Another VANOS Questions....

[das boots]

I know that my VCG was in all probability replaced by PO. Do not know when. Even though the work was not documented. Even the rubber gasket that are reacheable and sticking out are it is still soft and pliable. And I can see some sort of sealant that was used towards the front end of the engine. Where the corner turns inward to the halfmoons.

With 110K+ on the clock, how could it be known if a VANOS was ever done? Would there be any visible signs of a VANOS repair?

After some communications with John (LiveNearCostco), that evidently, there are two types of VANOS repairs. The seals only or the whole enchilada repair....

Which proceedure is the one that gives everybody the headeache? I take it is the whole enchilada dinner plate #4 in Roberto's...

[danewilson77]

Naaa... We've tried to answer this before. Only BMW documented repair would tell?

Plugs, vcg, vanos gasket, etc... Don't give any tells, really.

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[kayger12]

I would wait until you have vanos symptoms or need to replace your vcg again.

That being said, if it's 50k miles from now, and you're not having any vanos symptoms, I'd say you're good to go.

[edlvrt]

I think my car is starting to develop the rattle. Just to confirm, the rattle doesn't cause any damage, it just sounds bad, right? I'll have to plan a weekend to tackle this, but it may not be for a while if it is not a serious issue. Thanks

[nike001]

Do the VANOS anyways. Always good to be sure.

edlvrt, I haven't heard anything bad that comes from VANOS related problems. The rattle is only an annoyance, and the seals start to deteriorate. I haven't heard anything regarding to deteriorating seals causing any problems..

[das boots]

Would it be ridiculous if I was to puchase the kit or seals before they happen? Or just wait for symptoms?

[nike001]

Would it be ridiculous if I was to puchase the kit or seals before they happen? Or just wait for symptoms?

Do you have any rattle at around 2k RPM?

[das boots]

Negative. Quiet as the western front...knock-knock.

[LivesNearCostco]

Lawrence, just to clarify, for the E46 non-M, you can replace the seals or do the anti-rattle kit, or both on your existing VANOS. Or you can buy a reconditioned VANOS from Dr. VANOS that already has new seals and I think it has the anti-rattle parts too. The end result is the same, you just choose between saving money or saving time. I say if you have 100K miles and your VCG is not leaking, then somebody replaced the VCG before.

I think Rajaie said online there is some test the dealer can do to test VANOS responsiveness and it can help determine if your VANOS seals are bad.

[danewilson77]

You always do seals. Anti-Rattle kit if you have rattle.

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