P0015: How to Diagnose & Fix — Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
4 vehicles · 3 makes · $100-$32,000 repair
How to diagnose and fix P0015: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
MINI Cooper · 2007–2016
The valve cover gasket on N12/N16/N18 engines hardens and leaks oil onto the exhaust manifold, creating a burning oil smell. VANOS solenoid seals also leak, causing oil to pool around the solenoids and potentially cause misfires.
Common Symptoms
- Burning oil smell
- Oil on exhaust manifold
- Visible oil leak from valve cover
- Check engine light
- Rough idle
How to Fix
Replace valve cover gasket (the gasket set, part 11127567877, is sold separately from the cover; replace the whole cover only if it is cracked) and VANOS solenoid O-rings. Clean oil residue from exhaust manifold.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine MINI valve-cover profile gasket set 11127567877OEMMINI 11127567877
Confirm VIN, engine and that the cover itself is n
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Sources for this issue (2)
Hyundai Santa Fe · 2007–2019
The Continuous Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) actuator and its associated oil control valve (OCV) on the Santa Fe's engines (the 2.7L Mu and 3.3L Lambda V6s and, from 2010, the Theta II four-cylinder) can fail, causing rough idle, poor fuel economy, and check engine lights. The OCV gets clogged with sludge from extended oil change intervals, and the CVVT actuator's internal components wear out. This issue can also trigger timing-related fault codes and affect emissions.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Rough idle
- Poor fuel economy
- Rattling noise on startup
- Hesitation on acceleration
How to Fix
Replace the CVVT actuator (camshaft phaser) and the oil control valve. Clean the oil passages feeding the VVT system. Switch to a high-quality full synthetic oil and maintain strict oil change intervals (5,000 miles or less). In some cases, cleaning the OCV with throttle body cleaner can restore function temporarily, but replacement is the permanent fix.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Hyundai intake oil-flow control valveOEMHyundai 24355-2G500
Confirm VIN, engine, build date and intake position; do not use for 2007-2010, 2016-2019,
- Genuine Hyundai exhaust oil-flow control valveOEMHyundai 24375-2G500
Confirm the exact VIN, engine, model body and exhaust positio
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Sources for this issue (3)
BMW M5 · 2006–2010
The S85 V10 uses a high-pressure VANOS pump to supply the oil pressure that moves the variable valve timing units. The pump works at about 115 bar. The high-pressure VANOS oil lines can leak at the fittings where the rigid metal pipe ends join the flexible hose section. A leak loses oil and lowers the pressure available to the VANOS system, and a parts seller warns this can lead to very expensive engine damage. BMW issued a service bulletin (SIB 11 10 05) to replace the VANOS high-pressure line on M5s produced up to 11/22/05. Buyer guides report that a failed line can starve the pump of pressure, which can cause the pump to fail and send metal debris through the engine. How much the repair costs depends on whether that debris has contaminated the rest of the engine. Low VANOS system pressure is the telltale sign of a leaking line.
Common Symptoms
- Rough idling and unstable idle speed
- Reduced power output and poor acceleration
- Poor fuel economy
- Rattling or grinding noise from engine bay at startup
- Oil leaks visible near front of engine (VANOS area)
- Check engine light with VANOS-related fault codes
How to Fix
Check first: look for oil leaks around the VANOS lines at the front of the engine, and have a shop check VANOS system pressure. Low pressure points to a leaking line. On early cars (built up to 11/22/05), check the service records for the SIB 11 10 05 line replacement, and ask any seller for records of VANOS line inspection or replacement. Fix: replace the leaking line with the current genuine BMW part. 11 36 7 838 670 is the pressure hose that runs from the pressure accumulator to the VANOS units. 11 36 7 838 669 is the hose that runs from the high-pressure oil pump to the other pressure hose. When you replace a line, also replace the crush washers at each end (4 in total) and, on the 838 669 hose, the O-ring at the top. The banjo bolts are cheap and optional. Getting to the 838 669 hose means removing the oil pan, so it is often replaced at the same time as the rod bearings. If the pump has failed and shed metal debris, the rest of the engine needs to be checked for contamination. Fix a known VANOS line leak promptly rather than driving on it. A published buyer guide puts VANOS high-pressure pump failure at $3,000 to $32,000, depending on whether debris has contaminated the rest of the engine.
Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine BMW S85 VANOS oil line 11367838669OEM11367838669
The retailer specifies four 07119963129 copper washers and one 11367834552 O-ring as additional required items; verify VIN and the exact failed line..
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (5)
BMW Z4 · 2003–2016
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P0015 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0015 mean?
P0015 stands for "Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Retarded (Bank 1)." This code means the exhaust camshaft on Bank 1 is timed more retarded (later) than the computer commanded. Engines with variable valve timing use a cam phaser, controlled by oil pressure and a solenoid, to advance or retard camshaft position for better power, economy, and emissions. When the computer commands a position but the actual exhaust cam stays too far retarded, it sets P0015. This usually points to an oil-flow or phaser problem and can cause rough idle, reduced power, and poor fuel economy.
What are the most common causes of P0015?
The most common causes of P0015 are: Low or dirty engine oil restricting phaser operation, Stuck or clogged variable valve timing (oil control) solenoid, Failed exhaust camshaft phaser/actuator, Clogged oil control valve screen or oil passages, Stretched or worn timing chain, Wiring or connector fault at the VVT solenoid, Incorrect cam timing from prior service, Faulty PCM/ECM (rare). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0015?
Repair costs for P0015 range from $100 to $32,000, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0015?
Au7o has documented P0015 across 4 vehicle models from 3 manufacturers: BMW, Hyundai, MINI.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.