BMW fault code 130713: VANOS position not reached

VANOS fault. What the code means, its most common causes and what to do.

Codes in this family

Six-digit BMW codes stored by the engine control unit (DME). The same code appears in this form in ISTA and in the MOSTUNED app.

CodeMeaning
130713VANOS solenoid valve, inlet: Position not reached
130714VANOS solenoid valve, exhaust: Position not reached
130715VANOS solenoid valve, inlet: Camshaft jammed
130716VANOS solenoid valve, exhaust: Camshaft jammed
130709VANOS solenoid valve, inlet: Position not reached during cold start
13070AVANOS solenoid valve, exhaust: Position not reached during cold start

What does 130713 mean?

VANOS is the system that changes camshaft timing using oil pressure. The DME requests a cam angle, the solenoid valve directs oil, and the shaft moves to that position. If the shaft does not reach the requested angle in time, these codes are stored. Intake and exhaust sides are reported with separate codes.

Most common causes

Top to bottom, starting with what is easiest to check.

CauseWhat to check
Engine oilLow oil level, an overdue oil change or the wrong viscosity is the first thing VANOS reacts to. Check the oil first.
Solenoid valveThe valve’s screen can clog with deposits; it is cleaned or replaced.
Wiring and connectorOil in the valve connector or a poor contact causes intermittent faults.
Timing mechanismIf oil and valve are fine, the VANOS unit and chain side are examined.

Can you drive with this code?

The car mostly drives; low-rpm pull drops and idle may become uneven. Check the oil level straight away and have the cause found.

How it relates to tuning

Tuning does not create VANOS faults; however cam timing is the foundation of torque, and a car whose VANOS is not working properly will not deliver what the tune offers. This is one reason we work on cars with up-to-date oil servicing.

Read the code yourself, free

  1. 1 Install MOSTUNED on your iPhone.
  2. 2 Connect to the car with an ENET cable or WiFi-ENET adapter.
  3. 3 Open “Fault Codes” under Diagnostics; stored codes are listed with their descriptions.
  4. 4 Note the code, fix the cause, then clear it from the same screen and read again to confirm.
MOSTUNED diagnostics screen
Demo screen — simulated vehicle

Frequently asked questions

What does BMW fault code 130713 mean?

VANOS is the system that changes camshaft timing using oil pressure. The DME requests a cam angle, the solenoid valve directs oil, and the shaft moves to that position. If the shaft does not reach the requested angle in time, these codes are stored. Intake and exhaust sides are reported with separate codes.

Can I drive with code 130713?

The car mostly drives; low-rpm pull drops and idle may become uneven. Check the oil level straight away and have the cause found.

Does clearing 130713 fix the problem?

Clearing removes the entry, not the cause. If the cause remains, the code returns when the conditions occur again. The right order is: read the code, fix the cause, clear it and read again to confirm.

How do I read code 130713?

You read it for free with the MOSTUNED app: connect your iPhone to the car with an ENET cable or WiFi-ENET adapter and open Fault Codes under Diagnostics. Bluetooth OBD (ELM327) adapters do not provide this connection.

Does tuning cause this code?

Tuning does not create VANOS faults; however cam timing is the foundation of torque, and a car whose VANOS is not working properly will not deliver what the tune offers. This is one reason we work on cars with up-to-date oil servicing.

I cannot find the cause. What should I do?

Send us your car model, the code and a Logger recording if you have one on WhatsApp and we will look at it together. Related codes: 130714, 130715, 130716, 130709, 13070A.

Next step

Contact

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Send your model, hardware and goal — we will pick the right package together. We do not sell what does not fit.

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