Vanos Seals Replacement

[DaveTyco]

Hello

I've got a 2004 3.0ltr Z4 and after a discussion with a friend who is familiar with the M52 engine it was suggested that I replace the seals on my VANOS unit to solve a low power and Idle issue.

However, I managed to go through all the steps for removal of the VANOS unit only to discover that there is not enough space between the engine and the front brace to actually take it off.

Could you help me out, what is the easiest way for a relatively unskilled guy to get this off? or should I just take it to the garage?

Thanks in advance,

Dave

 

[GuidoK]

On some cars where the space is only slightly not enough you can have a friend push the engine ever so slightly back (the engine is mounted in rubbers (motormounts) so it can move a little bit) that it clears the studs. Doesnt work on all cars. Maybe depends on how strong your friend is, or maybe it varies from car to car how much extra clearance it needs. If this works its obviously the fastest and it leaves no damage/marks.

You can also when you have removed the nuts from the studs move the vanos forewards, and put a strong pair of pliers (grip pliers or water pump pliers) on the most left stud (at the back of the vanos where the stud gets visible) and unscrew that. You risk damaging the threads somewhat, but the nut doesnt use that part of the threads so there is no functional damage. Refit the stud with some bleu loctite.

Or you can remove the motormounts. that drops the engine 2 inch or so which also gives enough room. But that may be somewhat difficult doing on your driveway but always works and leaves no damage or marks. If you have the car on a lift and you have a transmission jack its an easy job (if you go this route you might want to do that in a diy garage)

 

[DaveTyco]

On some cars where the space is only slightly not enough you can have a friend push the engine ever so slightly back (the engine is mounted in rubbers (motormounts) so it can move a little bit) that it clears the studs. Doesnt work on all cars. Maybe depends on how strong your friend is, or maybe it varies from car to car how much extra clearance it needs. If this works its obviously the fastest and it leaves no damage/marks.

You can also when you have removed the nuts from the studs move the vanos forewards, and put a strong pair of pliers (grip pliers or water pump pliers) on the most left stud (at the back of the vanos where the stud gets visible) and unscrew that. You risk damaging the threads somewhat, but the nut doesnt use that part of the threads so there is no functional damage. Refit the stud with some bleu loctite.

Or you can remove the motormounts. that drops the engine 2 inch or so which also gives enough room. But that may be somewhat difficult doing on your driveway but always works and leaves no damage or marks. If you have the car on a lift and you have a transmission jack its an easy job (if you go this route you might want to do that in a diy garage)

Thanks ever so much GuidoK, really helpful I'll give these tips a go tonight.

Fingers Crossed