VANOS noise?

[richieboy3008]

Hi,

On my E36 3.0 M3, when decelerating above 4ooo rpm I get a strange harsh whining noise, but not below 4000rpm. I assume it is the VANOS. Has anyone else experienced this?

[Neil.D]

A whining sounds more like a belt.
Vanos sounds like a rumble, like marbles in a tin.

Search on YouTube for Vanos noise, that will give you a good idea.

[pat_y]

From your description, whining sounds are more like driveline noise or the wife to me, clutch/propshaft/diff/missus all OK?
Whoosing sounds may well be air intake leak, does it idle OK?
In my experience Vanos does not tend to make a noise at high revs unless there is a huge problem, vanos noise tends to happen on idle and up to 1500 ish rpm.
(edit) just seen Neil's reply, alternator/power steering belt is a good place to start.

Edited by pat_y on Wednesday 22 September 11:15

[richieboy3008]

Actually could it be the diff? I remember a similar noise coming from my S2000, although I never got it check out.

It just seems odd that it's fine below 4k.