Cylinder Deactivation System Bank 1 Malfunction
2001-2005 BMW 325i E46 2.5L I6 🇨🇦
Description
The cylinder deactivation system (Active Fuel Management/Multi-Displacement) for Bank 1 has detected a fault. The system deactivates cylinders during light load for fuel savings.
Symptoms
- Check Engine Light
- Engine vibration at highway cruise
- No cylinder deactivation occurring
- Reduced fuel economy
- Engine sounds different than normal
- MIL with misfire-like symptoms
Common Causes
- Deactivation solenoid failure
- VLOM (valve lifter oil manifold) stuck
- Low oil pressure to lifters
- Collapsed deactivation lifter
- Oil passage blockage
Diagnostic Steps
- Read cylinder deactivation status PIDs
- Command deactivation on/off with scan tool
- Check oil pressure at VLOM
- Test deactivation solenoid resistance
- Monitor individual cylinder contribution
Repair Notes
Replace faulty deactivation solenoid or VLOM assembly. Collapsed lifters require cylinder head work. Use AFM-compatible oil and filter.
Related Codes
Other Powertrain Codes
- P0001Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit/Open
- P0002Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Range/Performance
- P0003Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Low
- P0004Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit High
- P0010Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open Bank 1
- P0011Intake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Bank 1
- P0012Intake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1
- P0013Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open Bank 1
- P0014Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Bank 1
- P0015Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1
P3620 on Other Vehicles
Common Questions
What does code P3620 mean on a 2001-2005 BMW 325i E46?
P3620 stands for "Cylinder Deactivation System Bank 1 Malfunction". The cylinder deactivation system (Active Fuel Management/Multi-Displacement) for Bank 1 has detected a fault. The system deactivates cylinders during light load for fuel savings.
What are the symptoms of P3620 on a BMW 325i E46?
Common symptoms of P3620 include: Check Engine Light, Engine vibration at highway cruise, No cylinder deactivation occurring, Reduced fuel economy, Engine sounds different than normal, MIL with misfire-like symptoms.
What causes P3620 on a 2001-2005 BMW 325i E46?
Common causes of P3620 include: Deactivation solenoid failure, VLOM (valve lifter oil manifold) stuck, Low oil pressure to lifters, Collapsed deactivation lifter, Oil passage blockage.