Error Codes 130308 and 120408?

SHEL Z

MEMBER
2013 BMW 316
1.6L
6 CYL
TURBO
MANUAL
85,000 MILES

Hi all, I need your help to diagnose the issue. No warning lights on Dash but showing some error mentioned.

This is the summary of the issue. Car hesitates while driving especially on hard acceleration. Switching from 1st to 3rd for example and when accelerating hard it hesitates during the start only, it looks like hesitation is coming underneath the gear.

No difference in driving mode after this issue (Comfort vs Sport).

Car showing drive transmission error ever since the issue. Even after clutch replacement.

Things that I replaced recently:
Clutch, flywheel replacement, spark plug, air filter, oil filter clean, also mechanic said he cleaned fuel filter

Mainly After clutch replacement I didn't have the hesitation issue, it sometimes showed up but very slightly in morning, but it got worse when I topped up 1 liter oil last week.

All this hesitation issue got started when the mechanic did engine flush 1 year back. Please help as I spent a fortune money already and couldn't solve this issue.

The vehicle listed above is a 316i.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,874 POSTS

Hi,

The 316i isn't offered in the us, so my manuals are not helpful. By chance, could you provide the VIN? I may be able to get information using it.

Although the model isn't available here, I will try to explain what I believe is happening.

As far as the codes are concerned, the 130308 is related to a Vanos solenoid. It is responsible for controlling the variable valve timing. The other code, 120408 is also related to the Vanos solenoid.

These solenoids' function based on oil pressure. When you had the engine flushed, was it extremely dirty internally? I ask because since the problem started then, I have a feeling either pressure is being restricted due to something blocking the oil flow or the solenoids are no longer working due to the same reason.

If there are issues with the variable valve timing due to the Vanos, it will cause what you are experiencing because the engine timing isn't being properly adjusted.

I hope this helps. Let me know what has been done or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

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Thursday, January 4th, 2024 AT 6:34 PM

SHEL Z

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hi Joe. Thanks for your reply. VIN number is WBA3A12040J291462. The reason for flushing the engine is car was Buring the oil quickly and I use to top up the oil often hence the mechanic suggested to flush the engine. Do you know by any chance what will be blocking the oil flow?

Thank you.

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Friday, January 5th, 2024 AT 1:02 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,874 POSTS

Hi,

I asked about flushing it because if it was dirty enough, it may have allowed sludge to enter the solenoids and prevented them from operating properly. I would at a minimum inspect them to see if there is evidence of blockage.

Also, I tried looking up the VIN and my manual says there is no match. See pic below.

Let me know your thoughts on the solenoids. I suspect that is where the problem is coming from.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)

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Friday, January 5th, 2024 AT 11:04 PM

SHEL Z

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hi Joe,

Thank you for the suggestion. You were exactly right. It was the solenoid which was giving the issue. The mechanic replaced it with a new one. All components are now passing all tests. Also, smoke test air intake. It's driving very smoothly with the engine cold and hot through all gears. Even if I. Change from 1st to 3rd gear at 2,000 RPMs the engine remains smooth and pulls very good.

Many thanks for your kind help.

Regards

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Saturday, February 10th, 2024 AT 6:55 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,874 POSTS

Hi,

Thank you for the update and you are very welcome. I'm glad to know you have resolved the issue and it's running properly.

Regardless, take good care of yourself, and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe