BMW Vanos Repair

1994 BMW 325iC E36 Vanos went bad and these are the steps I took towards repairing it.

This Vanos started to make that noise around 134k miles or so. The kit from Dr. Vanos was relatively easy to install, you need to be patient and not rush it. When I took the old Vanos out I noticed the plunger which pushes the splined cup forward was loose. Two timing chains on E36 engines not timing belts. I still can hear one of the chains when I shift and let the revvs drop I think it is the top chain because I replaced the bottom tensioner already. One note about changing the Vanos yourself, make sure that there is a good seal between the vanos and the timing chain cover on the engine or it will leak alot.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• BMW
• Engine
• Vanos
• knocking
• sound
• E36
• 325
• 325i
• 325iC
• chattering
• M50
• 1994
• 94
• M3

[calderondean]

I installed the stage 2 dr vanos kit but after about 4000 miles the noise came back :-( I changed everything chain tensioner solenoid............ basicly I replaced everthing I could while I was in there! SUCKS

[irishgangstar]

I just turned over 150k miles which means I have put around 20k miles on the car since the vanos job. Still no sound has returned.

[raulecalderon]

like how much did you spend in parts? around $1000? and also did you raplace the chain too?

[irishgangstar]

I think I spent around 400 for the Vanos job. I only replaced the Primary Chain Tensioner (the one on the outside). I did not replace the chain. I have heard mixed things about replacing the chain (whether to or not). I decided not to because the engine only had 130k on it plus I didn't want to do that much work.

[JeepXJforever]

how many miles did your car have on it when this started?

[irishgangstar]

134k miles

[dieselscience]

Um, well, BMW actually DOES have a timing chain on the models with a vanos unit cam. It doesn't matter if it's belt or chain, all vanos does is change the valve timing and lift.

[bmwrp8]

cmon man wtf! all bmw owners know vanos DOES fail! thats why he bought vanos repair kit and solve the problem...oil bulbs?wtf? vanos like vtec!?!?!WTF!!!! man do some research bout bmw vanos!

[TheEuroperules]

Its like a CHEAP VTEC !

[kuzbass777]

We just had the same noise on BMW 745 but the problem was the chain tensioner not the vanos.

[Michi487]

maybe it is a defekt stock of the waterpump ?

[ramv36]

@sphinxtk same problem here with my 96 328is. Quietest when cold, loudest when warm. I've been in denial that it was my vanos for a while.

[JDBEDORE]

probably the best video about this problem I've seen so far. I like how you tried the lower tensioner first just like me and that didn't work just like me. looks like i'm off to get a VANOS kit. Thanks for making this vid.

[greggmufc]

that doesnt sound healthy dude!

[Saucy0069]

@downdown1212

your an idiot, it may do close to the same thing. but vanos is called cam phasing, it actually adjusts the timing of the cam....unlike vtec that just opens the valve longer and more.

[sphinxtk]

Great examples of the noise the unit can make. I have a question if you don't mind: Mine is silent when cold but I can hear a hint of vanos noise when the engine is hot. Is this the same as yours was?

[zzluis25]

hey i have the same problem i just a car passed down to me literlly like 4 days ago and it started making like a wierd clicking noise and we went to the mechanic and they said it was something to do wit the oil idk we added liike some extra to the oil i think to make it thicker or lighter not sure. but the noise hasnt left what do i do help plz and what is a vanos im new to all of this PLZ HELP ILL APRECIATE ILL PUT A VIDEO UP OF MY CAR MAKING THE NOISE.