VANOS question

[break80]

I'm looking at an 05 330i with zhp 1 owner detailed service with carfax and only 32k miles. I wanted to check on what the VANOS is and if this hasn't been done, will this be an expensive fix. keep your fingers crossed for me. I'm hoping I can get this for $20-22k

[johnrando]

It's a DIY (not sure of the cost), but Besian quotes around 4-5 hours of shop time for an Indy to do it, so whatever that cost might be depending on their per hour charge. Check out besian.com. Also, at only 32K miles, it's not likely that was done. Finally, over $20K does seem like a lot these days, but low mileage cars like that are hard to find so maybe that's why. I know others pay way more attention to the ads and the sell prices in our forum and can weigh in on the price (especially if you provide more details). To net it out, Vanos should not be a factor in your car purchase.

[Mr Paul]

I'm looking at an 05 330i with zhp 1 owner detailed service with carfax and only 32k miles. I wanted to check on what the VANOS is and if this hasn't been done, will this be an expensive fix. keep your fingers crossed for me. I'm hoping I can get this for $20-22k

I have not had to do this with my '03 yet, but you can purchase the VANOS seals and DIY for $60, I believe. You can also get the anti-rattle kit for another $60.

http://www.beisansystems.com/

EDIT* You'll also want to replace the valve cover gasket when you are in there. I think that is another $60.

[bimmeryota]

I paid for about 4.5 hrs at euroautospot in SD so that sounds about right. Made a huge difference in sound afterwards... I think even my oil consumption went down but that could be my oil separator that I did soon after that.

[danewilson77]

V A N O S = Variable Nockenwellen Steuerung

VANOS is kind of like the variable speed timimg on an E46. Beisan claims that the seals can degrade after only 20k miles, due to the fact BMW allegedly used an inferior o-ring material on the VANOS pistons.. I think you're safe if you do it at 60k to 80k miles. I have 134k miles on my car, and I haven't done seals yet.....but I can tell. Performance is downgraded a bit.

The DIY would take you around 6 hours as a first timer. Very easy, if you can follow a procedure.

Here are some comparisons....

BMW VANOS - Varies intake and exhaust timing and lift by moving the fulcrum of the camshaft
Ford Variable Cam Timing - Varies valve timing by rotating the camshaft
GM Variable Valve Timing - Varies timing (phase) with hydraulic pressure
Honda VTEC - Varies intake, duration, and lift by using two different sets of cam lobes
Honda i-VTEC - Adds cam phasing (timing) to traditional VTEC
Mazda S-VT - Varies timing by rotating the camshaft
Mitsubishi MIVEC - Varies valve timing and lift
Nissan VVL - Varies intake, duration, and lift by using two different sets of cam lobes
Porsche VarioCam - Varies intake timing by adjusting tension of a cam chain
Porsche VarioCam Plus - Varies intake timing by adjusting tension of a cam chain
Rover VVC - Varies timing and lift with an eccentric disc
Subaru AVCS - Varies timing (phase) with hydraulic pressure
Toyota VVT-i - Varies intake timing by advancing the cam chain
Toyota VVTL-i - Varies timing by advancing the cam chain and switching between two sets of cam lobes

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...70&hg=11&fg=15

This is what it looks like and where it's located.

[zj96sc]

sounds like the one at a dealer in baltimore based on miles and price?

[danewilson77]

Didn't see it mentioned here, so...also be advised Dr. VANOS is another solution. Also understand dealers won't put the improved seals on your vanos pistons, and most likely will recommend you replace the entire vanos unit with a new one...which still has the same crappy seals.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[zj96sc]

what's the consensus on dr. vanos vs beisan?

[danewilson77]

Beisansystems is cheaper if you can DIY. About $180.00 vice Dr. VANOS price.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[MrMaico]

what's the consensus on dr. vanos vs beisan?

If I had been hearing a Vanos rattle I would have went with Dr Vanos. Since there was no rattle I just did the Beisan seals. I wouldn't have wanted to deal with the procedure for setting the tension on the bearings for the rattle kit. IMO, there's no way to be sure you're getting the correct amount of play.