VANOS noise?

[jontysafe]

What would be the audible symptoms of a mechanically worn VANOS unit? Would it whine?

[pat_y]

The best description of Vanos issues is probabaly by Neil Mukerji
http://mukerji.co.uk/category/vanos/
I suspect this is one of the most quoted web pages ever when it comes to the big V issue.

[Mroad]

Blip the throttle, when it drops back down to 1500rpm ish it will start to sound like a diesel.

[jontysafe]

Sorry, forgot to mention this is on an S54. Although probably very similar. No diesel noise on return to sub 1500rpm. To be honest I think it`s fine, BMW technical department remotely monitered the engine parameters from main dealer yesterday and suggested fitting a new VANOS after replacing a camshaft position sensor didnt switch off the emissions light. It`s now been with dealer over a week and their master tech doesn`t seem to think this will solve it either. He`s pulling for the DME to be replaced. Any thoughts? It`s a 56 plate with 25,000ish miles and FSH.

[cjj799]

Are there any other symptoms apart from the light, does it drive ok?
I'd take it somewhere else (maybe even an indy) before i' let them replace the vanos, it's not unknown for them to keep throwing parts at it until it is sorted, then you end up with a massive bill for something that was quite simple to start with.

[jontysafe]

Thanks cj999 but thank god this is all warranty work, they can replace as much as they like!! I just want it sorted. Mind you, in the meantime they`ve given me a spanking new Z4 to tool around in. Can`t be bad.

[jontysafe]

As far as I was concerned it was driving fine, not having driven one before. Maybe there wasn`t the jump at 4000rpm that people talk about on the S54 engine but to be honest it felt A LOT faster at the top end then the bottom. TBH, from reading various posts on here that`s normal too.

[cjj799]

Lucky you, just let them at it. Tell them to give you a call when its ready.