BMW M4 Valvetronic Symptoms and Troubleshooting Tips

Hey there! I had almost identical issues with my 2016 BMW M3 last year. The symptoms matched yours exactly, rough idle, jerky acceleration, and terrible fuel economy. After diagnosis, it turned out my Valvetronic motor was failing. The eccentric shaft sensor was also damaged, which explained the check engine light. It was quite a serious issue that needed immediate attention since it affects the entire valve timing system. My car spent four days at an authorized BMW service center. They had to replace the Valvetronic motor and reprogram the DME (engine control unit). The technician explained that these issues are sometimes related to carbon buildup, which is common in direct injection engines. Since the repair, the car has been running perfectly, smooth idle, crisp acceleration, and back to normal fuel consumption. For something this complex, I'd strongly suggest going to a certified BMW technician. The Valvetronic system is pretty sophisticated, and you want someone who really knows these engines.

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience! That's really helpful as it sounds exactly like what I'm dealing with. Good to know it was fixable and got your car running smoothly again. Mind if I ask roughly how much the repairs set you back? Also curious if you've had any other Valvetronic-related issues pop up since getting it fixed? I'm trying to figure out if I should prepare my wallet for a big hit at the service center.

Hey again! Just wanted to update you on the costs since you asked. In my case, the total bill came to 575 Euro for fixing the Valvetronic mechanism. I know it's not cheap, but honestly, it was worth every penny, my M3's been running like a dream since then. The best part? Haven't had a single Valvetronic-related issue since the repair job about a year ago. The engine's back to its old self, super responsive, smooth as silk, and the fuel economy is spot on. You know that sluggish feeling we were talking about? Completely gone. While the bill might sting a bit, I'd say just bite the bullet and get it sorted. These BMWs are fantastic machines when everything's working properly, and letting Valvetronic issues linger could lead to bigger headaches down the road. Trust me, once it's fixed, you'll feel the difference immediately. Just make sure you're going to someone who really knows their way around BMW engines, it makes all the difference with these kinds of repairs.

Thanks for all the details about the repair costs and follow-up experience! I actually just got back from a certified BMW shop today. You were right about biting the bullet, had the Valvetronic motor replaced along with some sensor work. Funny story though, when I first pulled into the service center, the car made this awful grinding noise, like it was trying to prove a point about needing repairs! The mechanic's face was priceless. But I have to say, they were super professional about everything. Took them about three days to get all the parts and complete the job. The bill ended up being pretty close to what you mentioned, and wow, what a difference! The car's running incredibly smooth now. That jerky acceleration is completely gone, and I can already tell the fuel consumption is way better. Really appreciate all your advice. It definitely helped me make the decision to get it sorted quickly rather than waiting around for more problems to develop. Guess we can call this case closed!

Hello, I replaced the Valvetronic system in a 2005 BMW E90 320i yesterday and scanned it to see if everything was okay, but it still shows the error. Could it be that it needs to be somehow learned/adapted? If so, can I do it myself at home??

(Translated from German)

Yes, after replacing the Valvetronic system, it often requires a relearn or adaptation process to ensure it functions correctly. You can perform this adaptation using a diagnostic tool that supports BMW vehicles, such as ISTA or a high-quality OBD2 scanner with BMW-specific capabilities. Follow the tool's instructions for the Valvetronic adaptation procedure. If you encounter any issues or need further guidance, feel free to ask.