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VANOS rebuild - conclusions
- DMike
- Senior Member
- Posts: 2440
- Joined: Tue Sep 11, 2007 7:15 pm
VANOS rebuild - conclusions
I did the VANOS refurb recently and after one month of daily commute and some spirited driving I’d now like to sum up with a short abstract.
BACKGROUND: 2005 3.0i auto M54, 55k miles garage queen with full service history, annual oil service, 1st owner. No sudden loss of power but noticed that year after year more revving was needed to reach the acceleration and feel it once had.
MATERIALS & METHODS: Beisan seals and anti-rattle rings, conventional and mostly uneventful VANOS opening and refurb procedure following Beisan’s instructions and tips from helpful forum members. VANOS covers were incredibly tight to crack open. Only slight bending of the cross member needed. Total oil loss was measured less than 200 ml.
RESULTS: First days of embedding showed instant subjective recovery of power band linearity. Low end torque was fully recovered, however, in the following weeks, resulting in tyre squealing starts from traffic lights. After two weeks of embedding a surprising improvement in fuel consumption (from 12.4 L/100km, 22.7 mpg to 10.6 L/100km, 26.6 mpg) was observed, despite unrestricted and irresponsible throttle behaviour. No oil leaks or any other immediate complications were noted.
DISCUSSION: The gradual development af VANOS failure makes the diagnosis difficult and therefore in most cases the necessity of the refurb procedure remains controversial until the procedure is undertaken. Difficulty level of the refurb procedure was relatively low even for an tinkerer inexperienced in this domain, less than the difficulty of roof motor translocation. Given proper tools and materials, and the fact that the procedure has been documented in detail, it is generally considered safe. Immediate power band effects were noted but the full potential, low end torque and increased fuel economy, were registered only after two weeks post procedure. Possible tyre wear problems and other potential secondary effects require further observation.
BACKGROUND: 2005 3.0i auto M54, 55k miles garage queen with full service history, annual oil service, 1st owner. No sudden loss of power but noticed that year after year more revving was needed to reach the acceleration and feel it once had.
MATERIALS & METHODS: Beisan seals and anti-rattle rings, conventional and mostly uneventful VANOS opening and refurb procedure following Beisan’s instructions and tips from helpful forum members. VANOS covers were incredibly tight to crack open. Only slight bending of the cross member needed. Total oil loss was measured less than 200 ml.
RESULTS: First days of embedding showed instant subjective recovery of power band linearity. Low end torque was fully recovered, however, in the following weeks, resulting in tyre squealing starts from traffic lights. After two weeks of embedding a surprising improvement in fuel consumption (from 12.4 L/100km, 22.7 mpg to 10.6 L/100km, 26.6 mpg) was observed, despite unrestricted and irresponsible throttle behaviour. No oil leaks or any other immediate complications were noted.
DISCUSSION: The gradual development af VANOS failure makes the diagnosis difficult and therefore in most cases the necessity of the refurb procedure remains controversial until the procedure is undertaken. Difficulty level of the refurb procedure was relatively low even for an tinkerer inexperienced in this domain, less than the difficulty of roof motor translocation. Given proper tools and materials, and the fact that the procedure has been documented in detail, it is generally considered safe. Immediate power band effects were noted but the full potential, low end torque and increased fuel economy, were registered only after two weeks post procedure. Possible tyre wear problems and other potential secondary effects require further observation.
2005 Z4 3.0i Sterling grey
- bigwinn
- Lifer
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VANOS rebuild - conclusions
Fully support your sentiment written up- I’m about 3 weeks in after works and concur with the changes
For me, the ultimate was that when the other half took the z4 out yesterday, she commented on the difference. For her to notice that’s significant
For me, the ultimate was that when the other half took the z4 out yesterday, she commented on the difference. For her to notice that’s significant
If the forum helped you, why not help the forum back. Thats the Z4 way!
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- ph001
- Lifer
- Posts: 3870
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- Location: N. Yorkshire.
VANOS rebuild - conclusions
Good result. Link to the exact guide you used would be useful, there are several guides out there - some better than others.
- enuff_zed
- Lifer
- Posts: 14680
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- Location: Attleborough, Norfolk
VANOS rebuild - conclusions
"instant subjective recovery of power band linearity"
Does it go better too?
Does it go better too?
- patriot66
- Lifer
- Posts: 3478
- Joined: Sun Jan 11, 2015 2:59 am
- Location: Mawdesley, Lancashire
VANOS rebuild - conclusions
Links to the two Beisan guides below. Both excellent and very comprehensive
This is the full procedure for Vanos seals replacement
http://beisansystems.com/procedures/vanos_procedure.htm
This is the procedure for replacing the anti-rattle washers and bearings
http://beisansystems.com/procedures/dou ... cedure.htm
Sterling Grey '03 2.5i SE / Infinitas Supercharger / S.M.G / Hardtop / Gloss Black 162s / Bilstein B4s / 3.0i Brakes / DLV De-Cat & Silencer / Rebuilt VANOS / Sonar 2Xcite Lights / Carbon & Alcantara Trim / M-Sport Seats / ...& Side Covers !
- patriot66
- Lifer
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- Joined: Sun Jan 11, 2015 2:59 am
- Location: Mawdesley, Lancashire
VANOS rebuild - conclusions
I fully agree with everything DMike says in his reviewDMike wrote: ↑Tue Sep 15, 2020 9:41 pm I did the VANOS refurb recently and after one month of daily commute and some spirited driving I’d now like to sum up with a short abstract.
BACKGROUND: 2005 3.0i auto M54, 55k miles garage queen with full service history, annual oil service, 1st owner. No sudden loss of power but noticed that year after year more revving was needed to reach the acceleration and feel it once had.
MATERIALS & METHODS: Beisan seals and anti-rattle rings, conventional and mostly uneventful VANOS opening and refurb procedure following Beisan’s instructions and tips from helpful forum members. VANOS covers were incredibly tight to crack open. Only slight bending of the cross member needed. Total oil loss was measured less than 200 ml.
RESULTS: First days of embedding showed instant subjective recovery of power band linearity. Low end torque was fully recovered, however, in the following weeks, resulting in tyre squealing starts from traffic lights. After two weeks of embedding a surprising improvement in fuel consumption (from 12.4 L/100km, 22.7 mpg to 10.6 L/100km, 26.6 mpg) was observed, despite unrestricted and irresponsible throttle behaviour. No oil leaks or any other immediate complications were noted.
DISCUSSION: The gradual development af VANOS failure makes the diagnosis difficult and therefore in most cases the necessity of the refurb procedure remains controversial until the procedure is undertaken. Difficulty level of the refurb procedure was relatively low even for an tinkerer inexperienced in this domain, less than the difficulty of roof motor translocation. Given proper tools and materials, and the fact that the procedure has been documented in detail, it is generally considered safe. Immediate power band effects were noted but the full potential, low end torque and increased fuel economy, were registered only after two weeks post procedure. Possible tyre wear problems and other potential secondary effects require further observation.
I replaced my Vanos seals and anti-rattle washers/bearings back in May and have covered 1,300 miles now including a 450 mile thrash around the Scottish Borders last Sunday. If you have a pre-facelift M54 engined Z4 and are procrastinating about getting your Vanos rebuilt, or are thinking of doing it yourself; I would say just DO IT ! You will not be disappointed
Sterling Grey '03 2.5i SE / Infinitas Supercharger / S.M.G / Hardtop / Gloss Black 162s / Bilstein B4s / 3.0i Brakes / DLV De-Cat & Silencer / Rebuilt VANOS / Sonar 2Xcite Lights / Carbon & Alcantara Trim / M-Sport Seats / ...& Side Covers !
- TheDan
- Member
- Posts: 627
- Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2020 1:58 pm
- Location: Warwick, UK
VANOS rebuild - conclusions
Genuinely though for someone who is average at vehicle maintenance and repair, has only a "driveway workshop" and a basic garage toolkit how easy is the job? It looks quite intense delving that far into the engine!patriot66 wrote: ↑Wed Sep 16, 2020 7:34 pmI fully agree with everything DMike says in his reviewDMike wrote: ↑Tue Sep 15, 2020 9:41 pm I did the VANOS refurb recently and after one month of daily commute and some spirited driving I’d now like to sum up with a short abstract.
BACKGROUND: 2005 3.0i auto M54, 55k miles garage queen with full service history, annual oil service, 1st owner. No sudden loss of power but noticed that year after year more revving was needed to reach the acceleration and feel it once had.
MATERIALS & METHODS: Beisan seals and anti-rattle rings, conventional and mostly uneventful VANOS opening and refurb procedure following Beisan’s instructions and tips from helpful forum members. VANOS covers were incredibly tight to crack open. Only slight bending of the cross member needed. Total oil loss was measured less than 200 ml.
RESULTS: First days of embedding showed instant subjective recovery of power band linearity. Low end torque was fully recovered, however, in the following weeks, resulting in tyre squealing starts from traffic lights. After two weeks of embedding a surprising improvement in fuel consumption (from 12.4 L/100km, 22.7 mpg to 10.6 L/100km, 26.6 mpg) was observed, despite unrestricted and irresponsible throttle behaviour. No oil leaks or any other immediate complications were noted.
DISCUSSION: The gradual development af VANOS failure makes the diagnosis difficult and therefore in most cases the necessity of the refurb procedure remains controversial until the procedure is undertaken. Difficulty level of the refurb procedure was relatively low even for an tinkerer inexperienced in this domain, less than the difficulty of roof motor translocation. Given proper tools and materials, and the fact that the procedure has been documented in detail, it is generally considered safe. Immediate power band effects were noted but the full potential, low end torque and increased fuel economy, were registered only after two weeks post procedure. Possible tyre wear problems and other potential secondary effects require further observation.
I replaced my Vanos seals and anti-rattle washers/bearings back in May and have covered 1,300 miles now including a 450 mile thrash around the Scottish Borders last Sunday. If you have a pre-facelift M54 engined Z4 and are procrastinating about getting your Vanos rebuilt, or are thinking of doing it yourself; I would say just DO IT ! You will not be disappointed
- Worcester_spoon
- Senior Member
- Posts: 1542
- Joined: Sat Apr 30, 2011 5:53 pm
- Location: Basingstoke, Hampshire
VANOS rebuild - conclusions
Good to read. Did mine last week, 30 miles in, so sounds like more fun to come.
03 Z4R 3.0i/Silver/custom quad/330d brake upgrade/LSD/G-Power supercharger/FIC 365cc injectors/Severn Tuning map
- bigwinn
- Lifer
- Posts: 4613
- Joined: Wed Jul 08, 2020 7:13 pm
- Location: Lincoln UK
- Contact:
VANOS rebuild - conclusions
DanTheDan wrote: ↑Wed Sep 16, 2020 9:25 pmGenuinely though for someone who is average at vehicle maintenance and repair, has only a "driveway workshop" and a basic garage toolkit how easy is the job? It looks quite intense delving that far into the engine!patriot66 wrote: ↑Wed Sep 16, 2020 7:34 pmI fully agree with everything DMike says in his reviewDMike wrote: ↑Tue Sep 15, 2020 9:41 pm I did the VANOS refurb recently and after one month of daily commute and some spirited driving I’d now like to sum up with a short abstract.
BACKGROUND: 2005 3.0i auto M54, 55k miles garage queen with full service history, annual oil service, 1st owner. No sudden loss of power but noticed that year after year more revving was needed to reach the acceleration and feel it once had.
MATERIALS & METHODS: Beisan seals and anti-rattle rings, conventional and mostly uneventful VANOS opening and refurb procedure following Beisan’s instructions and tips from helpful forum members. VANOS covers were incredibly tight to crack open. Only slight bending of the cross member needed. Total oil loss was measured less than 200 ml.
RESULTS: First days of embedding showed instant subjective recovery of power band linearity. Low end torque was fully recovered, however, in the following weeks, resulting in tyre squealing starts from traffic lights. After two weeks of embedding a surprising improvement in fuel consumption (from 12.4 L/100km, 22.7 mpg to 10.6 L/100km, 26.6 mpg) was observed, despite unrestricted and irresponsible throttle behaviour. No oil leaks or any other immediate complications were noted.
DISCUSSION: The gradual development af VANOS failure makes the diagnosis difficult and therefore in most cases the necessity of the refurb procedure remains controversial until the procedure is undertaken. Difficulty level of the refurb procedure was relatively low even for an tinkerer inexperienced in this domain, less than the difficulty of roof motor translocation. Given proper tools and materials, and the fact that the procedure has been documented in detail, it is generally considered safe. Immediate power band effects were noted but the full potential, low end torque and increased fuel economy, were registered only after two weeks post procedure. Possible tyre wear problems and other potential secondary effects require further observation.
I replaced my Vanos seals and anti-rattle washers/bearings back in May and have covered 1,300 miles now including a 450 mile thrash around the Scottish Borders last Sunday. If you have a pre-facelift M54 engined Z4 and are procrastinating about getting your Vanos rebuilt, or are thinking of doing it yourself; I would say just DO IT ! You will not be disappointed
I’m similar- all driveway, basic tools and a helping hand to use brute force when needed
Follow the guides- I used the x8r write up where I got the kit from and it was excellent.
Only special tools needed/recommended are 90 degree needle nose pliers
Where you based I’ll happily help
If the forum helped you, why not help the forum back. Thats the Z4 way!
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- DMike
- Senior Member
- Posts: 2440
- Joined: Tue Sep 11, 2007 7:15 pm
VANOS rebuild - conclusions
The tools and materials are described in detail in the Beisan’s instructions, but nothing too complicated. Basic set of sockets and one torx head. For the e85 add a strong hex key for VANOS covers (hex bits won’t fit), 90 deg angled needle pliers (straight ones won’t fit), and a plank of wood (to make things fit i.e. bend the cross bember just for a few extra millimetres of space to remove the unit). Fan removal is necessary and easy, gives good access to most bolts but that cross member in front of the engine makes things a bit cramped. Having the valve cover open is something I”d prefer not to do on the driveway, but that”s just me. A small torque wrench for the VANOS piston screws and valve cover bolts is nice to have too.TheDan wrote: ↑Wed Sep 16, 2020 9:25 pmGenuinely though for someone who is average at vehicle maintenance and repair, has only a "driveway workshop" and a basic garage toolkit how easy is the job? It looks quite intense delving that far into the engine!patriot66 wrote: ↑Wed Sep 16, 2020 7:34 pmI fully agree with everything DMike says in his reviewDMike wrote: ↑Tue Sep 15, 2020 9:41 pm I did the VANOS refurb recently and after one month of daily commute and some spirited driving I’d now like to sum up with a short abstract.
BACKGROUND: 2005 3.0i auto M54, 55k miles garage queen with full service history, annual oil service, 1st owner. No sudden loss of power but noticed that year after year more revving was needed to reach the acceleration and feel it once had.
MATERIALS & METHODS: Beisan seals and anti-rattle rings, conventional and mostly uneventful VANOS opening and refurb procedure following Beisan’s instructions and tips from helpful forum members. VANOS covers were incredibly tight to crack open. Only slight bending of the cross member needed. Total oil loss was measured less than 200 ml.
RESULTS: First days of embedding showed instant subjective recovery of power band linearity. Low end torque was fully recovered, however, in the following weeks, resulting in tyre squealing starts from traffic lights. After two weeks of embedding a surprising improvement in fuel consumption (from 12.4 L/100km, 22.7 mpg to 10.6 L/100km, 26.6 mpg) was observed, despite unrestricted and irresponsible throttle behaviour. No oil leaks or any other immediate complications were noted.
DISCUSSION: The gradual development af VANOS failure makes the diagnosis difficult and therefore in most cases the necessity of the refurb procedure remains controversial until the procedure is undertaken. Difficulty level of the refurb procedure was relatively low even for an tinkerer inexperienced in this domain, less than the difficulty of roof motor translocation. Given proper tools and materials, and the fact that the procedure has been documented in detail, it is generally considered safe. Immediate power band effects were noted but the full potential, low end torque and increased fuel economy, were registered only after two weeks post procedure. Possible tyre wear problems and other potential secondary effects require further observation.
I replaced my Vanos seals and anti-rattle washers/bearings back in May and have covered 1,300 miles now including a 450 mile thrash around the Scottish Borders last Sunday. If you have a pre-facelift M54 engined Z4 and are procrastinating about getting your Vanos rebuilt, or are thinking of doing it yourself; I would say just DO IT ! You will not be disappointed
2005 Z4 3.0i Sterling grey
- patriot66
- Lifer
- Posts: 3478
- Joined: Sun Jan 11, 2015 2:59 am
- Location: Mawdesley, Lancashire
VANOS rebuild - conclusions
I would suggest you watch this YouTube video. The M54 is in an E46 so there are no access problems but otherwise the engine is the same. You can then see the full removal and strip down of the Vanos unit which may well help you decide if you feel competent enough to tackle the jobTheDan wrote: ↑Wed Sep 16, 2020 9:25 pmGenuinely though for someone who is average at vehicle maintenance and repair, has only a "driveway workshop" and a basic garage toolkit how easy is the job? It looks quite intense delving that far into the engine!patriot66 wrote: ↑Wed Sep 16, 2020 7:34 pmI fully agree with everything DMike says in his reviewDMike wrote: ↑Tue Sep 15, 2020 9:41 pm I did the VANOS refurb recently and after one month of daily commute and some spirited driving I’d now like to sum up with a short abstract.
BACKGROUND: 2005 3.0i auto M54, 55k miles garage queen with full service history, annual oil service, 1st owner. No sudden loss of power but noticed that year after year more revving was needed to reach the acceleration and feel it once had.
MATERIALS & METHODS: Beisan seals and anti-rattle rings, conventional and mostly uneventful VANOS opening and refurb procedure following Beisan’s instructions and tips from helpful forum members. VANOS covers were incredibly tight to crack open. Only slight bending of the cross member needed. Total oil loss was measured less than 200 ml.
RESULTS: First days of embedding showed instant subjective recovery of power band linearity. Low end torque was fully recovered, however, in the following weeks, resulting in tyre squealing starts from traffic lights. After two weeks of embedding a surprising improvement in fuel consumption (from 12.4 L/100km, 22.7 mpg to 10.6 L/100km, 26.6 mpg) was observed, despite unrestricted and irresponsible throttle behaviour. No oil leaks or any other immediate complications were noted.
DISCUSSION: The gradual development af VANOS failure makes the diagnosis difficult and therefore in most cases the necessity of the refurb procedure remains controversial until the procedure is undertaken. Difficulty level of the refurb procedure was relatively low even for an tinkerer inexperienced in this domain, less than the difficulty of roof motor translocation. Given proper tools and materials, and the fact that the procedure has been documented in detail, it is generally considered safe. Immediate power band effects were noted but the full potential, low end torque and increased fuel economy, were registered only after two weeks post procedure. Possible tyre wear problems and other potential secondary effects require further observation.
I replaced my Vanos seals and anti-rattle washers/bearings back in May and have covered 1,300 miles now including a 450 mile thrash around the Scottish Borders last Sunday. If you have a pre-facelift M54 engined Z4 and are procrastinating about getting your Vanos rebuilt, or are thinking of doing it yourself; I would say just DO IT ! You will not be disappointed
https://youtu.be/0eUVF6OLFFg
Sterling Grey '03 2.5i SE / Infinitas Supercharger / S.M.G / Hardtop / Gloss Black 162s / Bilstein B4s / 3.0i Brakes / DLV De-Cat & Silencer / Rebuilt VANOS / Sonar 2Xcite Lights / Carbon & Alcantara Trim / M-Sport Seats / ...& Side Covers !
- ph001
- Lifer
- Posts: 3870
- Joined: Mon Oct 31, 2016 5:53 pm
- Location: N. Yorkshire.
VANOS rebuild - conclusions
Great info chaps
Anyone have any idea how different it is on the N52?
Anyone have any idea how different it is on the N52?
-
- Newbie
- Posts: 47
- Joined: Mon Jun 29, 2020 5:35 pm
VANOS rebuild - conclusions
Did mine a week ago, 3.0 e85, 2005, 59k
Great improvement intially and also continuing to improve, no idea why tho.
Xr8 full kit at £139, followed all the guides mentioned. Would agree with all said, a friend with a bar to give a few mm on the cross member, 90degree needle nose pliers for the seals. A strong Allen key for the piston covers. An impact wrench or driver with soft jawed vice to open the pistons.
Plenty of towels to protect the belts from spilt oil.
Would really recommend it, read the guides and take your time.
Great improvement intially and also continuing to improve, no idea why tho.
Xr8 full kit at £139, followed all the guides mentioned. Would agree with all said, a friend with a bar to give a few mm on the cross member, 90degree needle nose pliers for the seals. A strong Allen key for the piston covers. An impact wrench or driver with soft jawed vice to open the pistons.
Plenty of towels to protect the belts from spilt oil.
Would really recommend it, read the guides and take your time.
E85 3.0i 2005 maldives blue.
-
- Member
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- Location: SW Pennsylvania USA
VANOS rebuild - conclusions
Just ordered the Xr8 complete kit off of Ebay this morning.
Mine is an 04, M54, 3.0L with 56K-ish miles. When I bought it, it had 52K. From what I have read here and other places at 56K it will be noticeable with a VANOS rebuild.
So since I just spent $184 USD for the kit (with needle bearings, etc) and shipping, I've been doing more internet searches. One poster on BimmerFest says that with the M54 engine there is no need to do the VANOS rebuild before 100K...This is not what I have read in many other places.
I don't care if the kit sits around for awhile and I don't plan on doing the job while the weather is nice but...
Your opinions on should I go ahead with this job or wait until...?? Would be appreciated.
I must admit that the flexing of the cross member makes me a bit nervous. I don't have anyone near by who can do that when I am removing and replacing. And I'm not sure if the more skilled person should do the removing or the flexing. If the "flexer" slips off or pulls too hard, is there a possibility of damaging anything?
Mine is an 04, M54, 3.0L with 56K-ish miles. When I bought it, it had 52K. From what I have read here and other places at 56K it will be noticeable with a VANOS rebuild.
So since I just spent $184 USD for the kit (with needle bearings, etc) and shipping, I've been doing more internet searches. One poster on BimmerFest says that with the M54 engine there is no need to do the VANOS rebuild before 100K...This is not what I have read in many other places.
I don't care if the kit sits around for awhile and I don't plan on doing the job while the weather is nice but...
Your opinions on should I go ahead with this job or wait until...?? Would be appreciated.
I must admit that the flexing of the cross member makes me a bit nervous. I don't have anyone near by who can do that when I am removing and replacing. And I'm not sure if the more skilled person should do the removing or the flexing. If the "flexer" slips off or pulls too hard, is there a possibility of damaging anything?
- DMike
- Senior Member
- Posts: 2440
- Joined: Tue Sep 11, 2007 7:15 pm
VANOS rebuild - conclusions
At 55k and 15 years my piston fit and o-ring seals were, when inspected in situ, really bad: The pistons felt really loose and could be tilted freely. The o-rings were like plastic and certainly could not provide any kind of pressure to push the teflon seals against the cylinder wall.Old-Duckman wrote: ↑Fri Sep 18, 2020 12:48 am Your opinions on should I go ahead with this job or wait until...?? Would be appreciated.
I must admit that the flexing of the cross member makes me a bit nervous. I don't have anyone near by who can do that when I am removing and replacing. And I'm not sure if the more skilled person should do the removing or the flexing. If the "flexer" slips off or pulls too hard, is there a possibility of damaging anything?
I don’t think there is a significant risk of damaging the cross member and I managed to do it alone. I also read on the forum that someone had managed to negotiate the VANOS out by screwing the threaded rods more into the block. I did that prior to re-installing the unit and I think that method could work for removal as well. Having the unit out if the way I had the luxury of of more space (two locked nuts method) when fine tunign the rods, but during removal thin pliers would be the method of choice. Perhaps someone who have done his could comment? The threads would probably go bad but at that location It would not matter. Third option would be engine mount loosening but tfrom what I have read, not that commonly needed and something I cannot comment. Photos of the first two options:
2005 Z4 3.0i Sterling grey