2887

What the Code Means

Code 2887 flags a fault in the exhaust camshaft VANOS mechanism on cylinder bank 1. The DME detected a deviation in exhaust VANOS operation — the phaser isn't following the control unit's commands with the expected precision.

Mechanically, the fault is the same as 2A82: the DME sees a mismatch between the target and actual exhaust camshaft position. Typical causes are a worn control solenoid, low oil pressure, or a contaminated oil system. Oil here is both the phaser's working fluid and its pressure source, so any drop in oil condition hits VANOS directly.

The fault often shows up together with 2A82, which points to a system-wide VANOS problem rather than a single failed component.

Symptoms

• Power loss at low rpm — the phaser isn't delivering the cylinder fill it should.
• Rough or unstable idle.
• Check Engine light on.
• Increased oil consumption.

Diagnosis and Repair

1. Check oil level and condition. Low level or degraded oil is the most common cause of exhaust VANOS faults, so start diagnosis there.
2. Replace the oil filter (11427566321).
3. Replace the VANOS solenoids: 11367579070 for the intake, 11367579071 for the exhaust camshaft. If the fault appears paired with 2A82, replace both.
4. Run the VANOS adaptation through ISTA — without it the control unit keeps working from outdated phaser calibrations.
5. Check the timing chain and tensioner: chain wear shifts the actual cam timing and produces the same symptoms.

Secondary Damage

• VANOS mechanism seizing if the fault is ignored.
• Timing chain damage — with the risk of an engine rebuild.
• Accelerated wear on the camshafts and hydraulic lifters (tappets).

Don't put off diagnosis: an exhaust VANOS failure grows from a localized phaser fault into timing drive damage and engine damage overall.