How to check e36 evo vanos
Discussion
Hi people,
I'm in and out of the Porsche forum quite a bit but, haven't been in here much, so hello!
I'm going to view to 1998 E36 evo convertible tommorrow. I know about the vanos issues, but not how you can actually tell, if you're not familiar with that particular car. I've heard of people mentioning rattles, etc, but don't you get rattles from all sorts of other areas?, such as cam followers etc, for a second or two on start-up, until they fill with oil (on worn motors obviously).
The car has covered 90,000 miles. I've done a search but, can't find any tips on quickly spotting a failed vanos. Any help would be much appreciated.
I'm off to bed soon as I work nights at the mo' but thanks in advance for any ideas.
I'm in and out of the Porsche forum quite a bit but, haven't been in here much, so hello!
I'm going to view to 1998 E36 evo convertible tommorrow. I know about the vanos issues, but not how you can actually tell, if you're not familiar with that particular car. I've heard of people mentioning rattles, etc, but don't you get rattles from all sorts of other areas?, such as cam followers etc, for a second or two on start-up, until they fill with oil (on worn motors obviously).
The car has covered 90,000 miles. I've done a search but, can't find any tips on quickly spotting a failed vanos. Any help would be much appreciated.
I'm off to bed soon as I work nights at the mo' but thanks in advance for any ideas.
Most Vanos rumble (some more than others) which is fine. From tickover - 1800rpm ish.
This is not a problem as most do this. Unless its a real bad noise!
You need to check for a power kick at 2400 rpm and then again at about 5000 rpm.
Try it in 2nd gear and it should pull hard in the midrange and then zing like a power band to the red line.
Make sure it's warm if your booting it!
Other than a major clattering or it not working properley. Check for oil leakage at the front of the cylinder head (vanos)
This problem is also overhyped.
Also as above, use the search facility!
This is not a problem as most do this. Unless its a real bad noise!
You need to check for a power kick at 2400 rpm and then again at about 5000 rpm.
Try it in 2nd gear and it should pull hard in the midrange and then zing like a power band to the red line.
Make sure it's warm if your booting it!
Other than a major clattering or it not working properley. Check for oil leakage at the front of the cylinder head (vanos)
This problem is also overhyped.
Also as above, use the search facility!
Edited by AM-BM on Tuesday 25th November 12:46
I've had a replacement vanos at 76k after changing everything else relating to the lumpy idle and poor pick up problems I had, so I believe that the vanos issue is not over hyped.
Stick it in 4th gear at 2500rpm and floor it, you should feel a noticable pick up just after 2500rpm. Other than that, pop out the vanos filter and see what sort of condition it's in. If the car has been looked after and has history, go with your heart.
If you don't like the car, I'm selling my E36 evo convertible (Getting an E46)
1999 on a V plate (84k)
6 speed manual
Carbon black with modena leather (Both indervidual colours)
Electric, heated leather
Harmon Kardon with the BMW profession head unit
FSH
12 month MOT
Eibach pro kit / Power flex bushes
Scorpion exhaust (Original exhaust and air box in the garage)
Induction kit
Front strut brace
looking for £7k
Stick it in 4th gear at 2500rpm and floor it, you should feel a noticable pick up just after 2500rpm. Other than that, pop out the vanos filter and see what sort of condition it's in. If the car has been looked after and has history, go with your heart.
If you don't like the car, I'm selling my E36 evo convertible (Getting an E46)
1999 on a V plate (84k)
6 speed manual
Carbon black with modena leather (Both indervidual colours)
Electric, heated leather
Harmon Kardon with the BMW profession head unit
FSH
12 month MOT
Eibach pro kit / Power flex bushes
Scorpion exhaust (Original exhaust and air box in the garage)
Induction kit
Front strut brace
looking for £7k
Thanks for that guys! I did use the search and read a bit about failures, etc.
I just couldn't find anything quickly about spotting it quickly on viewing a car, I was ready for bed though.
tjw - your car sounds lovely but, a bit more than I'm looking to spend, it's only going to be a daily hack. Good luck with the sale though. My mates a dealer and has the chance of a car for me. 1998 s reg, estoril blue conv. with hard top. manual, 90k, £3300 with cracked windscreen and slipping clutch, which will obviously make it harder to check that vanos, doh!
Obviously I'm going in with eyes wide open, as if the previous owner hasn't fixed the clutch, what else haven't they done?
I'm viewing tomorrow, so will stick up a post to say what it's like.
Once again, Thanks very much for the help.
I just couldn't find anything quickly about spotting it quickly on viewing a car, I was ready for bed though.
tjw - your car sounds lovely but, a bit more than I'm looking to spend, it's only going to be a daily hack. Good luck with the sale though. My mates a dealer and has the chance of a car for me. 1998 s reg, estoril blue conv. with hard top. manual, 90k, £3300 with cracked windscreen and slipping clutch, which will obviously make it harder to check that vanos, doh!
Obviously I'm going in with eyes wide open, as if the previous owner hasn't fixed the clutch, what else haven't they done?
I'm viewing tomorrow, so will stick up a post to say what it's like.
Once again, Thanks very much for the help.
Mines at 93k: on it's third VANOS, courtesy of the warranty way back when. Snagged it for an occassional funny rattle when cold, strange thing, still does it occassionally, 50K down the track, but still pulls like a train! In the words of the irrepressible Mr Clarkson "All I know is...it ain't just the VANOS that rattles...!"
It's undoubtably an issue: but just how big, I'm no longer that sure. I wonder how much motivation dealers had in the early days, to diagnose a pending failure & get the warranty company involved, which then blew the problem far bigger than it really is/was. Also, I've heard a YouTube video of one with a known knackered VANOS, that sounded like a bag of bolts in a spindryer - if it's still there, it's worth a listen.
It's undoubtably an issue: but just how big, I'm no longer that sure. I wonder how much motivation dealers had in the early days, to diagnose a pending failure & get the warranty company involved, which then blew the problem far bigger than it really is/was. Also, I've heard a YouTube video of one with a known knackered VANOS, that sounded like a bag of bolts in a spindryer - if it's still there, it's worth a listen.
Vanos problems are over publicised and not all of them rattle. Mine is quiet as a mouse.
To check (and this is not definitive) find a quiet spot to stop. Open bonnet and listen to the nearest end of the engine to you. The silver bit on the front with the black rocker cover behind. Get lift the revs to 2000rpm then let drop to idle. If there is a potential vanos problem you will either hear a hideous rattle or a brr rrr rrr rrr sort of sound.
And as for the above - S reg in Estoril with a slipping clutch and crakced windscreen? That aside - £3300 is mega mega cheap and personally, I'd run a mile as heaven knows what else is up with it at that price.
To check (and this is not definitive) find a quiet spot to stop. Open bonnet and listen to the nearest end of the engine to you. The silver bit on the front with the black rocker cover behind. Get lift the revs to 2000rpm then let drop to idle. If there is a potential vanos problem you will either hear a hideous rattle or a brr rrr rrr rrr sort of sound.
And as for the above - S reg in Estoril with a slipping clutch and crakced windscreen? That aside - £3300 is mega mega cheap and personally, I'd run a mile as heaven knows what else is up with it at that price.
As stated before, most rattle as I looked at loads before I bought my'n and spoke to BM technicians. So you'll be lucky to find a silent one.
even if there is a rattle there, it doesn't mean it's going to fail? My's done 15k since I got it and sounds exactly the same as the day I got it. Pulls like a train still to.
Also others have had 3 vanos etc. Whats to say a silent one after 15k will not be noiser than one like my'n?
even if there is a rattle there, it doesn't mean it's going to fail? My's done 15k since I got it and sounds exactly the same as the day I got it. Pulls like a train still to.
Also others have had 3 vanos etc. Whats to say a silent one after 15k will not be noiser than one like my'n?
My cars on 10500 miles with no problems whatsoever on the vanos. I only picked up my evo in the summer but before i did i scoured all the M3 forums for vanos issues and was really worried about it. I think the problem is really overhyped. I know people get problems but its all down to the service. Make sure when you get it done that you ask the garage to change the vanos filters and all neccassary parts. Ive still a little weary. After picking up a higher mileage car just keep thinking its going to go. AM-PMs comment above gave me total confidence however when he described how to know if your vanos is fine. The feeling in third when your lower down the rev range and it pulls hard then once you hit the 5000rpm mark is amazing.Feels similar to the type-rs VTEC system(although a lot quicker)
Its very difficult to know if there going to fail soon.
My car was fine a few months ago, running well and made 316bhp on the rolling road which is good for a standard Evo.
Then from one day without any real warning vanos snapped the heads off of two of the bolts which hold the solenoid cover on and since has completely stopped working.
I think thew major concern is the cost of replacement being £2K ish, but with dr vanos rebuilding them for in the region of $400 delivered to the UK and fitting being around 3-4 hours the vanos issue will hopefully be less of a problem.
I'm slightly disappointed that BMW don't offer some sort of rebuild service as i seam to remember that they want your old unit back once you've paid 2k for the new one.
My car was fine a few months ago, running well and made 316bhp on the rolling road which is good for a standard Evo.
Then from one day without any real warning vanos snapped the heads off of two of the bolts which hold the solenoid cover on and since has completely stopped working.
I think thew major concern is the cost of replacement being £2K ish, but with dr vanos rebuilding them for in the region of $400 delivered to the UK and fitting being around 3-4 hours the vanos issue will hopefully be less of a problem.
I'm slightly disappointed that BMW don't offer some sort of rebuild service as i seam to remember that they want your old unit back once you've paid 2k for the new one.
If in doubt, and anywhere near the West side of the M25 Phil Crouch at CPC is worth a call to do an inspection. It will be the best £150+ you will ever spend as even if you walk away a bad Evo could eat £150 in the blink of an eye to bring something up to scratch. He will tell you exactly what you will need to do, and whether you plan like me to get some done yourself and some professionally its a good thing to get.
I'm not a Vanos doom monger, but he said mine was a bit noisy but he didn't think there was a problem, more the gears than the other fragile bits.. I got an M3 Evo Conv Silver / Black. Mine was supposed to be £7500 but got it down to £6800 I think after Phil's inspection turned up some stuff (aircon condenser leak, front discs non BMW units etc) Paid for istelf easily and more peace of mind... result!
I'm not a Vanos doom monger, but he said mine was a bit noisy but he didn't think there was a problem, more the gears than the other fragile bits.. I got an M3 Evo Conv Silver / Black. Mine was supposed to be £7500 but got it down to £6800 I think after Phil's inspection turned up some stuff (aircon condenser leak, front discs non BMW units etc) Paid for istelf easily and more peace of mind... result!
Thanks for all the info, much appreciated!
I've bought the car. It's rough around the edges, as I mentioned but, not a dog by any stretch of the imagination.
There are no funny noises or rattles from the vanos in particular, although I am still wary of it, so will have the filter and bolts changed in the new year. The engine does sound a little ticky in general though.
First job is the clutch, I'm dropping one off at a mates garage and he's doing it for £80. Windscreen is £110 + vat fitted. Then theres just a dent in the bonnet, which may mean a new one, and a good mopping while they're on. I'll also get the wheels refurbed due to slight scuffs around the edges.
The lad I got the car off (through my dealer mate) paid mega bucks for it, about 3 years ago. He's let it go a bit but, I got it for £3000 exactly with the hard top. It's worth that in bits, so not to worried about how things pan out with it. It's a daily driver at the end of the day, my good car gets the pampering. The M3 will get whatever it needs though.
Like I say, thanks a lot, these forums are a godsend when it comes to quick info. I'll post some pics up of the car hopefully next weekend. I work long hours at the moment. Cheers!
I've bought the car. It's rough around the edges, as I mentioned but, not a dog by any stretch of the imagination.
There are no funny noises or rattles from the vanos in particular, although I am still wary of it, so will have the filter and bolts changed in the new year. The engine does sound a little ticky in general though.
First job is the clutch, I'm dropping one off at a mates garage and he's doing it for £80. Windscreen is £110 + vat fitted. Then theres just a dent in the bonnet, which may mean a new one, and a good mopping while they're on. I'll also get the wheels refurbed due to slight scuffs around the edges.
The lad I got the car off (through my dealer mate) paid mega bucks for it, about 3 years ago. He's let it go a bit but, I got it for £3000 exactly with the hard top. It's worth that in bits, so not to worried about how things pan out with it. It's a daily driver at the end of the day, my good car gets the pampering. The M3 will get whatever it needs though.
Like I say, thanks a lot, these forums are a godsend when it comes to quick info. I'll post some pics up of the car hopefully next weekend. I work long hours at the moment. Cheers!
If the clutch definitely needs doing (they all have very low bite points) it's also worth upgrading the flexible hydraulic clutch line to a braided item. It raises the bite point as the pedal will actually operate the clutch rather than expand the pipe first.
Do a search on here for clutch pipe for more details. Cost is about £30 but worth it.
Do a search on here for clutch pipe for more details. Cost is about £30 but worth it.
alanruss said:
If in doubt, and anywhere near the West side of the M25 Phil Crouch at CPC is worth a call to do an inspection. It will be the best £150+ you will ever spend as even if you walk away a bad Evo could eat £150 in the blink of an eye to bring something up to scratch. He will tell you exactly what you will need to do, and whether you plan like me to get some done yourself and some professionally its a good thing to get.
I'm not a Vanos doom monger, but he said mine was a bit noisy but he didn't think there was a problem, more the gears than the other fragile bits.. I got an M3 Evo Conv Silver / Black. Mine was supposed to be £7500 but got it down to £6800 I think after Phil's inspection turned up some stuff (aircon condenser leak, front discs non BMW units etc) Paid for istelf easily and more peace of mind... result!
+1I'm not a Vanos doom monger, but he said mine was a bit noisy but he didn't think there was a problem, more the gears than the other fragile bits.. I got an M3 Evo Conv Silver / Black. Mine was supposed to be £7500 but got it down to £6800 I think after Phil's inspection turned up some stuff (aircon condenser leak, front discs non BMW units etc) Paid for istelf easily and more peace of mind... result!
My'n had it's inspection with Phil at CPC , and very much recommended.
He also advised the same ref my Vanos.
Oh and you can here a fair bit of engine noise through the bulk head on these.
Edited by AM-BM on Tuesday 2nd December 15:54
Cheers AM-BM,
I would have got an inspection done, but for the money involved and the time I didn't have I just took a punt on it.(A few of my mates wanted it if I didn't, and my mate who found it for me wanted a quick answer, as he'd had the car dropped off at his garage for a day, by the seller, so I could view it).
Fingers crossed it wont be a wallet hoover, but we'll see. I'm budgeting at least another £1000 or so to have it nice and usable.
I would have got an inspection done, but for the money involved and the time I didn't have I just took a punt on it.(A few of my mates wanted it if I didn't, and my mate who found it for me wanted a quick answer, as he'd had the car dropped off at his garage for a day, by the seller, so I could view it).
Fingers crossed it wont be a wallet hoover, but we'll see. I'm budgeting at least another £1000 or so to have it nice and usable.
My vanos on my car is slightly noisey when dropping it from 2k revs.
Still managed to get 341 bhp @ the flywheel on the rollers last sat thanks to AMD in essex.
1998
116,000 miles
Supersprint silenced de-cats
Scorpion cat back exhaust
Dave F induction kit
I think people worry more than you should, but it is a gamble.
dave
Still managed to get 341 bhp @ the flywheel on the rollers last sat thanks to AMD in essex.
1998
116,000 miles
Supersprint silenced de-cats
Scorpion cat back exhaust
Dave F induction kit
I think people worry more than you should, but it is a gamble.
dave
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