Anyone want to know what a Vanos solenoid looks like?

Blk07335i · 05-19-2010, 10:13 PM

Been having occasional limp modes followed by the P0015 code which reads camshaft over-retarded. Dealer couldn't reproduce the problem so I decided to replace them myself. Very easy DIY. Basic remove and replace. Problem is fixed as well.

dzenno · 05-19-2010, 10:19 PM

Have part #? Any insight/diy pointers..how do u get to these?

Perfectus · 05-19-2010, 10:20 PM

Do you have the instructions? How did you know you needed to replace the solenoid?

gerardm · 05-19-2010, 10:25 PM

awesome, my car is in need of this fix good to know that when warranty is up its a 'simple' swap

scottp999 · 05-19-2010, 10:32 PM

Excellent. If you have some steps that you could tell us, more excellent.

Blk07335i · 05-19-2010, 11:33 PM

I'll put something together and post it up this weekend.

ala012 · 05-20-2010, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blk07335i

I'll put something together and post it up this weekend.

Please !

John 070 · 05-20-2010, 03:31 AM

Awesome! Now that's one way of getting around the dealership "unable to duplicate car operating as designed" syndrome!

hugus311 · 05-20-2010, 04:31 AM

do it and that definite mater list sticky material!

Former_Boosted_IS · 05-20-2010, 05:19 AM

RealOEM lists the cost as $118 per solenoid and $6.85 for each set of gaskets.

Part 1/2.

How hard was it to reach the second VANOS solenoid?

mwahlert · 05-20-2010, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Former_Boosted_IS

RealOEM lists the cost as $118 per solenoid and $6.85 for each set of gaskets.

Part 1/2.

How hard was it to reach the second VANOS solenoid?

exactly i was looking at this diagram yesterday, i don't even see a location for the second?

strange..

it looks like to me that #1 (the solenoid) includes the o rings, but they can be purchased separately as #2.

Former_Boosted_IS · 05-20-2010, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwahlert

exactly i was looking at this diagram yesterday, i don't even see a location for the second?

strange..

it looks like to me that #1 (the solenoid) includes the o rings, but they can be purchased separately as #2.

I have a Bentley service manual, so I can look later to see. I dropped the tranny using the manual, so it should have the info needed.

Blk07335i · 05-20-2010, 09:08 AM

FYI, when you buy the solenoids the gaskets come with or at least they did with mine. Both of the solenoids are right next to each other. In the diagram they only show one but list two items for each part number. If you look at the parts diagram you will see that original solenoid was replaced with a new part number I think after summer of 08. I have a 2/07 build so I had the original part number solenoids on my car. To replace them I removed the plastic engine cover and the air intake snorkel just to give myself some room. The solenoids are attached to the block by one 10mm bolt each. Remove the bolt and the wire harness and they just slide right out. Be sure to put a rag underneath as a little bit of oil will come out with the solenoid. Also be sure to do this when the engine is cold.

ianthegreat · 05-20-2010, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blk07335i

I'll put something together and post it up this weekend.

Former_Boosted_IS · 05-20-2010, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blk07335i

FYI, when you buy the solenoids the gaskets come with or at least they did with mine. Both of the solenoids are right next to each other. In the diagram they only show one but list two items for each part number. If you look at the parts diagram you will see that original solenoid was replaced with a new part number I think after summer of 08. I have a 2/07 build so I had the original part number solenoids on my car. To replace them I removed the plastic engine cover and the air intake snorkel just to give myself some room. The solenoids are attached to the block by one 10mm bolt each. Remove the bolt and the wire harness and they just slide right out. Be sure to put a rag underneath as a little bit of oil will come out with the solenoid. Also be sure to do this when the engine is cold.

So this is the solution to dreaded VANOS issues? $240 and about 30 minutes of your time? If so, this is good to know.

M3 Eater · 05-20-2010, 09:42 AM

I heard its not this simple...... to swap them is one thing but I asked the same question and somehow there is more to this system than just the solenoids.

I don't understand it fully yet but the swap is simple for sure. To remove them is easy for sure. To make them stop coding your car.... its suppose to be more involved.

Again, I don't know why tech told me its 40 min labor to swap, 4 hours to replace???????

a32guy · 05-20-2010, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3 Eater

I heard its not this simple...... to swap them is one thing but I asked the same question and somehow there is more to this system than just the solenoids.

I don't understand it fully yet but the swap is simple for sure. To remove them is easy for sure. To make them stop coding your car.... its suppose to be more involved.

Again, I don't know why tech told me its 40 min labor to swap, 4 hours to replace???????

There is more to the vanos system. These just regulate oil pressure to the unit that moves the cams.

Former_Boosted_IS · 05-20-2010, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a32guy

There is more to the vanos system. These just regulate oil pressure to the unit that moves the cams.

What part of the system traditionally fails though?

a32guy · 05-20-2010, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Former_Boosted_IS

What part of the system traditionally fails though?

In the older cars (E36 and E46) the seals in the actuators would become worn, preventing the actuator from properly adjusting the cam to the requested angle. This could cause CEL's, poor performance, and funny vanos noises.

This type of thing usually isn't until ~100k miles though.

mwahlert · 05-20-2010, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Former_Boosted_IS

What part of the system traditionally fails though?

a lot of people have had the bearing ledges replaced in accordance w/ a service bulletin. apparently grooves get worn into them and inhibit oil flow.

that is a much larger job...

part numbers 5 and 6 are the bearing ledges - they get scored at the front engine side

a32guy · 05-20-2010, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwahlert

a lot of people have had the bearing ledges replaced in accordance w/ a service bulletin. apparently groves get worn into them and inhibit oil flow.

Yikes!! That does NOT look like a fun job!

Blk07335i · 05-20-2010, 10:58 AM

Correct, some people have had to have the ledges replaced and that probably is not a DIY unless your are pretty hard core and have a few special BMW tools. I have the Bentley manual and you need a couple BMW tools to remove them IIRC. Fortunately, since BMW updated the solenoid part # this seems to be the cause of the majority of the Vanos related issues especially on cars with relatively low miles (<80K). All I know is that I could easily get my car to limp by accelerating hard and now everything is fine and it seems to be running better overall (smoother idle, etc...).

05-19-2010, 10:13 PM	#1
Blk07335i Captain 61 Rep 940 Posts Drives: 2024 G87 M2 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Boston area iTrader: (4)	Anyone want to know what a Vanos solenoid looks like? Been having occasional limp modes followed by the P0015 code which reads camshaft over-retarded. Dealer couldn't reproduce the problem so I decided to replace them myself. Very easy DIY. Basic remove and replace. Problem is fixed as well.
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05-19-2010, 10:20 PM	#3
Perfectus Major 35 Rep 1,252 Posts Drives: e92 335i/F10 528XI Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NOVA/MD iTrader: (10)	Do you have the instructions? How did you know you needed to replace the solenoid? __________________ 2012 528XI Saphire Black Stock for now 2007 e92 335i - Monaco Blue Injen DCI w/ Cyba Scoop - M-Tech Rear - ///M3 Rear Lip Spoiler - ///M5 SMG Shift Knob & iDrive Knob - BMW Performance Hand Brake - BMWCCA Member
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05-19-2010, 10:25 PM	#4
gerardm Captain 29 Rep 703 Posts Drives: '07 335i Sedan - Alpine White Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Rocky Point, NY iTrader: (5)	awesome, my car is in need of this fix good to know that when warranty is up its a 'simple' swap
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05-19-2010, 10:32 PM	#5
scottp999 Brigadier General 133 Rep 4,764 Posts Drives: 4runner SR5 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: MD iTrader: (2) Garage List 2007 BMW 335 [9.00]	Excellent. If you have some steps that you could tell us, more excellent.
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05-19-2010, 11:33 PM	#6
Blk07335i Captain 61 Rep 940 Posts Drives: 2024 G87 M2 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Boston area iTrader: (4)	I'll put something together and post it up this weekend.
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05-19-2010, 10:19 PM	#2
dzenno Banned 273 Rep 5,876 Posts Drives: Join Date: Feb 2006 iTrader: (1)	Have part #? Any insight/diy pointers..how do u get to these?
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05-20-2010, 03:31 AM	#8
John 070 Lieutenant General 1706 Rep 14,829 Posts Drives: 335i cpe Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: ZSP/ZPP/ZCW iTrader: (0)	Awesome! Now that's one way of getting around the dealership "unable to duplicate car operating as designed" syndrome!
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05-20-2010, 04:31 AM	#9
hugus311 Titanium silver + Sport + Premium 32 Rep 662 Posts Drives: 2006 330i (E90) Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: west covina 626 iTrader: (6)	do it and that definite mater list sticky material!
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05-20-2010, 05:19 AM	#10
Former_Boosted_IS Major General 307 Rep 5,175 Posts Drives: 4 Wheels Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Planet Earth! iTrader: (15)	RealOEM lists the cost as $118 per solenoid and $6.85 for each set of gaskets. Part 1/2. How hard was it to reach the second VANOS solenoid?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-20-2010, 09:08 AM	#13
Blk07335i Captain 61 Rep 940 Posts Drives: 2024 G87 M2 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Boston area iTrader: (4)	FYI, when you buy the solenoids the gaskets come with or at least they did with mine. Both of the solenoids are right next to each other. In the diagram they only show one but list two items for each part number. If you look at the parts diagram you will see that original solenoid was replaced with a new part number I think after summer of 08. I have a 2/07 build so I had the original part number solenoids on my car. To replace them I removed the plastic engine cover and the air intake snorkel just to give myself some room. The solenoids are attached to the block by one 10mm bolt each. Remove the bolt and the wire harness and they just slide right out. Be sure to put a rag underneath as a little bit of oil will come out with the solenoid. Also be sure to do this when the engine is cold.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-20-2010, 09:42 AM	#16
M3 Eater Major 36 Rep 1,054 Posts Drives: 335i Sedan Join Date: May 2010 Location: Unknown iTrader: (3) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	I heard its not this simple...... to swap them is one thing but I asked the same question and somehow there is more to this system than just the solenoids. I don't understand it fully yet but the swap is simple for sure. To remove them is easy for sure. To make them stop coding your car.... its suppose to be more involved. Again, I don't know why tech told me its 40 min labor to swap, 4 hours to replace???????
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-20-2010, 10:58 AM	#22
Blk07335i Captain 61 Rep 940 Posts Drives: 2024 G87 M2 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Boston area iTrader: (4)	Correct, some people have had to have the ledges replaced and that probably is not a DIY unless your are pretty hard core and have a few special BMW tools. I have the Bentley manual and you need a couple BMW tools to remove them IIRC. Fortunately, since BMW updated the solenoid part # this seems to be the cause of the majority of the Vanos related issues especially on cars with relatively low miles (<80K). All I know is that I could easily get my car to limp by accelerating hard and now everything is fine and it seems to be running better overall (smoother idle, etc...).
	Appreciate 0 Quote