BMW Vanos rattle

biko

What to do? I have it in my E36 and it's not too bad but I'm thinking I should do something about it as I recently read it'll give you more torque in the lower rpms. Not dynoed btw.

I'm thinking starting with the cheapest option, replacing the vanos solenoid. It sounds more like solenoid vibrations than chain rattle tbh so maybe just swapping the o-ring will work (#11361703713)
It's very tight under the intake manifold, I think I can disconnect the cable but not sure if I can connect a new one, maybe by removing oil filter cannister?
Where do I get a new solenoid? I've seen some from US sites for 170-190 dollars.

Experiences/ input?

Captain Slow IRL

Is it an M3? If not, what car, engine, etc?

biko

It's an 320i with a M50B20 Vanos engine. It's not an M3.
Have you done yours?

voxpop

I think that a rattle doesnt necessarily mean there is something wrong. To change the seals is a big enough job - you need to remove the valve cover and lock the timing in place before removed the vanos unit from the timing sprocket.

You can buy a reconditions vanos unit from drvanos.com - there are step-by-step guides there aswell.

biko

Yeah, I've read that people do different things. Some just leave it, some top up the oil a little bit extra, some go with drvanos kit I or II or beisansystems.
I was content with just leaving it, it seems to be a BMW classic just like the "bmw steering wheel squeak" but then I came across a post that said they managed to get extra bhp/torque in <3K rpm out of changing the vanos solenoid and of course this then puts things in a different light
May or may not work for my car but worth a shot at only 170 dollars for a new solenoid.

voxpop

Im the same - just recently read up about it and now wondering if im loosing low down power, which I could do with. The price of the kit itself wouldnt put me if, its the 6+ hours DIY :eek:

Captain Slow IRL

It sounds nasty in that video. I've never experienced a faulty/noisy vanos unit so can't really comment. I was talking to an experienced bmw tech before and he mentioned before that a noisy vanos was not necessarily a sign of a failed unit - they were working to such fine tolerances that unless there was an obvious loss of power, it wasn't necessary to replace it.

I'm pretty sure you need equipment to set up the timing and also to correctly install the vanos unit - you would need to check with drvanos, if you went down that route, if they supply you with any of the necessary tools.

PM me the last 7 digits of your VIN no. and I'll see if I can dig out any helpful info for you, if you would like.

Fishtits

Anything to do with VANOS, these guys have it sussed. Including the rattle. First rate to deal with IME.

http://www.beisansystems.com/

Cheers,