Non-bmw vanos solonoids

Z

Zfourever

Member
Dear forum. Thanks for previous help most recently with the forte seal treatment. It does seem to be working. I'm thinking of changing the vanos solenoid. I've seen youtube vids about cleaning them and others about replacing them. The local dealer says bmw replacement cost near enough £400 each. £800 the pair. They seem to be much cheaper on ebay. Between £21 to £65. Has anybody had any experience of using cheaper vanos solenoid? Is it a viable option or one route not to go down in your opinion? Bmw doctor dean recommends using bmw only vanos solenoid. so weighing up the pro's and con's. If anybody can help with any insights or experience, it would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks as always
Zfourever. :scratchhead: :scratchhead: :scratchhead: :scratchhead: :scratchhead: :shifty: :ebay: :ebay:

2008, 2.0L, Montero blue Z4. On 108'sIMG_20190825_181704.jpg
 
markplant said:
Quite a few on here have used this upgrade kit
Click to expand...

I believe we are talking about a 2 litre.
The vanos units themselves are sealed but rarely fail.


OP, I have recently replaced both solenoids with a pair I purchased on Amazon. They seem to be doing the job just fine and have made a huge difference. The old ones were knackered.

Your local dealer is telling porkies; the OE parts are vaico solenoids AFAIK. They cost between 60 and 100 each.
The ones on Amazon sell for 40 per pair. They are a third of the price and seem to perform just fine.

Out of interest what makes you think the solenoids are shot?
 
I replaced the Vanos solenoids on my 330 (N52 engine). I also read it was best to replace with genuine BMW items.

£110, direct from BMW: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Genuine-Solenoid-Valve-SOLV-For-1-3-5-6-7-X1-X3-X5-X6-Z4-Series-11367585425/172608520158?fits=Car+Make%3ABMW&epid=12034131824&hash=item283044ffde:g:ZbYAAOSwc6Jaitzh
 
The aftermarket solenoids are quite widely reported to work just fine, so seems pretty pointless paying such a premium for oem.
 
Thank you markplant, jfgoldfish,g30rg3y and ph001. I will follow the links.
Why do I think the vanos are shot? I dont know they are for definite. It sometimes has a stutter when I put down on the accelerator. I think it's unlikely the previous owner would have changed them and it feels like a moderate change to make with a view to replacing parts that are likely to need changing if I want to keep up the standard of the car. Other stuff like the ccv, the maf sensor and relocating the roof motor to the boot are the other bits I want to do before end of November and winter dry dock. I think the z4 is the spiritual successor to road legends like the injection Capri and the tr6 to name but two. It kind of embodies and enables the joy of driving. I want to look after mine as much as possible within my budget. These replies are really helpful. Next post will probably be about ngk Iridium spark plugs versus bosch.

Thanks once again, viva Z4 :thumbsup:
Zfourever :driving:
 
No problem :thumbsup:
Let us know if the solenoids improve the stutter. Mine hesitates less after swapping the solenoids.

Regarding iridium versus platinum plugs, I am sure you will get some conflicting opinions on that one :wink:
 
Will do. Nothing ventured nothing learned. Can always keep the current ones and put them back if it doesn't work. Possibly :|
Cheers
Zfourever
 
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