Background: 2008 R56 base model (non-S), automatic.

The car had rough idle issue starting in November. INPA showed codes 2845, 283D and 287D in DME and 4E89 in EGS module. During this time the engine lost power but didn't seem to be in limp mode, as the engine could still rev above 3k rpm. Replaced both VANOS solenoids and idling felt more smoothly, but the engine still lacked power. Also the plug to the exhaust side VANOS solenoid was broken, so I replaced it with a used plug, but the connection might not be good so I'll redo that.

Then last week the car died on the road and wouldn't start back up (starter not cranking). Towed it back and hooked up INPA again, still got codes 2842, 283D in DME, 4E89 in EGS, and now 2 new codes: A0B4 in CAS and 9CB5 in FRM. I then cleared the codes, but A0B4 and 9CB5 kept coming back. At this point I have hooked up a trickle charger to keep the battery fully charged, and I could hear the fuel pump prime, but still no cranking at the starter, just "click" when I press the start button.

I think what I'll do next is to remove the dash and remove the CAS for inspection, and if that's fine maybe I'll dig into the starter. But before I do that I wonder if the car's ECM would prevent the car from starting as a fail safe feature, as I've been driving with the VANOS solenoid problems? Would a better scanner like Foxwell give me more information? I found that INPA only provides very limited access and it cannot connect to the MEV17 for N12 nor the transmission. Thanks!

 

Did you ever figure out what the issue was? My 2010 base model acted like the starter went out. I replaced that but it's still acting like the starter is bad. Tries to engage but won't crank. Battery is good, I have a trickle charger that I hook it up to plus battery was new in 2021.

 

Mine was actually the starter. Once I replaced it the car started. The engine stalling was due to other problems