Hi all
hope you are all doing good

well lets jump to the case ,, i've e60 545i 2004 running on it 200k miles .. and everything was okay till i got this message :

Engine Fault! Reduced power ,,, and i got loss of power rpm won't go further than 1800

i went to a mechanic and he checked it i got these errors :

2866: DME: Variable valve gear - learning stops necessary
2865: DME: Variable valve gear - power limitation in limp home operating mode


now i know the second error is that my car in limp mode where you get half the car power .. but anyone knows what cause first message and how to fix ??

NOTE 1: i changed camshaft sensor and nothing changes
NOTE 2: when i start the car in the morning the exhaust sound is little loud and engine shakes for around 2 minutes

Thank you

 

Unplug your variable valve lift servos on top of each bank then restart car, if you have INPA you can also try to initialize the valvetronics, likely your valvetronics died.
Good luck

 

^^
thnx for your replay ,, i'll try that option and unfortunately i don't have INPA ..

there are alot of options like changing solenoid valve, exhaust sensor, vacuum pump ,,, etc

but i don't know which one will do it to avoid wasting money

 

Has anyone dealt with this and fixed it? I have terrible cold starts, no power until engine is hot. Until then it is constantly going into limp mode.
So far, I’ve replaced the following:
MAF, four O2 sensors, CCV VENTS, Thermostat, air filter, new oil and coolant

Any help would be appreciated
thanks,

Dean

 

What codes are you getting? What is your year and model

 

Codes 2866 2865 2855 & 27A0
2004 545i

Drove home the other night after warming the car up and getting the engine fault msg twice, then clearing the codes, unplugged the MAF and managed to get home. Next morning I with MAF unplugged , got the engine fault again. Now the wife is giving me rides until I figure this out.
Dean

 

Something is going on with your VVT. How long has it been since your battery was changed. I would start there. For the last code you listed it is for your E-box fan. I would change it out because it could cause an overheating issue with the module it's suppose to cool. The box sit on the passenger firewall. You'll know what it is because you'll have some big harnesses going in to it. The fan sits at the bottom of the module I believe. Let us know about the battery health to keep troubleshooting.

 

I currently have 167K miles. Replaced the battery last February @ 161K. I did register it.
Could it have anything to do with that small black three pronged relay that sits above the battery? I need to figure out how to do a vacuum test, so I can cross that off. new oil fill cap on order as desperation grows.

 

Ton of videos on how to do a vacuum test using smoke. On eBay they have paint can systems and all you need is a small compressor. I went through the same thing and it's easy.

tester

 

You mention it be the VVT system. Is this something easily diagnosed? How many different parts are involved? I don’t currently have a trusted mechanic to bring this to.