Vanos - DIY Refurbish or Fit Reconditioned Unit?

S

Sky-drive

Member
Been a while since I last posted on the Forum.

Ive owned my 53plate 2.5SE for over 4 years now and its had a series of mods in this time all to improve it. The mileage is now approaching 118k and from reading on the forum I think its time the VANOS was removed and reconditioned.

Q1: do I refurbish the O-rings myself or do I buy in a reconditioned VANOS and fit that?

Q2: how difficult a job is it for someone who has some mechanical knowledge to DIY it?

Q3: any recommendations who could supply and fit a reconditioned VANOS unit?

Any suggestions/help much appreciated.
 
I recently did a full Vanos rebuild (seals and anti-rattle washers/bearings) on my '03 2.5i. Myself and a few other forum members seemed to be attempting this task at the same time and so there was quite a few threads on the topic. Do a forum search for Vanos Rebuild and you'll find 5 or 6 threads. Here is a link to one of them :
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=122759&p=1754529&hilit=Vanos#p1754529
You will probably find all your questions answered within them. YouTube videos are also a good source of info/tips, 50sKid is my go to. This full step by step walkthrough is also excellent:
http://www.beisansystems.com/procedures/vanos_procedure.htm
:thumbsup:
 
Thanks for the advice and links, much appreciated.

Ive checked with my German car specialist and hes not up for doing the Vanos refurbish - said hes never done one. So looks like I might have to order in a refurbishment kit and roll up my sleeves and have a bash. I did the DISA upgrade myself and that was a straightforward task ... but Im guessing the Vanos kit requires more mechanical skill, experience, knowledge and tools than I potentially possess!
 
I did Vanos on an E39 not so long ago having never done it before. Got the kit from X8R and their instructions are bang on. It was easy enough so I’d say do it. I think you can download the instructions from their website so take a look before buying so you’re happy you can do it.

Also try discount code ‘VALUED’ - it may still work? :thumbsup:
 
I've done the job and it's not really hard - there's plenty of instructions around.

The only difficulty is access. Quite a few threads on here about methods of actually getting the unit off the studs, from cutting the stud by a few thread to using a prybar and flexing the frame momentary to slip it out. Also another method of raising the engine slightly.

I personally went with the prying method and got mine out. Once its out it's very straight forward :thumbsup:
 
I'd say "refurbish" - at least on a UK M54 car.

Most of the work is in getting access - opening the unit and replacing the seals is quite easy.
I didn't bother doing the bearings - they seemed ok but moreover this tends to be a problem on the US ZHP cars or other engine variants.
 
If you're doing this on an M54, from experience you 100% need to remove all the covers you can and the front fan.
Then flexi sockets/tiny hands will help for sure.

Also NEED 90 degree needle nose pliers
 
cheers for the advice guys - I was advised to contact Ross at RBM Hampshire and will now be booking it in with him to get the Vanos refurbished
 
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