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P1521

Camshaft Position Actuator Bank 2 Tight

2013-2013 BMW M3 E90 4.0L V8 S65 πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦

High SeverityPowertrain

Description

The DME detected that the intake camshaft position actuator (VANOS unit) on Bank 2 is mechanically tight or seized. The actuator cannot achieve its target position within the expected time.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light
  • VANOS rattle
  • Power loss at low RPM
  • Rough idle
  • Reduced fuel economy

Common Causes

  • Worn VANOS unit seals Bank 2
  • Oil sludge in VANOS
  • Failing VANOS solenoid Bank 2
  • Insufficient oil pressure
  • Internal VANOS wear

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Listen for VANOS rattle
  2. Check oil level and quality
  3. Monitor VANOS position Bank 2
  4. Test VANOS solenoid Bank 2
  5. Check oil pressure

Repair Notes

Rebuild or replace the VANOS unit on Bank 2.

Related Codes

P0020Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open Bank 2P0021Intake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Bank 2P1447VANOS Supply Voltage LowP1447EVAP Canister Purge Flow MonitoringP1447VANOS Supply Voltage LowP1447EVAP Canister Purge Flow MonitoringP1520Cruise Control Switch Circuit MalfunctionP1520Stop Lamp Switch Signal MalfunctionP1520Camshaft Position Actuator Bank 1 TightP1520Stop Lamp Switch Signal MalfunctionP1520Stop Lamp Switch Signal MalfunctionP1520Camshaft Position Actuator Bank 1 TightP1525Variable Valve Timing Actuator Supply VoltageP1525Variable Valve Timing Actuator Supply Voltage

Other Powertrain Codes

P1521 on Other Vehicles

Common Questions

What does code P1521 mean on a 2013-2013 BMW M3 E90?

P1521 stands for "Camshaft Position Actuator Bank 2 Tight". The DME detected that the intake camshaft position actuator (VANOS unit) on Bank 2 is mechanically tight or seized. The actuator cannot achieve its target position within the expected time.

What are the symptoms of P1521 on a BMW M3 E90?

Common symptoms of P1521 include: Check Engine Light, VANOS rattle, Power loss at low RPM, Rough idle, Reduced fuel economy.

What causes P1521 on a 2013-2013 BMW M3 E90?

Common causes of P1521 include: Worn VANOS unit seals Bank 2, Oil sludge in VANOS, Failing VANOS solenoid Bank 2, Insufficient oil pressure, Internal VANOS wear.

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