M52TU Cold Stalling

[john_p]

E46 328 - I'm getting the stalling at cold issue that is a symptom of the VANOS seals being worn. (http://www.beisansystems.com/faq.html)

From what I gather, there is a software update for the M52TU engine that stops this happening. Does this update exist? Is this only available at main dealers, or can indys do it too ?

Failing that I could do the seals myself (Besian ~£50) or replacement VANOS (Dr Vanos ~£200) but either of those look like a big job, which I could easily get expensively wrong

[phelix]

it is a pretty straightfoward DIY with v thorough instructions. Did mine several years ago and it worked a treat.

[bimmer_87]

I've done the vanos seals, on mine (M54 325ci)

Was a long and slightly complex job, but there is a very detailed guide from Beisan, which if you follow, you can't go wrong.

But as yours is an M52TU, your job is slightly difficult, as you require the VANOS timing locking tool, as i'm sure i've read that removing the vanos from your engine interferes with the timing chain,

End results were a success, they take some time bedding in, and after 1000 or so miles you'll notice performance improvements, as for economy cant really say to be honest, nothings changed.

But only replacing the seals wont solve the rattly vanos noise, as mine is still present, only a Dr Vanos one will solve it. Have a look at youtube, i recall a video of an owner who recorded a before and after, for his vanos replacement.

[neil_bolton]

Have you replaced your Cam Sensor in the first instance. That's a typical duff cam sensor symptom.

[528Sport]

Hi,
I have done this to my M52tu engine. It took about 5 hrs but a lot of time was spent cleaning and double checking! coolant was also replaced.
Follow the instructions and you should not go wrong.

Bimmer 87 has it slightly wrong regarding the locking tool.
The M52TU engines dont need the locking tool. It is the m52 engine (single vanos) that need's locking tool.

Dave

Edited by 528Sport on Thursday 15th October 17:05

Edited by 528Sport on Thursday 15th October 17:06

[john_p]

bimmer_87 said:

But as yours is an M52TU, your job is slightly difficult, as you require the VANOS timing locking tool, as i'm sure i've read that removing the vanos from your engine interferes with the timing chain

M52TU is double VANOS so doesn't require a locking tool, at least according to Besian.

From what I understand, all M52TU/M54 engines have deteriorating seals, which manifest as a lack-of-power before 3k and stalling between warm-up and warmed-up engine phases. The M54 has altered warm-up software which masks the warm-up problem - the M52TU doesn't. A bit of a bodge, but saves a fiddly job.

[phelix]

Thirded - M52TU requires no special tools.

[528Sport]

john_p said:

bimmer_87 said:

But as yours is an M52TU, your job is slightly difficult, as you require the VANOS timing locking tool, as i'm sure i've read that removing the vanos from your engine interferes with the timing chain

M52TU is double VANOS so doesn't require a locking tool, at least according to Besian.

From what I understand, all M52TU/M54 engines have deteriorating seals, which manifest as a lack-of-power before 3k and stalling between warm-up and warmed-up engine phases. The M54 has altered warm-up software which masks the warm-up problem - the M52TU doesn't. A bit of a bodge, but saves a fiddly job.

I'd do the job to be honest. The seals will be worn. A little bit of truth here. You will eradicate cold start stalling BUT I doubt you will see massive increase in performace. I have done 400 miles since replacing mine, the engine feels a little more alive but thats about it apart from smoother cold starting. Go get your hands dirty

Edited by 528Sport on Thursday 15th October 17:10

[Beamish]

Did my seals 55,000 miles ago - 1999 523i (M52TU) - best day's work I ever put in on the car. Time consuming but not technically that difficult if you follow the excellent instructions to the letter.

Havong said all that, I would get a second opinion as to the cause of your stalling before you wade in.

Dec.

[wildman0609]

i seem to have the same symptoms cold stalling and no power down low. my engine is a m52 from 323i e36.
i plan on doing a full service this weekend cos i think it could be crap in the fuel filter causing fuel starvation.

[john_p]

I tried disconnecting the exhaust solenoid on the VANOS and left it idling from a cold start. It certainly didn't do any hunting or stalling when I did that, but did make a nasty metallic rattling noise from the VANOS area once it the secondary air pump stopped. So, I stopped it sharpish and connected it back up again and it was fine.

Don't get me wrong I think the Besian guy has done his homework and his instructions are great but there does seem to be a load of forumitis about it - if the only real problems are the stalling I can probably live with it for now. Did anyone notice other benefits (economy, speed etc).

[phelix]

The stalling was the only issue I had - once warm the car was fine and changing the seals seemed to have no other effect than curing the cold hunting/stalling.

[Beamish]

Yes, much smoother idle and very noticeably increased "pull" in the lower 2K to 3K rev range, - 1999 523i M52TU. Now, at 165K miles the engine still runs and performs beautifully.

[Fox-]

I don't notice any problems at all with my 2001 530i Sport but it's got near 170k on it so I presume it must have the VANOS issue - would changing the seals be prudent?

How much would a decent indy charge to do the work?

[david-cjecp]

Hi all just thought I would add my experience of changing vanos seals on 2001 e46 330i touring. I've had the car for 4.5 yrs and was quick, but more recently sluggish below 3k. This was annoying as I bought a 3litre as I like a bit if grunt. Having researched, came to the conclusion the vanos seals sounded like the issue. I bought a kit from I6 automotive from eBay having seen good feed back from them, and sent a link to my tamed mechanic of a YouTube video of installation. He said they were the same as the e36 and seemed confident so booked it in. He charged £150 for the job and although not bedded in yet the car is soo much better, quieter and I took it out this morning 3 days after install and it absolutely flew !! Better than ever, then thru the day turning off and on it doesn't seem as quick as this morning but believe the seals need bedding in for anything between 200-1000 miles. I just hope the end result is a car that went aswell as it did this morning.

The kit included valve cover gasket, vanos gasket and all screws and gromits needed for the job. Brian my mechanic said the valve cover gasket and vanos seals were really brittle and snapped a piece of the valve cover gasket infront of me like a stick of celery. Anyway result is the car is much, much smoother, fast as hell this morning but better x2 than it was as a base line. I'm going to pass on my mechanics details on this post as I struggled to find anyone who would fit this kit as the specialists won't do it, they just change one vanos unit for another, as do BMW. So the garage that did mine is based in Nottingham called brimar garage, he took over from K and N motors a BMW specialist but he's a good bloke. 0115 9783433

I am not affiliated with either the garage or I6 automotive, but just wish to pass on details of my experience and a garage that will fit the kit. Hope this helps a few people as I almost got rid of my car due to it slowing down but keeping it now

[Pica-Pica]

I used to have an E36 323 2.5. Never had this issue in 145k miles.