Hi guys,
I recently completed an M52 and ZF 5 speed swap into my 1988 325is E30.
Initially there was a problem with the VANOS seals which were replaced as part of the package (I bought a drive in/drive out package).
However throughout the whole experience the car has been a little smokey.
At times there is barely any smoke at all, at other times, usually driving up a hill in a low gear there will be a very significant amount of smoke. There is either no/very little visible smoke on idle. However under throttle the amount of smoke can vary.
Below is a clip of the car revving. The strange thing is, a second rev will produce no/very little smoke. It's almost like it's building up and a rev clears it out and it begins building up again until the next rev. The longer you wait, usually the more smoke you get. As you can see the smoke is a grey colour, any ideas?
It's an M52B28 from an Australian delivered E36 328i, therefore it is not the M52TU engine.
Lastly, it went on the dyno today, it laid 107rwkw, he commented that the VANOS is not switching on, solenoid has been tested and is working, the seals were just replaced in the last week or so.
- Could the VANOS not working play a role here?
- What sends a signal to the VANOS solenoid to switch on?
- What, in your opinion, is the cause of the smoke?
Please help... this conversion is driving me crazy. Car drives okay but definitely lacks low rpm torque (having owned a 328i, I know the engine well).
IS_325
I recently completed an M52 and ZF 5 speed swap into my 1988 325is E30.
Initially there was a problem with the VANOS seals which were replaced as part of the package (I bought a drive in/drive out package).
However throughout the whole experience the car has been a little smokey.
At times there is barely any smoke at all, at other times, usually driving up a hill in a low gear there will be a very significant amount of smoke. There is either no/very little visible smoke on idle. However under throttle the amount of smoke can vary.
Below is a clip of the car revving. The strange thing is, a second rev will produce no/very little smoke. It's almost like it's building up and a rev clears it out and it begins building up again until the next rev. The longer you wait, usually the more smoke you get. As you can see the smoke is a grey colour, any ideas?
It's an M52B28 from an Australian delivered E36 328i, therefore it is not the M52TU engine.
Lastly, it went on the dyno today, it laid 107rwkw, he commented that the VANOS is not switching on, solenoid has been tested and is working, the seals were just replaced in the last week or so.
- Could the VANOS not working play a role here?
- What sends a signal to the VANOS solenoid to switch on?
- What, in your opinion, is the cause of the smoke?
Please help... this conversion is driving me crazy. Car drives okay but definitely lacks low rpm torque (having owned a 328i, I know the engine well).
IS_325