Remapping

[eddiemunster]

I appreciate I may well be cast asunder for this devilment, but, I'm intrigued to know who people have used (and what map) if they've had their 3.0i engine remapped.

I ask as clearly there's a degree of TPS programming going on, there's a noticable notch at just over 3k rpm, thereby convincing me I need to stay above that range in order to better mechanically appreciate the power delivery. I'm not really interested in gaining power per say, it's more about seeing what the standard/modified torque curves are like.

 

[jabber]

Not had my 3.0 remaped but once had my old 2.0 6 cylinder z3 remapped and it made a huge difference to the driving experience I don’t think there was much of a power increase 10bhp max ( including bespoke air intake ) but the car pulled much better through the rev range than without it

 

[mjennings23]

If you're noticing a surge of power over 3k rpm then I'm betting your Vanos seals are gone. Get them sorted and it'll feel like a remap, restores all the lost torque in the low range that you'll never realise you were missing.

 

[eddiemunster]

I'm betting your Vanos seals are gone.

What's involved in that/cost?

Edit - I checked the symptoms, mine doesn't have rough idle, poor MPG or throttle hesitation, just a surge of power around 3300rpm.

 

[mjennings23]

I'm betting your Vanos seals are gone.

What's involved in that/cost?

Edit - I checked the symptoms, mine doesn't have rough idle, poor MPG or throttle hesitation, just a surge of power around 3300rpm.

I'm assuming you have the M54 (pre-2006) as you stated 3.0i above.

I had none of those symptoms either, fact is the rubber BMW used will have perished by the time the car hit 30k miles. Get that done before considering a remap and you might be surprised.

If you're handy with spanners and make sure you have the correct tools, you'll have it done in a day easy.

 

[eddiemunster]

If you're handy with spanners and make sure you have the correct tools, you'll have it done in a day easy.

I'd need to go to a dealer/specialist, I think the cost/work is going to be down to the company that sold me the car.

 

[MACK]

If you're handy with spanners and make sure you have the correct tools, you'll have it done in a day easy.

I'd need to go to a dealer/specialist, I think the cost/work is going to be down to the company that sold me the car.

I doubt you'll get a dealer to cover the cost on a vanos seals job. They don't usually throw a code so the dealer isn't going to think there's an issue.

 

[eddiemunster]

They don't usually throw a code so the dealer isn't going to think there's an issue.

Worn synchros won't throw a code either, but a dealer will still be duty bound to repair them, as an example.

 

[Smartbear]

They don't usually throw a code so the dealer isn't going to think there's an issue.

Worn synchros won't throw a code either, but a dealer will still be duty bound to repair them, as an example.

That’s a bit different though, worn syncros aren’t normal wear & tear but the vanos seals are :?
Rob

 

[MACK]

They don't usually throw a code so the dealer isn't going to think there's an issue.

Worn synchros won't throw a code either, but a dealer will still be duty bound to repair them, as an example.

There not two compariable faults. Plus worn synchos are easily demonstrated to have failed. How exactly do you intend to demonstrate that you think the vanos seals arent in great shape to the dealer? Your literally going to be going in there and saying "I think my car feels a bit flat/underpowered and someone on the internet said it will be vanos seals"
There going to say two things, it runs fine and it drive fine.

That kind of sums up why sum 99% of M54 engine BMWs out there are running around with knackered vanos seals. They usually don't present with any running issues and all that happens is a gradual loss of low end torque even at very low mileage.

 

[eddiemunster]

How exactly do you intend to demonstrate that you think the vanos seals arent in great shape to the dealer?

Easily, in the same way that I could say that my 330d feels as though it's not running properly, and then show that there's excessive end-float on the turbo which is limiting boost.

If the vanos seal has failed, and was failing at the point of sale, and removal/replacement of the same proves that to be the case, then legally speaking there's nothing to discuss with the dealer other than quantum.

 

[MACK]

How exactly do you intend to demonstrate that you think the vanos seals arent in great shape to the dealer?

Easily, in the same way that I could say that my 330d feels as though it's not running properly, and then show that there's excessive end-float on the turbo which is limiting boost.

If the vanos seal has failed, and was failing at the point of sale, and removal/replacement of the same proves that to be the case, then legally speaking there's nothing to discuss with the dealer other than quantum.

Where's your evidence that a used part in a used vehicle had indeed failed to the point of needing repair/replacement rather than a bit of fair wear and tear. My point is you cant demonstrate that the worn seal was having a impact on the vehicle. It's the same as saying I've bought this car and discovered that after removing it the cam cover gasket rubber has hardened so I want the garage that sold the car to replace it. The first question anyone including a small claims court is going to ask is "how had it failed before you removed it?" Which of course can't be demonstrated.

 

[eddiemunster]

My point is you cant demonstrate that the worn seal was having a impact on the vehicle

You can't easily demonstrate that a worn turbo seal was having an impact either, but you can prove that the seal was worn and therefore it wasn't operating correctly.

I know you're only trying to help, but, I don't need advice on how the law works, that has been my job for the last 20 years: what I need is a rough estimate of the cost of replacing the vanos seals.

Regards

 

[Anmarube]

Surely everything on the car has worn to a degree because of age and mileage. Personally I'm pretty sure this would be classed as fair wear and tear.. 30% worn tyres etc. Wouldn't expect to get them replaced FOC. Second hand car not classed as new so parts wear. Most parts are not operating as they were when new.
As for price on the Vanos some guys are saying a day. So days labour at local indie at say £45 per hour plus parts plus VAT.

 

[eddiemunster]

Surely everything on the car has worn to a degree because of age and mileage.

Yes, everything is going to wear, but that doesn't necessarily change the responsibilities of the dealer: by using that argument they could effectively void every used car warranty they provide. The key is "fair wear and tear", and more importantly whether the issue was a material fact that's relevant at the point of sale.

However, the dealer accepted responsibility immediately, without question or comment, but he did ask that I try to find a more reasonable specialist to quote for the work, rather than a BMW main dealer, and I can't argue with that sentiment which is why I posted the question here.

Thanks for the rough estimate on the potential prices.

 

[MACK]

My point is you cant demonstrate that the worn seal was having a impact on the vehicle

You can't easily demonstrate that a worn turbo seal was having an impact either, but you can prove that the seal was worn and therefore it wasn't operating correctly.

I know you're only trying to help, but, I don't need advice on how the law works, that has been my job for the last 20 years: what I need is a rough estimate of the cost of replacing the vanos seals.

Regards

Well if your going to be blunt/rude so will I. First of all use the search function. That's what's it's there for. Every single question/post/thread you've asked in the few days youve been here has been asked before numerous times and you could have found that out if you'd only bothered to look. The vanos isn't a 1 day job, nothing like it but to be honest you can find that out for self now.

You do seem to think you have all the answers here and can be wrong but I still don't see how your evidencing an actual fault. All you've got so far is your perceived opinion based on a Internet diagnosis that there's a issue but you not established there is and even if you went ahead with replacing the vanos seals and presented them to the car supplier you still haven't demonstrated an actual failure, just some wear, the part could still be performing. But hey what do I know I've only got 25 years experience in this field

 

[ph001]

When people talk about VANOS seals, are they referring to the VANOS actuator solenoid seals or something else? The VANOS solenoids are a very simple DIY to remove and clean (with new seals)... https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=84789

And pic here... http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1022260

 

[eddiemunster]

Well if your going to be blunt/rude so will I.

You're more angry that I haven't accepted your opinion on what constitutes wear and tear, or whether a dealer's at fault or indeed the due process in proving the same.

This thread doesn't need anymore replies like this, it doesn't do it any favours at all, and so hopefully a moderator will lock it.

 

[MACK]

When people talk about VANOS seals, are they referring to the VANOS actuator solenoid seals or something else? The VANOS solenoids are a very simple DIY to remove and clean (with new seals)... https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=84789

And pic here... http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1022260

It's a little confusing. It solely depends on the engine you have. The thread you linked to is for the later n series engines where the soloniods are easy to remove. In this thread the member who raised Vanos assumed the OP has a pre car as he described it as 3.0i. I don't actually think the OP confirmed this but on the early m series engines it's the actual Vanos pistons inside the Vanos unit that have their seals replaced. On these it requires the vanos to be removed and striped down which is much more involved.

 

[eddiemunster]

When people talk about VANOS seals, are they referring to the VANOS actuator solenoid seals or something else? The VANOS solenoids are a very simple DIY to remove and clean (with new seals)... https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=84789

I did read this thanks, very informative, and in fact there's a good video on eBay from the manufacturer of the new seals to show how the unit comes apart and how the parts are replaced which I had a look at to.

The dealer wanted me to be as specific as I could, before he chose what he wanted to do, so the forum seemed like a good starting point in order to cross off the normal culprits, i.e. plugs, points, fuel pressure etc., etc.