P052B fault code: what it means

P052B: Intake camshaft over-retarded during cold start. Rough cold idle; VANOS solenoid or oil.

Engine and gearbox (powertrain) · Minor

Usual causes, most likely first

sticking intake VANOS solenoid
old or wrong-grade oil
stretched timing chain

P052B by make

BMW

Intake camshaft over-retarded during cold start. Rough cold idle; VANOS solenoid or oil.

Usual causes: sticking intake VANOS solenoid; old or wrong-grade oil; stretched timing chain

What the repair usually costs

Timing chain, tensioner and guides (4-cylinder)NZ$1,120–NZ$2,530 · A$1,160–A$2,570
Timing chains and tensioners (V6 / V8)NZ$1,890–NZ$4,080 · A$1,920–A$4,110
Glow plugs (diesel, set of 4)NZ$250–NZ$850 · A$250–A$850

Not sure what P052B means on your car? Ask Credov.

Before you clear it

Write the code down or photograph the scanner first. A code that comes straight back after clearing points to a fault that is still there. A car whose codes were cleared just before you arrived may be hiding one: the scanner's readiness monitors show "not ready" for a while after codes are cleared.

Researched by Credov from manufacturer and workshop sources. A fault code points to where a fault may be; a workshop confirms it with a diagnosis. Browse all fault codes.