Vanos system won’t work after cylinder head replacement.

ANSWER : Hi there. It is possible that the timing chain is the source of this problem. The two error codes P0300 and P0302 typically indicate a random misfire or misfire for cylinder 2 (the P0302 code specifically). However, it’s also possible that the lack of new tensioner is creating an issue as well. I’m rather baffled why you needed to replace the cylinder head with only 69,000 miles, but if it was due to an overheating problem, then it is more likely that you have an electrical wiring harness malfunction; if the vehicle actually overheated. Not sure what advice to offer you since there are multiple variables we simply don’t know. You might want to have a different mechanic try to resolve this issue.

ANSWER : I would first look at the diagnostic trouble codes. Those codes are available because the check engine light is on. If the fuel pump is not running (momentarily) at key on, that fault alone will prevent the car from starting as there will be no fuel pressure. Pump output and pressure can be directly tested and you can also check for electrical power to the pump. To find out why the engine will not run, the recommended diagnostic is a no start diagnostic. If you request that service, the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

ANSWER : As unfortunate as it is, your vehicle would be considered flood damaged. Diagnosing electrical problems in a flood damaged vehicle is nearly impossible. This would take many hours or even days to determine which wiring harnesses and circuits have been affected. Then nearly all of the wiring under the dash would likely require replacement as well as many sensors and switches. On a BMW vehicle, the amount of wires and switches are likely more than that of a lower end vehicle. Due to the inefficiency in cost, you would likely be able to purchase another BMW like yours for less than what it would cost to fix your car. Many insurance companies would consider this type of damage to total out the vehicle unfortuantely.

ANSWER : Hi there. Sure would appear a lot is going on electrically all at once. This could be, a problem in the PDC (power distribution center). The PDC is typically located under the hood and contains numerous fuses and relays. I don’t believe any one fuse will resolve all of the electrical issues. There is a possibility, it is not a power supply issue. It may be, the result of a poor electrical ground common to the inoperative components. Proper circuit testing should be performed. This would confirm the cause of multiple electrical failures. I recommend having your vehicle’s electrical problems be diagnosed and repaired by a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic.

ANSWER : Hello. I usually start by checking the movement of the clutch slave cylinder when the pedal is pushed in.

If the slave cylinder is not moving, then the hydraulic system is at fault, which can be due to air in the system or in the slave cylinder.

If the slave cylinder is moving fine, then the clutch itself has failed and will need to be replaced.

If it is a clutch problem, then you will need to take the vehicle to a transmission specialist.

ANSWER : You will need to do some further testing to figure out where the issue is. This is going to require you trace the power supply from the brake pedal to the bulb. All of the following can be the cause and should be check out. Luckily the brake light circuit is not extremely complicated. The connection to the brake lights is most likely not being made. This can be do to the brake light sensor located at the brake pedal. It can be due to a short or wiring damage between the switch and the bulb. The issue may be the wiring terminal into the brake light assembly. It may be the bulb socket. Have you checked all related fuses? Using a voltmeter, you can test for available voltage across all of these components and find where the voltage drop occurs. That will be the component which has failed and needs to be replaced.

ANSWER : From what you’ve described you will have to bleed your brakes. Also, I believe you may have a leak in one of the lines. You may want to use a wrench and tighten the lines a little more. If you’re unable to fix this yourself, consider YourMechanic, as one of our mobile technicians can come to your home to bleed your brakes, diagnose the Check Engine Light, and help you make the appropriate repairs to your car.

ANSWER : You possibly have a dead battery. Batteries that are "partly" dead can often still run lights, dash lights and so forth but will not have enough power to run the starter motor and start the car. The very first thing to do is be sure you have a fully, 100% charged battery that passes a load test. If the battery passes a load test be sure it is NOT a marginal pass in which case you should simply install a new battery to reduce diagnostic headaches. Batteries are a VERY important component in a car’s electrical system. Once you have a fully functioning, preferably new battery (fully charged before you leave the store), if the starting system still does not function, there are only a relatively limited number of causes. Broadly, either the starter motor/solenoid assembly is faulty or the electrical circuit supplying the motor has a fault. That circuit begins at the battery and includes grounds, wiring (some of which is very heavy cabling), fuses, relays, the ignition switch and terminations. Basically, the starter is either getting power or it isn’t. If the starter motor is getting power but it doesn’t work, the starter is condemned and replaced. Alternatively, if there is no power to the starter, then the starter circuit is traced until the fault in the circuit is found. Notably, faults can include high resistances, due to corrosion, wire strand breaks, or loose terminals, which can only be diagnosed using a voltage drop test. If you desire that a certified mechanic resolve this promptly, please simply request a no start diagnostic and the responding mechanic will get it diagnosed and repaired for you, including installing a new battery if required. Please let us know if you have further concerns or questions as we are always here to help you.