Vanos Q

[alexbaby88]

How does one know if their vanos is dying or not working at all? What are the signs/symptoms?

[asubimmer]

as long as you change your vanos fluid every 3k miles you shouldn't have probs w/ it.

[FredK]

Don't listen to asubimmer.

You can test the Vanos travel by pressurizing the system with compressed air and actuating the Vanos solenoid with 12V. There should be an audible click, and the intake cam will advance. Measure the amount of travel the solenoid moves the chain, which should be >8.5mm.

I suggest getting a Bentley manual if you don't already have one. It details how the test is performed. Alternatively, there are a few writeups on bimmerforums on how to check Vanos functionality.

[SchnellerVert]

Loud, sounds like marbles, change oil if it's still loud have tested but it's probably on the way out the door.

You could cheat for awhile and use heavier weight oil to quiet it down but change oil with the frequency the factory setup is a way to keep it heathy.

[matt]

Symptom of a dying vanos - your motor will be peaky. Like no midrange, then it jumps at 5k. I am having this issue now.

[iflytii]

Dr. Vanos can help you out! A buddy of mine has gone into the motor building business and as a spin off company he created "Dr. Vanos". I have installed one of his rebuilds in my car as well as a few other friends and you can't beat it for the $$. Try here: http://drvanos.com/

[golde30]

Dr. Vanos can help you out! A buddy of mine has gone into the motor building business and as a spin off company he created "Dr. Vanos". I have installed one of his rebuilds in my car as well as a few other friends and you can't beat it for the $$. Try here: http://drvanos.com/

why dont you shoot some prices out there for us. im sure alotta guys like me who have the engine out on a stand would consider a rebuilt unit if hte price was rite.

[iflytii]

why dont you shoot some prices out there for us. im sure alotta guys like me who have the engine out on a stand would consider a rebuilt unit if hte price was rite.

I am working on getting pricing from him right now! In the meantime you can always email him directly here: support@drvanos.com

Update:

Chris said he is still working on exact costs but as of right now, $290 plus a $50 refundable core deposit for the basic and $425 + $75 refundable core deposit for the stage II kit which includes REM polished cam gears and all associated thrust washers.

[matt]

Wow.

So why will a vanos from this guy cure the noise, but a new one from BMW won't?

[Mr.SWISS]

Wow.

So why will a vanos from this guy cure the noise, but a new one from BMW won't?

From what I have heard there is no "new" vanos units, only incorrectly rebuilt ones. Most of the time the piston and bore get worn allowing oil to pass which results in it not building/holding the pressure to keep it advanced steady. Dr V is machining new parts.

[cahomey]

I'm interested in a properly built vanos unit

[jrez]

mines giving me the "vanos mechanically stuck" code, and generally feels unresponsive if given sudden throttle input. I have to say though, in the wet it very easily breaks loose lugging it in second gear turning at an intersection. Pulling away from a standstill in the rain also demands right foot restraint, even with a lsd. Engine sounds almost like its bogging, but the wheels are spinning.

maybe its safer this way :)

[Jason89i]

So why will a vanos from this guy cure the noise, but a new one from BMW won't?

its not always the vanos that makes the noise. its the mesh gears. the dealer does not replace the gears or spring plates. always replace the mesh gear. cheers, jason

[Bmjpv]

Jason, what are you calling the mesh gears? The spring plate I get/got but please make the mesh gears clearer. Thanks joe

[Jason89i]

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/d/a/9.png

no. 5