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P0012 MINI Code - 'A' Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1

- Code Popularity: 28,242 Views
- Repair Importance Level: 3/3
- Repair Difficulty Level: 3/3
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What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0012 MINI?

NOTE: The causes shown may not be a complete list of all potential problems, and it is possible that there may be other causes.
  • Low or Dirty Engine Oil
  • Faulty VANOS solenoid
  • Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor
  • Mechanical timing condition
⚠ Does your MINI have Safety Recalls? → Check here

How to Fix the DTC P0012 MINI?

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

Code Tech Notes





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What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0012 MINI code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. The specific diagnosis time and labor rates at auto repair shops can differ based on factors such as the location, make and model of the vehicle, and even the engine type. It is common for most auto repair shops to charge between $75 and $150 per hour.

What are Code Possible Symptoms?

  • Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)

Code P0012 MINI 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 P0012 MINI - 'A' Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1 - AutoCodes.com
P0012 MINI Code - 'A' Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1

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