AI HELPED US FIX THIS BMW B38… AFTER IT THREW A DRIVETRAIN FAULT
Marvelous Lara
13,099 views
What started as a simple BMW B38 timing chain replacement quickly turned into a much bigger job.
On this BMW B38 engine, we discovered that the VANOS sprocket bolt had broken, which caused metal filings to get inside the VANOS sprocket. That meant the repair was no longer just a basic timing chain job — the vehicle also needed new intake and exhaust VANOS sprockets, new VANOS sprocket bolts, and a full timing chain kit.
After carrying out the repair, the car then threw a Drivetrain Fault, sending us down a proper diagnostic rabbit hole. Modern BMW engines can be extremely sensitive when it comes to timing, VANOS control, oil pressure, and sensor feedback — and this is where AI actually helped us narrow down the issue and find the solution.
In this video, we show the reality of working on modern vehicles: hidden damage, unexpected costs, diagnostic pressure, and why proper repair procedures matter.
This is a must-watch if you own or work on a BMW B38 engine, especially if you are dealing with:
-BMW B38 timing chain issues
-VANOS sprocket problems
-Drivetrain Fault warning
-Timing-related faults
-Modern BMW diagnostic problems
-Metal contamination inside the timing/VANOS system
At Lara AutoCentre, we always focus on doing the job properly using OE quality matching parts, correct procedures, and proper diagnostics — not just replacing parts and hoping for the best.
For this job, we used Motive Components for the timing chain kit and Schaeffler for the VANOS Sprockets along with genuine BMW sprocket bolts.
📞 Need your vehicle repaired or diagnosed? Get in touch:
📧 quotes@laraautocentre.co.uk
📱 07904 216582
🌐 https://laraautocentre.co.uk/youtube
📍 Waltham Cross: Bryanstone Road, EN8 7PJ
📍 Tring: Rear Workshop, Long Marston Road, Marsworth, HP23 4NB
Tring opens 14 October 2026. Use the separate entrance beside the car-sales forecourt to reach the rear workshop.
Mon–Fri: 8:30 am–5:30 pm. Closed weekends. Tring hours apply from opening.
#BMW #BMWB38 #B38Engine #BMWTimingChain #VANOS #DrivetrainFault #BMWRepair #ModernCars #AIDiagnostics #MechanicLife #MobileMechanic #LaraAutoCentre #OEQualityParts #CarRepair #BMWProblems
20 Comments
You saved me with this video.
I had the exact same issue after replacing the central bolts and exhaust camshaft gear.
Turns out, I received the two-grooved camshaft gear instead of the one-grooved I took out. I even ordered the parts on VIN. I couldn't figure it out....
Now, I put in the correct one and my B38 works great!
Thank you so much!
AI HELPED US FIX THIS BMW B38… AFTER IT THREW A DRIVETRAIN FAULT
Marvelous Lara
13,099 views
What started as a simple BMW B38 timing chain replacement quickly turned into a much bigger job.
On this BMW B38 engine, we discovered that the VANOS sprocket bolt had broken, which caused metal filings to get inside the VANOS sprocket. That meant the repair was no longer just a basic timing chain job — the vehicle also needed new intake and exhaust VANOS sprockets, new VANOS sprocket bolts, and a full timing chain kit.
After carrying out the repair, the car then threw a Drivetrain Fault, sending us down a proper diagnostic rabbit hole. Modern BMW engines can be extremely sensitive when it comes to timing, VANOS control, oil pressure, and sensor feedback — and this is where AI actually helped us narrow down the issue and find the solution.
In this video, we show the reality of working on modern vehicles: hidden damage, unexpected costs, diagnostic pressure, and why proper repair procedures matter.
This is a must-watch if you own or work on a BMW B38 engine, especially if you are dealing with:
-BMW B38 timing chain issues
-VANOS sprocket problems
-Drivetrain Fault warning
-Timing-related faults
-Modern BMW diagnostic problems
-Metal contamination inside the timing/VANOS system
At Lara AutoCentre, we always focus on doing the job properly using OE quality matching parts, correct procedures, and proper diagnostics — not just replacing parts and hoping for the best.
For this job, we used Motive Components for the timing chain kit and Schaeffler for the VANOS Sprockets along with genuine BMW sprocket bolts.
📞 Need your vehicle repaired or diagnosed? Get in touch:
📧 quotes@laraautocentre.co.uk
📱 07904 216582
🌐 https://laraautocentre.co.uk/youtube
📍 Waltham Cross: Bryanstone Road, EN8 7PJ
📍 Tring: Rear Workshop, Long Marston Road, Marsworth, HP23 4NB
Tring opens 14 October 2026. Use the separate entrance beside the car-sales forecourt to reach the rear workshop.
Mon–Fri: 8:30 am–5:30 pm. Closed weekends. Tring hours apply from opening.
#BMW #BMWB38 #B38Engine #BMWTimingChain #VANOS #DrivetrainFault #BMWRepair #ModernCars #AIDiagnostics #MechanicLife #MobileMechanic #LaraAutoCentre #OEQualityParts #CarRepair #BMWProblems
but still dtc 130104 - vanos input camshaft jammed
you saved us a lot of time and money ! Best guy. Thank you