Yea fuck that as a diagnostic method. Guy that sold it installed new chinese CPS which obviously didnt fix the code. Vanos solenoid on pass side looks suspect. Rusted and leaking oil. I'm going to pull the suspect one out to see if its sticking and maybe switch them. Could a timing tensioner throw that code too? May pull that to see if its stuck.
Again, no rattling at startup this morning, started tapping a little after 30 seconds of running then quieted down once warm. The engine sound really good to be honest, idles well and has plenty of power. I'm not ruling out chain guides yet though.
Since it's only picking on bank 1 cam being to far advanced I think it's not timed correctly. If you don't have to get an emissions test just drive the fucker. Probly never do anything but throw the light. If you do need a test find a BMW tech who does side work and show it to him. Timing these engines is a really strange procedure and easy to mess up.