mbsl98

I just replaced both of the VANOS solenoids on my e61 at 74k, to cure codes for intake solenoid and cam position sensor. This has to be the easiest repair on the whole car. After clearing codes and clearing adaptations for good measure, car started and ran great for the first couple of short trips. The third time I started it, later in day, the SES and engine limp mode light popped up instantly at start. The codes came up as related to the throttle actuator and throttle valve, but the car ran perfectly with full power and I had had no issues with these before swapping solenoids. I couldn't see anything under the hood that I disturbed, so reset, and ran fine for first trip, then lights popped right up on next start. With no other hints for a fix, just for kicks I tried the procedure of turning on the start system without starting motor, and then holding gas pedal to floor for 30 seconds. I have seen this referenced as a way to reset the auto tranny, but thought it might do something even without having an auto. Sure enough, the lights went out, and have stayed out for past three days (all short trips but normal usage). I'm really curious if this makes any sense to those who actually know these electronic systems?

pocholin

Did you reset all adaptations at once? I think that will cause the throttle to loose its programming of fully closed and fully opened. I wonder if that't what happened.

mbsl98

I did clear adaptions at once. I only have the free BMWLogger software right now, and it just offers a single click option. However, I have used that on both the 530 and e93 convert before with no code effects. As a side note, the first time I cleared the adaptions there was a nice improvement in performance - cleared out all those years of accumulated stuff I guess.