Bi-VANOS question

[MitchT]

Whenever the topic of the E36 M3 Evo come up there is usually some mention of Bi-VANOS failures being common. Some say the problem is over-hyped, some say it is as widespread an issue as the hype suggests. I don't want to stimulate another argument as to whether the hype is justified or not, but what I would like is to know why Bi-VANOS failures are such a hot topic in relation to E36 M3 Evos, but not other BMWs that also have Bi-VANOS, such as the E46 M3. Is it because...

A: The Bi-VANOS on the E46 M3 is an improved design which is has a lower failure rate?
B: The Bi-VANOS on the E46 M3 is the same as the one on the E36 M3 Evo, but has a lower failure rate because it's not subjected the the same stresses due to other components performing differently?
C: The Bi-VANOS on the E46 M3 fails just as often but isn't as talked about because it's overshadowed by other issues which are even more serious?
D: Something else?

[Boulder]

MitchT said:

Whenever the topic of the E36 M3 Evo come up there is usually some mention of Bi-VANOS failures being common. Some say the problem is over-hyped, some say it is as widespread an issue as the hype suggests. I don't want to stimulate another argument as to whether the hype is justified or not, but what I would like is to know why Bi-VANOS failures are such a hot topic in relation to E36 M3 Evos, but not other BMWs that also have Bi-VANOS, such as the E46 M3. Is it because...

A: The Bi-VANOS on the E46 M3 is an improved design which is has a lower failure rate?
B: The Bi-VANOS on the E46 M3 is the same as the one on the E36 M3 Evo, but has a lower failure rate because it's not subjected the the same stresses due to other components performing differently?
C: The Bi-VANOS on the E46 M3 fails just as often but isn't as talked about because it's overshadowed by other issues which are even more serious?
D: Something else?

The vanos on the e46 was redesinged and has a near perfect reliability record.

The evo vanos issues are mostly related to oil seals leaking,blocked filters and dodgy solenoids.All of which can be rectified fairly easily.

[< FORZA WEST]

As above the E46 Vanos is almost 100% reliable.

The E36 Double do'es have issues but for the most its noise and not actual failure....loud chatter from cold and loud chatter at 3000 rpm.
I do have one in at the mo on a Z3M roadster which has failed-Exhaust side fails to operate...This particular one has an internal oil pressure loss in the vanos unit.

[french]

almost 100% ???
would that be 98%? 99% ??90% right Poll new thread

[MitchT]

Thanks folks.

Boulder said:

The evo vanos issues are mostly related to oil seals leaking,blocked filters and dodgy solenoids.All of which can be rectified fairly easily.

In that case, why have I heard from so many sources that the unit has to be replaced when it becomes faulty? My understanding was that once the unit started to fail in such a way as to affect the car's performance that the only cure was to replace it.