AutoCodesBMW – P0013 BMW

P0013 BMW Code - 'B' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit Open Bank 1

Quick Answer

VANOS operates on the intake camshaft in accordance with engine speed and accelerator pedal position. Common causes include Faulty VANOS solenoid, Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor, Mechanical timing condition. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
P0013 BMW indicates 'B' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit Open Bank 1.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty VANOS solenoid, Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor, Mechanical timing condition.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 37,752
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 07, 2023
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Code P0013 BMW Description

VANOS operates on the intake camshaft in accordance with engine speed and accelerator pedal position. At the lower end of the engine-speed scale, the intake valves are opened later, which improves idling quality and smoothness. At moderate engine speeds, the intake valves open much earlier, which boosts torque and permits exhaust gas re-circulation inside the combustion chambers, reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Finally, at high engine speeds, intake valve opening is once again delayed, so that full power can be developed. VANOS significantly enhances emission management, increases output and torque, and offers better idling quality and fuel economy.

Single VANOS:
VANOS is a combined hydraulic and mechanical camshaft control device managed by the car's DME engine management system. The VANOS system is based on a discrete adjustment mechanism that can modify the position of the intake camshaft versus the crankshaft. Double-VANOS adds continuous adjustability to the intake and exhaust camshafts.

Double VANOS:
First double VANOS system appeared on S50B32 engine in 1996. Later, BMW added "double" VANOS to its M52tu series of inline 6-cylinder engines, which changed the mechanism from fixed position operation to continuously variable, and added the same functionality to the exhaust camshaft, on a number of its cars. Double-VANOS (double-variable camshaft control) significantly improves torque and emissions since valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts is adjusted to the power required from the engine as a function of gas pedal position and engine speed. On all BMW engines that use single VANOS, except S50B30, the timing of the intake cam is only changed at two distinct rpm points, while on the double-VANOS system, the timing of the intake and exhaust cams is continuously variable through a range of ~40 crankshaft degrees for the intake, and 25 degrees for the exhaust. The advantage of double-VANOS is that the system controls the flow of hot exhaust gases into the intake manifold individually for all operating conditions. This is referred to as "internal" exhaust gas re-circulation, allowing very fine dosage of the amount of exhaust gas recycled.
OBDII Code P0013 BMW - 'B' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit Open Bank 1 - AutoCodes.com
P0013 BMW Code - 'B' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit Open Bank 1

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0013 BMW?

  • Faulty VANOS solenoid
  • Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor
  • Mechanical timing condition

How to Fix the DTC P0013 BMW?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0013 BMW code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0013 BMW code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0013 BMW code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0013 BMW code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0013 BMW Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0013 in a BMW?

Symptoms may include engine rough idle, poor acceleration, decreased fuel efficiency, and the Check Engine light illuminating.

2. What does the OBDII code P0013 'B' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit Open Bank 1 mean in a BMW?

This code indicates a potential issue with the camshaft position actuator in the "B" bank of the engine.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0013 in a BMW?

Potential causes include a faulty camshaft position actuator, damaged wiring or connectors, low engine oil level, or issues with the engine control module.

4. How can I diagnose the source of OBDII code P0013 in my BMW?

Diagnosis typically involves inspecting the camshaft position actuator, checking the wiring and connectors for damage, verifying engine oil levels, and using a scan tool to monitor camshaft position data.

5. Can driving with OBDII code P0013 cause further damage to my BMW?

Continuing to drive with this code may lead to engine performance issues or potential damage over time, so it is recommended to address the issue promptly.

6. What are some repair tips for resolving OBDII code P0013 in a BMW?

Repair tips may include replacing the faulty camshaft position actuator, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, ensuring proper engine oil levels, and resetting the fault codes after repairs are made.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0013 in a BMW?

Costs can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, but repairs for this code may range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, including parts and labor.

8. Can I fix OBDII code P0013 in my BMW myself, or do I need a professional mechanic?

Depending on your experience and access to tools, you may be able to address simpler causes like checking and topping up engine oil. For more complex issues, it's recommended to seek the expertise of a qualified mechanic.

9. How urgent is it to address OBDII code P0013 in a BMW?

While your vehicle may still be driveable with this code, it's important to address it promptly to prevent potential engine damage and ensure optimal performance.

10. Is it common for BMW vehicles to experience OBDII code P0013 issues?

While not extremely common, issues with the camshaft position actuator circuit can occur in BMW vehicles, especially as they age or if maintenance is neglected.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0013 BMW OBDII Code

  • At first it was saying to replace the cam sensors and crank sensor after replacing the cam sensor and crank sensor now it says to replace solenoid I replaced the normal house Illinois not goes back the same ham sense of crank sensor you have a short wire or something can you help me out it's on a 04 330ci BMW

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