Vanos Solenoid fault on Z4 E85 3.0si 2007

[Rucky]

Been getting intermittent engine light and hard Vanos Inlet solenoid faults (as diagnosed by the Carsoft diagnostic)

Decided to change out both solenoids - despite only having Inlet fault.

Thought I would try pattern parts - £50 pair from your favourite auction site - having read the price of OEM parts.

Removed the plastic rocker cover and radiator top cowling only and managed to remove both solenoids (having tagged the plugs)

Hard to put the new ones in with the O ring fitted to the solenoid so put the O ring in the recess first - the new solenoids slid in with a little oil and a gentle push.

Indicated faults cleared and no repeats in the first 500 miles or so - £50 well spent and I have an OEM spare should one of the new (cheap) ones go down.

Incidentally found an interesting fault that caused very rough running, poor idle and multiple faults related to Mass airflow.

When I refitted the Plastic Cam cover I didn't seat the square Oil fillet cap properly - first engine start was worse that before I changed the solenoids - idle hunting and very rough.

This BMW engine needs a well sealed cam cover/ oil filler otherwise it upsets the pressure differential across the mass flowmeter!!!!

Very happy with car now!

Rgds

 

[Mr Tidy]

Glad you've got it sorted!

I didn't think they were horribly expensive - I had one replaced in November 2016 and my Indy only charged me £75 + VAT for the part (and I'm sure it would have been from BMW).

Still it's very satisfying working through these sort of jobs.

 

[Rucky]

That's still 90 each 3 years ago against 48 for two including vat and delivery. Will have to see how long they last!

 

[Rucky]

Still going strong after 2 years and 10K miles.

 

[ph001]

I’ve heard similar things that the pattern parts work just fine for the solenoids. That seems to be backed up by your experience. I am surprised that you had to remove the rocker cover though, I thought they were both fairly easily accessible from the front of the engine.

 

[Rucky]

Coming on 3 years and 20K + miles now and still running well.
So good value for money!