Difficulty Level: 5 Difficulty scale: Adding air to your tires is level one Rebuilding a BMW Motor is level ten
This article is one in a series that have been released in conjunction with Wayne's new book, 101 Performance Projects for Your BMW 3 Series. The book contains 272 pages of full color projects detailing everything from performance mods to timing the camshafts. With more than 650+ full-color glossy photos accompanying extensive step-by-step procedures, this book is required reading in any 3 Series owner's collection. The book was released in August 2006, and is available for ordering now. See The Official Book Website for more details.
The later-model E36 six-cylinder engines have a mechanism that allows for variable advancing of the camshaft timing. The VANOS unit (Variable Onckenwellen Steuerung) is an electromechanical unit that uses a hydraulic piston to accelerate the camshaft timing at higher rpm. This unit is controlled electronically by a solenoid connected to the engine management system (DME).
The VANOS unit is hydraulically operated using pressurized oil from the engine. As such, the oil line that feeds the VANOS unit often begins to leak from age. Its very common for this line to weep oil and leak it on top of the engine. To replace it, you will need to remove the intake manifold first in order to gain access (see our intake manifold removal article). Once the manifold is off, removal of the line is as easy as disconnecting the two banjo bolts on each end, and removing and replacing the line. Use new aluminum sealing rings when you install the new line.
Also accessible is the VANOS unit solenoid. This unit is responsible for actuating a valve that opens and allows pressurized oil to flow into the VANOS unit. To remove and replace this solenoid, you will also need to remove the intake manifold, as the electrical connector for the solenoid is hidden under the manifold. Be sure to use a new O-ring on the VANOS solenoid when you install its replacement.
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Figure 1
This photo shows the two ends of the VANOS oil supply line. On the left, you see the point where it mounts to the VANOS unit. On the right, the line snakes down under the intake manifold and mounts just behind the oil filter housing (yellow arrow). As you can see, the oil line has been leaking and is wet with oil. When installing the new line, use new sealing rings at both ends (green arrows). If you reuse the old sealing rings, they may end up leaking.
Figure 2
This photo shows the removal of the VANOS unit solenoid. The solenoid opens a valve that allows oil into the VANOS unit, which then advances the camshaft timing. Use a 32-millimeter wrench to loosen the solenoid from the VANOS unit housing. The inset on the lower left shows the inside of the solenoid. Use a new O-ring when reinstalling the solenoid. The inset on the lower right shows the valve in the VANOS unit that the solenoid opens. The light blue arrow at the top shows the camshaft position sensor (Project 14). The VANOS solenoid must be removed in order to install the camshaft position sensor into the cylinder head.
Comments: Is there more than one vanos solenoid? I need to replace my vanos intake solenoid, can someone tell me where it is located on a 2006 325 i
January 27, 2012
Legendary410
Comments: I have a 2003 BMW 325i that i am having my " mechanic " put in a head kit due to a bad head gasket. My problem is that there is a special socket to remove the head bolts and its the only tool I'm missing. Where can i get one and what is it?
November 17, 2011
JEM
Comments: BMW 335i - we took our 2007 in for a recall notice on the fuel pump a couple of months ago and had it replaced. All of a sudden now the vehicle's motor light is on again. Took it to BMW dealer and they said that now we need to pay $950 for vano solenoid and possibly a cam shaft, which would be additional. Can I replace this on my own without taking it to the dealer if I am a novice? codes: 2A82, 2A87
July 27, 2011
BImmer Bob
Comments: Also the engine was warm when I had the starting up issue. No leaks around the VANOS Solenoid or oil line.
June 9, 2011
Bimmer Bob
Comments: Hi, yesterday I had my first rough engine startup E36 328ic 1999. Then recieved codes p1519 and p0340. I reset my engine light. I got the p0340 code again but no engine problems. Would you recomend I change the electronic sensor for the intake valve or the VANOS Selinoid? Which is most likely, and would the + or - 15% change in timing cause the engine to almost not start?
June 9, 2011
Dave
Comments: Hi there, I'm beginner in DIY stuff. I have a 325i BMW with a "service engine" light on my dashboard so I went to Autozone to get the diagnose done using their machine and they gave me a code "P0369" aaCMP sensor "B" intermittent interruption. They said that diagnose is not accurate since their equipment is not good for beemers. I want to repair the car myself so I dont know what to do know. Should I trust that code? or How/where can I get an accurare Diagnose? I'm trying to avoid buying the machine since I'm trygin to repair the car so I can sell it, Should I buy my own machine? What would be a good diagnose machine for BMW? Your guidance is appreciated. Thanks
August 28, 2010
Dave
Comments: Yes you were right, it was stuck so I put more force on the tool and I was finally able to remove it. THANK YOU!! Btw: The wrench I was using was quite short so I found a tool with a LARGER handle with provides more leverage requiring less muscle...
August 25, 2010
Followup from the Pelican Staff: Cool deal, glad it worked out for you. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
Dave
Comments: I cant remove the VANOS unit solenoid on my 325i-BMW-01man its soo tight that appears that it was welded...and obvioulsy I know it wasnt... Im using an adjustable wrench turning clockwise looking from the front of the car. Dont want to brake it....Should I just keep trying orI'm I missing somenthing?
August 21, 2010
Followup from the Pelican Staff: Clockwise should be correct, if it's turning, it may just be stuck, but I can't be 100% sure without looking at it in person. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
e
Comments: hey thanks Wayne i appreciate it alot
April 27, 2010
e
Comments: I'm changing my camshaft sensor, i know that i need to take the vanos oil line off and also i know that i need the sealing rings but do i need to change the banjo bolt too?
April 27, 2010
Followup from the Pelican Staff: Nope, it's perfectly fine to reuse the bolt as-is. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
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