S54

BMW S54B32
BMW S54B32

BMW S54

Problems

All Vehicles

  • VANOS seals become hard and stop controlling oil flow – symptoms include a loss of power and an engine that “sounds like a bag of nails”
  • Vibration from worn VANOS units can cause the bolts holding the solenoids to shear, which will allow oil to shoot out of the engine and can cause terminal damage if not shut down in time
  • Idle control valves clog
  • TSB – Deposits in the injection and induction system:
    • Deposits at the fuel injector’s tip – symptoms include hesitation or stumble during acceleration, loss of power, poor fuel efficiency, increased emissions, and/or CEL due to misfires
    • Carbon deposits at the valves or intake manifold ports – symptoms include loss of power, unstable and/or rough idle, increased emissions, and/or CEL due to misfires
    • Combustion Chamber Deposit Interference (CCDI) – pinging or knocking which may be mistaken for engine knock that first occurs as a cold start noise that fades as the engine reaches temperature; symptoms may also include increased emissions, poor acceleration, and engine idle speed surges

Certain Vehicles

  • Early vehicles: Bearing shells
  • MY01-03: TSB – Connecting rod bearings can overheat and cause engine failure

Usage

BMW S54B32