BMW 2764 — VANOS Valve Exhaust Bank 1 Activation

Severity
Informational
Module
DME
OBD-II Codes
P2091, P2090, P0013, P103E

Description

Fault code 2764 relates to the electrical activation circuit of the exhaust VANOS solenoid valve on bank 1. The DME uses this solenoid to control oil flow to the exhaust camshaft VANOS actuator, which adjusts exhaust valve timing for optimal scavenging, emissions, and performance. On BMW inline-6 engines, bank 1 refers to cylinders 1–3 (front). The specific failure mode is identified by the associated P-code.

Safety Warnings

This is a DME fault affecting engine timing control. The DME will disable the VANOS solenoid and revert to a default camshaft position if this fault is active. The engine remains safe to drive in this degraded mode but performance and emissions will be compromised.

Summary

BMW Code OBD Code Module Failure Mode Summary
2764 P2091 DME Short to B+ Exhaust VANOS solenoid bank 1 — voltage too high (short to battery)
2764 P2090 DME Short to ground Exhaust VANOS solenoid bank 1 — current too high (short to ground)
2764 P0013 DME Open circuit Exhaust VANOS solenoid bank 1 — current too low (open circuit)
2764 P103E DME Overtemperature Exhaust VANOS solenoid bank 1 — overtemperature detected

Variants

Description

The DME's ATIC35 driver circuit detected excessive voltage on the exhaust VANOS solenoid output for bank 1 when the valve was commanded off. The solenoid circuit has a short to battery voltage, causing unintended energization.

Symptoms

Reduced engine torque and worsened exhaust emissions. MIL illuminates after two consecutive driving cycles. The engine may exhibit rough running at idle and hesitation under load as the exhaust cam defaults to a fixed position.

Common Causes

  1. Chafed or heat-damaged wiring in the exhaust VANOS solenoid harness contacting a B+ source. The exhaust solenoid wiring runs closer to the exhaust manifold than the intake side, making it more susceptible to heat damage.
  2. Internal short in the VANOS solenoid coil creating a path to the power supply rail.
  3. Faulty DME internal driver (ATIC35) reporting a false short-to-B+ condition.

Diagnosis Steps

  1. Disconnect the exhaust VANOS solenoid connector on bank 1. Clear the fault memory and re-read. If the fault returns with the connector unplugged, suspect the DME driver. If it does not return, the fault is in the solenoid or wiring.
  2. With the solenoid disconnected and ignition on, measure voltage at the solenoid signal pin relative to ground. No voltage should be present. Battery voltage present indicates a wiring short to a power source.
  3. Inspect the exhaust solenoid wiring harness carefully — the routing near the exhaust manifold is the most likely area for heat damage. Look for melted or discolored insulation.
  4. Measure solenoid coil resistance. An abnormally low reading indicates an internal short. Compare to BMW TIS specifications for your engine.
  5. If all external checks pass, the DME's internal ATIC35 driver may be faulty. This requires specialist diagnosis.

Resolution

Repair heat-damaged wiring and re-route the harness away from the exhaust manifold if possible. Replace the solenoid if it has an internal short. After repair, clear fault memory and verify with a test drive. No coding or programming required. Use RealOEM with your VIN for the correct part number.

Module Reference: DME