This shows up on my regular scan, R56S with N18.
What exactly can be wrong? Car feels normal, no shuddering when start or driving, should I still drive it?
There is no fault code shown in the scan.

 

Maybe the solenoid is dirty or malfunctioning. There is also the timing chain the might be over stretch, depending on the mileage.

 

The Vanos gear itself can also fail. Apparently you can tell if it's failed because it is very easy to manually rotate the cam.

In good condition I believe it will also manually turn but offer a pretty strong resistance and spring back to default position.

Or maybe the scan tool is not ideal. My Creator C310 gives me rubbish data sometimes.

 

thanks MiniToBe, the mileage is 60k, maybe I should get solenoid checked. Timing chain wise, is N18 similar to N14 needs change at over 40k?

 

Didn't think about the scanner, anyway, will get another scanner to confirm the data. I can do some simple DIYs but definitely open up the engine top, maybe will get some workshop to check. Thanks ssashton.

 

If you are a DIY type person go ahead and buy the cam lock kit. Most good kits come with the tool to check chain stretch. This will be a good indicator of the condition of your timing chain. I got a 2011 R56 with 81k miles so I bought the kit not knowing if my chain had ever been changed. Mine checked out good so just installed the newest revision tensioner.

 

The N18 timing chain is 1 or 2 links shorter so it isnt as bad as the N14s. Definitely keep up with the oil changes at most every 5k miles. you could also remove the valve cover and check the assembly for obvious issues.