P0021 on BMW
Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 2)
P0021 on BMW vehicles indicates intake camshaft position timing - over-advanced (bank 2). Au7o has documented this code across 5 BMW models — most commonly on 3 Series, M5, X5 M. P0021 means the engine computer detected that the intake camshaft on bank 2 is timed too far advanced and won't return to its commanded position. Most modern engines use variable valve timing (VVT), where an oil-pressure-driven actuator rotates the camshaft to optimize power and efficiency; the PCM compares the camshaft's actual position to its target. When the cam stays over-advanced beyond an acceptable limit, this code sets. Bank 2 refers to the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder number one. You may notice rough idle, reduced performance, or lower fuel economy. Typical repair costs on BMW range from $100 to $32,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0021
- •Dirty or low engine oil restricting the VVT system
- •Stuck or failed camshaft oil control valve (VVT solenoid) on bank 2
- •Clogged VVT solenoid screen or oil passage
- •Faulty camshaft position actuator / phaser
- •Wiring or connector fault at the VVT solenoid
- •Camshaft or crankshaft position sensor problems
- •Worn timing chain, guides, or stretched chain altering cam timing
P0021 on BMW by Model
BMW 3 Series(1 issue)
- VANOS Solenoid/System Issues2012-2018
The VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system can develop issues including solenoid failures, oil delivery problems, and timing errors. This affects engine performance and can cause rough running. Regular oil changes are critical for VANOS health.
BMW M5(2 issues)
- VANOS High-Pressure Pump & Line Failure (CATASTROPHIC) - E60 M52006-2010
The S85 engine uses high-pressure VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) pump to supply necessary hydraulic pressure. The high-pressure VANOS lines were improperly routed without adequate bends to attach to VANOS pump, causing premature line failure and oil leaks. When VANOS line fails and leaks, it can starve VANOS pump of pressure, causing pump failure and sending metal debris throughout engine. This can escalate to CATASTROPHIC engine damage requiring complete engine replacement ($32,000). BMW settled class action lawsuit regarding VANOS failures and agreed to cover repairs for owners who reported issues before settlement cutoff date. M5Board warns: DO NOT ignore VANOS line leaks - this can destroy entire engine within weeks.
- E39 M5 VANOS Solenoid/Seal Failure Causing Rattle, Power Loss, and Check Engine Lights2000-2003
The E39 M5's S62 V8 commonly develops VANOS-related problems as mileage and age increase, especially from worn piston seals, leaking solenoid pack seals, and failing solenoids. Owners report cold-start rattle, reduced low-end torque, intermittent limp behavior, and check engine lights tied to cam timing deviations. This is a well-known E39 M5 issue discussed extensively in owner communities and supported by BMW service information covering VANOS fault diagnosis.
BMW X5 M(1 issue)
- S63 VANOS Solenoid Failure - E70/F85/F95 X5 M2010-2023
The S63 4.4L twin-turbo V8 in all generations of X5 M requires four VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoids to control variable camshaft timing on both intake and exhaust cams of both cylinder banks. These solenoids fail through coil malfunction, sticking from oil varnish, and O-ring deterioration, typically between 80,000-120,000 miles. When VANOS solenoids fail, the engine loses ability to optimize valve timing, causing rough idle, power loss, poor fuel economy, and check engine lights. The S63 uses VANOS solenoid part number 11368605123 (Pierburg OEM, N63/S63 compatible) or Genuine BMW 11368482268 for newer S63TU applications. Unlike the S85's catastrophic VANOS pump failure, S63 VANOS solenoid failure is annoying but not engine-threatening - and relatively inexpensive to fix.
BMW X6 M(1 issue)
- VANOS Solenoid Oil Sludge Buildup2015-2021
The S63 twin-turbo V8 in the X6 M relies on VANOS variable valve timing solenoids that are sensitive to oil quality. Sludge buildup from extended oil change intervals or short-trip driving restricts oil flow to the solenoids, causing rough idle and reduced power.
BMW Z4(1 issue)
- VANOS Solenoid & System Failure - E85/E89 Z4 (All Engines)2003-2016
The VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system on all E85 and E89 Z4 engines (M54, N52, N54, N20) suffers from solenoid failures, typically beyond 100,000 miles. The VANOS solenoids control oil flow to the variable camshaft timing adjustment units, and they fail through three primary modes: solenoid coil pack malfunction, sticking solenoid valves from oil varnish buildup, and deteriorating solenoid sealing plate rubber rings. When VANOS solenoids fail, the engine loses its ability to optimize valve timing, causing rough idle, power loss, poor fuel economy, and unusual engine noises. Z4-forum.com documents this as an extremely common issue across all E85 and E89 models. The good news: VANOS solenoids are inexpensive and relatively easy to replace - one of the simpler E85/E89 repairs.
Looking for P0021 on a different make?
View P0021 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0021 mean on BMW?▼
P0021 stands for "Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 2)." P0021 means the engine computer detected that the intake camshaft on bank 2 is timed too far advanced and won't return to its commanded position. Most modern engines use variable valve timing (VVT), where an oil-pressure-driven actuator rotates the camshaft to optimize power and efficiency; the PCM compares the camshaft's actual position to its target. When the cam stays over-advanced beyond an acceptable limit, this code sets. Bank 2 refers to the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder number one. You may notice rough idle, reduced performance, or lower fuel economy. On BMW specifically, this code is documented across 5 models.
What causes P0021 on BMW vehicles?▼
Common causes on BMW: Dirty or low engine oil restricting the VVT system, Stuck or failed camshaft oil control valve (VVT solenoid) on bank 2, Clogged VVT solenoid screen or oil passage, Faulty camshaft position actuator / phaser, Wiring or connector fault at the VVT solenoid. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0021 on a BMW?▼
Repair costs on BMW range from $100 to $32,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which BMW models have P0021 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0021 on 5 BMW models: 3 Series, M5, X5 M, X6 M, Z4.