1997 328 convt cel errors

[TERRIBLEHONDO]

Okay guys sold my Porsche and bought this car with the error light on. It was running on 5 cyl I diagnosed a bad coil pack without reading codes. I replaced that and the plugs and I thought it was running pretty good but the cel light was still on. The rpm is a little bouncy at idle more so with the air on. So I got a Peake code reader and pulled the error codes and I get multiple errors. They were Secondary air system low on 4-6, Secondary air system low on 1-3, Camshaft sensor and Vanos mechanically stuck. My questions are would the car still run pretty good with all these items bad? Would one of the errors cause any of the other problems? Oh yeah I reset the code and it came back on in about 30 miles. It has 145,000 miles. Thanks for any help.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/support/smileys/wavey.gif

[Manolito]

A failed VANOS solenoid would not be an unusual problem on this engine. That could give the symptoms you describe. A failed unit will cost you a bit on gas mileage and low end torque. I have not done this job but I don't expect it is very difficult. Besides, you are about due for a valve cover gasket anyway. You will probably find that gasket to be hard as a rock.

I think I remember reading that the cam position sensor problem might be a failed lead rather than the sensor itself, but replacing the sensor is probably the easiest fix, since it probably comes with the lead on it.

The secondary air pump comes on and runs for a minute or two when you start the car cold. It reduces CO emissions as the car warms up. This is a common problem at your mileage. Not critical to performance. It is easy to replace but not cheap. Be careful not to twist the rubber fan motor mounts in two when you take the nuts off the bottom. I twisted one of mine in two so I repaired it by putting a short piece of rubber hose over it and glueing it in.

[TERRIBLEHONDO]

what kind of mileage would this car get? I am getting 21 to 23 if I drive it a little hard or if I drive it easy.

[Manolito]

21-23 is good for spirited driving or stop/go.

On the open highway at 75 mph, my '97 328i with a 5-speed gets 30 mpg while my '97 328i with an automatic gets 27 mpg. Around town, they are both down close to 20.

[TERRIBLEHONDO]

Ok that means I might be down a bit on mileage. Well I guess it is time to start the parts changing. Do you think the solenoid would cause a Vanos mechanically stuck error?

[Jeron]

Did all of those codes come back?

Try drvanos.com

[TERRIBLEHONDO]

yes after about 30 miles