Calling all BMW opponauts

"Velocity- Peuguette Connoisseur" (velocity860) 07/16/2014 at 14:56 • Filed to: bmw

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Anyone good with Vanos here? I'm talking to someone about buying their E46 M3 and I asked them if the vanos was all good. He said that the vanos solenoid pack was replaced but "the other part of the vanos needs to be done". What exactly does he mean, and is this something that I should stay away from?

ZiptieMcBumper > Velocity- Peuguette Connoisseur 07/16/2014 at 15:00

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Is he talking about the seals?

Velocity- Peuguette Connoisseur > ZiptieMcBumper 07/16/2014 at 15:03

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I quoted him directly. I would assume so but he was vague

Crocket Bernet > Velocity- Peuguette Connoisseur 07/16/2014 at 15:06

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Did you ask what he meant, if this is as elaborate as he could be I'd pass on the car honestly.

ZiptieMcBumper > Velocity- Peuguette Connoisseur 07/16/2014 at 15:06

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There's also a known issue with the cam sprocket bolts and oil pump splines shearing. I'm not a big BMW guy, but if you're concerned about S54-related VANOS stuff, this guy comes highly recommended for his rebuilds. It seems like a good reference as well.

Devlin Munion > Velocity- Peuguette Connoisseur 07/16/2014 at 15:44

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Personally I am better with the VANOS units on the non-M Motors so my suggestion is to check out http://www.drvanos.com/index.php?opti… , As well as M3Forums for more info.

But from my experience with other motors if the VANOS needs to be done it is not always a deal breaker, just a money off sort of thing, then once you own the car I would get it done soon after purchase.

Good Luck!

E92M3 > ZiptieMcBumper 07/16/2014 at 19:21

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This^

You want to replace the bolts, and inspect the hub for a cracked or missing tab. Theres a current recall for newer models experiencing the same bolt problem. If you are lucky BMW will go back to the E46's and correct those as well. You can inspect both fairly easy by removing the valve cover.

stang8773 > Velocity- Peuguette Connoisseur 07/31/2014 at 13:23

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The solenoid is one issue, but the other issues relate mainly to the hub bolts and hub tabs breaking. The parts to upgrade the system that make it 'bulletproof' are not that expensive, but it is a time consuming job if you DIY. You can check the bolts and hub tabs by taking off the valve cover and checking. If everything looks good you can drive it and it may never break (a lot do at some point). I checked mine about 10k miles ago and everything looked good and have been driving it, but I want to upgrade everything this year to make sure it stays that way.

Read this forum post for one of the best solutions to the issue - http://m3forum.net/m3forum/showth…