e30 m52b28 timing chain info, how to check, cam sensor fault

[tomislav]

My mate has an e30 with an m52b28 lump fitted.

All has been going fairly well, conversion all sorted, even went to the ring last weekend and it performed quite well.

However, when first converted it took ages to start, found faults with cam and crank sensors.

These have now been replaced but the cam fault is back and the car only makes 207.9bhp on the rollers when we were kind of expecting 235ish.

Also slightly hesitant below 3500rpm although once the vanos is in it f**kin flies, left my 325 for dead!

We're thinking, as the cam timing fault has returned that its possible the chains could be stretched of even perhaps the timing is out somewhere.

Could someone shed some light on this for us and more importantly we are after information on checking and setting the timing.

I've read that you pin up the crank via the flywheel and this car is running an m20 lightened flywheel which could be an issue.

Any help most appreciated.

[E30BeemerLad]

http://www.beisansystems.com/procedures ... cedure.htm

[tomislav]

Vanos isn't rattling and it gets up on vanos extremely well, proper screams.

Just looking at the link now

[DanThe]

The vanos is there to smooth out the build up of power, so you shouldnt be getting huge power surges. The seal doesnt make it rattle either.
Ive never known one to lose its timing

[tomislav]

Danthe, this is ians that you did the chip, exhaust, loom for recently, he sent you a picture of the dyno graph making 207.9bhp.

Ring any bells?

We just dont know what to try, reckon its worth checking the timing and doing the vanos seals?

[DanThe]

Always worth doing the vanos seal mate

[tomislav]

How much is your kit? And would that cause a timing fault to be logged with the camshaft sensor?

[DanThe]

Its possible, but they usually give the code 'vanos jam' because the vanos is responding slower than it should, £20 posted to zoners
Did you fit genuine sensors? Its not unknown for aftermarket sensors to be shite and start breaking down straight out of the box

[tomislav]

They are aftermarket sensors yes.

There's no 'vanos jam' code in there, just one with the camshaft sensor and there are faults with both lambda probes too

[DanThe]

I would get either a new or second hand BMW sensor fitted mate. What are the faults for lambdas?

[tomislav]

I'll have to find out and get back to you on that one, i'll keep this thread updated or get ian to txt you about it if thats ok

[craigieeb]

If it helps... Iv got both cam and crank sensors that I no longer need,
I bought them both from BMW last year and are 100% working,
I was just about to sling up a for sale thread....

[tomislav]

Ahhh craig, now how much would you be looking for them?

PM me mate

[tomislav]

Dan, think ian wants a vanos repair kit when he gets paid, i know its only 20 notes but we went to the ring this month so we're both brasic!

Has it got everything you need to rebuild it or are there any little bits we will need from bm?

Also, haven't read the fault codes yet so will get them to you when we can.

Craig, you have another PM regarding sensors, its a yes please!

[DanThe]

The only other parts you might want are a cam cover gasket and the vanos unit gasket, give me a shout when your ready

[tomislav]

Cheers dan