P0022 on BMW
Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Retarded (Bank 2)
P0022 on BMW vehicles indicates intake camshaft position timing - over-retarded (bank 2). Au7o has documented this code across 4 BMW models — most commonly on 3 Series, M5, X5 M. This code means the engine computer found that the intake camshaft on bank 2 is timed too far retarded — more delayed than it commanded through the variable valve timing (VVT) system. The computer adjusts cam timing using an oil-controlled actuator (a phaser) and an electric solenoid, then verifies the cam actually moved to the target position. When the intake cam on bank 2 lags behind its commanded position, this code sets, often causing rough idle, reduced power, or lower fuel economy. (Bank 2 is the cylinder bank that does not contain cylinder 1.) It usually traces back to oil flow, the VVT solenoid, or the phaser. Typical repair costs on BMW range from $100 to $32,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0022
- •Low or dirty engine oil restricting VVT operation
- •Stuck or clogged camshaft (VVT) oil control solenoid
- •Clogged VVT oil passages or screen
- •Worn camshaft phaser/actuator on bank 2
- •Stretched or worn timing chain affecting cam timing
- •Electrical fault in the VVT solenoid wiring or connector
- •Incorrect oil viscosity or overdue oil change
P0022 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(1 issue)
- 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.
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 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 P0022 on a different make?
View P0022 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0022 mean on BMW?▼
P0022 stands for "Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Retarded (Bank 2)." This code means the engine computer found that the intake camshaft on bank 2 is timed too far retarded — more delayed than it commanded through the variable valve timing (VVT) system. The computer adjusts cam timing using an oil-controlled actuator (a phaser) and an electric solenoid, then verifies the cam actually moved to the target position. When the intake cam on bank 2 lags behind its commanded position, this code sets, often causing rough idle, reduced power, or lower fuel economy. (Bank 2 is the cylinder bank that does not contain cylinder 1.) It usually traces back to oil flow, the VVT solenoid, or the phaser. On BMW specifically, this code is documented across 4 models.
What causes P0022 on BMW vehicles?▼
Common causes on BMW: Low or dirty engine oil restricting VVT operation, Stuck or clogged camshaft (VVT) oil control solenoid, Clogged VVT oil passages or screen, Worn camshaft phaser/actuator on bank 2, Stretched or worn timing chain affecting cam timing. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0022 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 P0022 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0022 on 4 BMW models: 3 Series, M5, X5 M, Z4.