Alpina drivers: Does your engine have an idlespeed actuator?

[Daniel_F.]

Hello guys,

i hope i´m not getting intrusive for asking all those questions, but as it seems there are quite some alpina users here, it may be a good resource and possibility to gather information.

My current question, and it should be much easier to be answered as the one regarding the vanos system, does your car have an/the idlespeed actuator?

I had a look at the alpina parts catalogue and its not covered there at all. If it doesn´t have one, that would be a game-changer for our development.

[SamUK]

Hello guys,

i hope i´m not getting intrusive for asking all those questions, but as it seems there are quite some alpina users here, it may be a good resource and possibility to gather information.

My current question, and it should be much easier to be answered as the one regarding the vanos system, does your car have an/the idlespeed actuator?

I had a look at the alpina parts catalogue and its not covered there at all. If it doesn´t have one, that would be a game-changer for our development.

I have an Alpina and have no idea..

maybe worth asking on the Alpina Forum..

http://thealpinaregister.com/forums/

[markeg]

IIRC the Alpina engine in the E85 is shared with the B3S and the E46, and the E46 has a idle control valve - however, without removing airbox, MAF, I couldn't say for sure. As Sam points out, the Alpina forum is probably your best bet, as there is a lot of experience on that forum with Alpina engines.

[Daniel_F.]

Unfortunally they don´t accept my registration

[toledo]

Unfortunally they don´t accept my registration

When I registered it took a good few days for it to be accepted so hang in there and I'm sure your registration will be accepted in the next few days.

I also have an Alpina Roadster S but I'm afraid I have no idea about the answer to your question. Good luck with it

[AlpinaRoadsterS]

My current question, and it should be much easier to be answered as the one regarding the vanos system, does your car have an/the idlespeed actuator?

Yesterday we changed the VANOS nuts on my Roadster S (Alpina recommends this).

And YES - the Roadster S has the idlespeed actuator.

[zedwheels]

My current question, and it should be much easier to be answered as the one regarding the vanos system, does your car have an/the idlespeed actuator?

Yesterday we changed the VANOS nuts on my Roadster S (Alpina recommends this).

And YES - the Roadster S has the idlespeed actuator.

Hi. That's interesting about the vanos nuts, is it a DIY job or a garage visit? and whats the reason for Alpina's recommendation?
Don't know what it does but at least i now know i have an actuator.

[AlpinaRoadsterS]

The VANOS nuts wear out - because this engine is a long stroke engine. So on long terms the engine vibrations wear out the nuts. Worst case the input camshift get loose - result is engine death.

You can order the 3 nuts and 3 special washers from Alpina.
Then you need a VANOS gasket and a valve cover gasket - both original BMW parts.

You need some Alpina special tools (a crankshaft locking pin & input camshift locking) and a normal BMW output camshift locking tool.

@ zedwheels: send me via PN your E-Mail and I can send you pictures and the Alpina mounting instruction.

[markeg]

AlpinaRoadsterS, can you send me the pics etc also? Will PM my email address...

[PerryGunn]

AlpinaRoadsterS, can you send me the pics etc also? Will PM my email address...

Me too please - I've PM'd you my email address

[Big Red Cat]

and me please (PM sent). How often do Alpina recommend doing this? Is it part of the service schedule or something extra?

[AlpinaRoadsterS]

@ Big Red Cat: You have E-Mail
@ markeg: You have E-Mail

The job is done in 2 1/2 hours with no hurry. It's not a DIY-job.

It should be done one time, then everything is ok.It's not part of a service schedule, you have to ask for it extra.
Same should be done also for Alpina B3 and B3S with this engine.

Please keep the 3 "old" nuts for pictures, if you let repair your Roadster S.
If would be nice to compare the old nuts depending on the mileage. THANKS.

[toledo]

Are there any symptoms/noises/rattles we can look out for that would suggest it needs doing? Slightly worried now after you said worst case engine death

[AlpinaRoadsterS]

Are there any symptoms/noises/rattles we can look out for that would suggest it needs doing? Slightly worried now after you said worst case engine death

It's like the Alpina B8 and B10 4.6 cylinder head gasket. Original the is a organic gasket in the engine and after some broken engines Alpina figuered out, the owners should change to a metal gasket.
Same with the Vanos nuts. In the german alpina forum Christian Klotzbücher (Alpina employee) wrote 5 years ago:

Grundsätzlich eine Aussage darüber zu machen, ob man die Verschraubung des Einlaß-Nockenwellenzahnrads umrüsten soll oder nicht, kann nicht 100%ig beantwortet werden. Fahrzeuge, die überwiegend im Langstreckenbetrieb bewegt werden, haben weniger Verschleiß an dieser Stelle als Kurzstreckenfahrzeuge, da die VANOS weniger hin- und her schaltet.
Der Aufwand der Prüfung/Umrüstung ist relativ gering, die Unterlegscheiben, welche wir selber anfertigen und die M6-Mütterchen kosten rund 33,-

Google translate:
Basically to make a statement as to whether to convert the screw connection of intake camshaft gear or not, can not be answered 100%. Vehicles that are moved mainly in long-distance operation, have less wear and tear at this point as a short-haul vehicles because the VANOS less back and forth on.
The cost of testing / conversion is relatively low, the washers, which we make ourselves and the M6 nuts costs around 33 Euro

[toledo]

Are there any symptoms/noises/rattles we can look out for that would suggest it needs doing? Slightly worried now after you said worst case engine death

It's like the Alpina B8 and B10 4.6 cylinder head gasket. Original the is a organic gasket in the engine and after some broken engines Alpina figuered out, the owners should change to a metal gasket.
Same with the Vanos nuts. In the german alpina forum Christian Klotzbücher (Alpina employee) wrote 5 years ago:

Grundsätzlich eine Aussage darüber zu machen, ob man die Verschraubung des Einlaß-Nockenwellenzahnrads umrüsten soll oder nicht, kann nicht 100%ig beantwortet werden. Fahrzeuge, die überwiegend im Langstreckenbetrieb bewegt werden, haben weniger Verschleiß an dieser Stelle als Kurzstreckenfahrzeuge, da die VANOS weniger hin- und her schaltet.
Der Aufwand der Prüfung/Umrüstung ist relativ gering, die Unterlegscheiben, welche wir selber anfertigen und die M6-Mütterchen kosten rund 33,-

Google translate:
Basically to make a statement as to whether to convert the screw connection of intake camshaft gear or not, can not be answered 100%. Vehicles that are moved mainly in long-distance operation, have less wear and tear at this point as a short-haul vehicles because the VANOS less back and forth on.
The cost of testing / conversion is relatively low, the washers, which we make ourselves and the M6 nuts costs around 33 Euro

Ok thanks very much. I will get this done as soon as possible just to be safe and put my mind at rest.