CPV and Vanos problems?

[Gebbly]

I'm after any advice at all please as I find this rather worrying.

I recently took the 2006 Z4M to RBM for an oil service and to investigate some error codes. They found some vanos faults such as vanos intake and exhaust measurement checks were not in spec. They cleared the codes and after a test drive the codes didnt come back. They advised if the codes came back it might need a vanos rebuild with someone like MrVanos. The errors have since come back (vanos and camshaft errors). RBM also advised that they thought there was a slow oil leak and to check the CPV (Constant Pressure Valve). I dont see any oil under the car so it must be an extremely slow leak.

I found https://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=31401
and the opening poster there explains about the CPV "It's purpose is to ensure that oil stays at the top of the engine, thus ensuring the vanos, camshaft and tappets are lubricated at start-up." He explains in the attached youtube video that a CPV leak can cause the vanos to fail.

So I am now wondering if the CPV started leaking and this has now damaged the vanos. I was going to call MrVanos today to get a refurb but I am now thinking that if the CPV is leaking and that caused the vanos failure then I need to fix the leak first or it could just damage the replacement vanos? Does that sound sensible?

I have ordered a replacement o-ring for the CPV from https://www.hackengineering.co.uk/product/s50s54-viton-cpv-seal/

Has anyone replaced their CPV? I have found some M3 videos which show the replacement but I don't know if the CPV placement would be the same in my Z4M.

I'm also a bit nervous about getting under a car on jack stands. Should I look for somewhere that rents out a garage with full-on post jacks to lift the car or a maintenance pit?

 

[GT Spec]

I'm after any advice at all please as I find this rather worrying.

I recently took the 2006 Z4M to RBM for an oil service and to investigate some error codes. They found some vanos faults such as vanos intake and exhaust measurement checks were not in spec. They cleared the codes and after a test drive the codes didnt come back. They advised if the codes came back it might need a vanos rebuild with someone like MrVanos. The errors have since come back (vanos and camshaft errors). RBM also advised that they thought there was a slow oil leak and to check the CPV (Constant Pressure Valve). I dont see any oil under the car so it must be an extremely slow leak.

I found https://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=31401
and the opening poster there explains about the CPV "It's purpose is to ensure that oil stays at the top of the engine, thus ensuring the vanos, camshaft and tappets are lubricated at start-up." He explains in the attached youtube video that a CPV leak can cause the vanos to fail.

So I am now wondering if the CPV started leaking and this has now damaged the vanos. I was going to call MrVanos today to get a refurb but I am now thinking that if the CPV is leaking and that caused the vanos failure then I need to fix the leak first or it could just damage the replacement vanos? Does that sound sensible?

I have ordered a replacement o-ring for the CPV from https://www.hackengineering.co.uk/product/s50s54-viton-cpv-seal/

Has anyone replaced their CPV? I have found some M3 videos which show the replacement but I don't know if the CPV placement would be the same in my Z4M.

I'm also a bit nervous about getting under a car on jack stands. Should I look for somewhere that rents out a garage with full-on post jacks to lift the car or a maintenance pit?

Hi there,

The CPV is a PITA to access as it is high up on the bottom end hidden under the rear exhaust header. Once under the car you will need a big wide flat head bit to remove it, and yes it is the same as the M3 S54. Regarding the Vanos unit, if you are an advanced DIY'er and have an S54 timing kit you can rebuild it yourself with the Beisan seal kit. Also, whilst you are in there it would be worth changing the upper chain guide. Happy to provide the part details you'll require. What's the mileage of the engine?

K.r,
Aram

 

[Gebbly]

Thanks for the response [ref]GT Spec[/ref]. I saw a thread on another forum where someone mentioned using a "drag link socket". Found some on amazon and they look the right sort of profile for the job maybe?

I've done other DIY like plumbing, electrics around the house, electronics on appliances. But never done any proper mechanical work on cars other than swapping out a flat tyre. Last weekend was the first time when swapping out failed horns. I have basic tools like socket sets but I dont have a timing kit.

I'd like to do the vanos refurb myself (both to learn and avoid the £1700 it would cost at MrVanos) but I think that might be a bit too advanced for me at the moment. I've only had the car since the start of the year so I'm trying to work through any problems and learn in the process. A Z4M mechanics course would be really handy

From what I can tell if I am able to get access the actual replacement of a CPV isnt complicated just really awkward. Remove 2 underside plates, remove CPV and catch any oil, swap out o-ring for replacement, put oil on new CPV o-ring, reinstall CPV, remove vanos filter and fill vanos with engine oil, replace vanos filter, top up engine oil. Does that sound right?

Off the top of my head she has done about 125k miles so shes had plenty time and driving for age related issues to occur. I'm hoping nothing that cant be fixed.