos solenoids on bank 1 and hope that clears the codes and issue?

Thanks I’m advanced for any assistance that can be provided in correcting my faulty 131401 vanos error code.

Blk550Msport
EL Jeffe 5
I’m having these exact same problems now please help!! Changed out solenoids and reset adaptations with snap on scan tool code still comes back. Haven’t driven car too much honestly but at least 120 miles since reset