vanos seals or replacement unit?

[cohny]

My 525i has 144k on it and the vanos has never been serviced. I'm wondering if I should spring for an entire replacement unit from VAC or if I should just repair the seals with a besian systems kit. I've read there's a bearing that some people say needs to be serviced or replaced. Are the seals only a partial/halfassed repair?

On a side note I am aware that replacement units from BMW are bad with the same faulty seals but the VAC unit is rebuilt with Viton seals like the ones besian sells.

[ZUUD BYE]

I went with the Besian System kit on the E34 525, I had previously installed it on Wifeys ///M3. very nice low end torque improvement.

Here's my original post
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1628150-The-quot-What-did-you-do-to-your-E34-today-quot-thread-disappeared-so&p=27155938#post27155938

There are a few extra bits for Pre-March 1995 built 525 as BMW attempted to fix the vanos rattle.

[Jmac95E34]

Is your car running poorly or is this a preventive maintenance project?

[cohny]

Is your car running poorly or is this a preventive maintenance project?

The car is definitely running poorly. There's noticeable lag at both stages of advancement, and the car feels really down on power below 3k. For what it's worth the spark plugs are really old as well. I only just got the car and am currently trying to get it prepared for winter

[Jmac95E34]

I went with the Besian System kit on the E34 525, I had previously installed it on Wifeys ///M3. very nice low end torque improvement.

Here's my original post
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1628150-The-quot-What-did-you-do-to-your-E34-today-quot-thread-disappeared-so&p=27155938#post27155938

There are a few extra bits for Pre-March 1995 built 525 as BMW attempted to fix the vanos rattle.

Why all the extra parts and pieces ?

First intake sprocket outer stop disk (thin) (11-36-1-403-822)
intake sprocket diaphragm spring (11-36-1-403-550)
second intake sprocket outer stop disk (thick) (11-36-1-403-823)
3 x intake sprocket studs (11-36-1-403-824)
3 x intake sprocket nuts (07-11-9-900-910)

[ross1]

My 525i has 144k on it and the vanos has never been serviced. I'm wondering if I should spring for an entire replacement unit from VAC or if I should just repair the seals with a besian systems kit. I've read there's a bearing that some people say needs to be serviced or replaced. Are the seals only a partial/halfassed repair?

On a side note I am aware that replacement units from BMW are bad with the same faulty seals but the VAC unit is rebuilt with Viton seals like the ones besian sells.

Do the seals, it's easy. The tools can be borrowed, rented, fabricated on the cheap.

[ZUUD BYE]

My 525 is Pre-March 1995 built and these extra bits are the 1st attempt by BMW to address vanos rattle/noise. Besian has excellent installation instruction for these parts also but they need to be purchased from BMW.
These may be install already by a PO thru the dealer. You can talk to besian and get their feel if they MUST be installed also, I put them in the 525.

details here http://www.beisansystems.com/procedures/single_vanos_diaphragm_spring_procedure.htm
6-cylinder Single Vanos Diaphragm Spring Procedure
The diaphragm spring dampens sprocket rotational play and thus reduces the rattle.


Why all the extra parts and pieces ?

First intake sprocket outer stop disk (thin) (11-36-1-403-822)
intake sprocket diaphragm spring (11-36-1-403-550)
second intake sprocket outer stop disk (thick) (11-36-1-403-823)
3 x intake sprocket studs (11-36-1-403-824)
3 x intake sprocket nuts (07-11-9-900-910)

[priler]

thanks for the details ZUUD BYE. i'm sure it's on here someplace else but I hadn't looked into the specifics before.

I don't have a 525i but i'm thinking/planning on replacing a MB W124 E320 with an E34 525i. the instructions on that site are awesome and detailed. it doesn't look too complicated/difficult but does look time consuming,even before removing the vanos system. it doesn't make any sense just replacing the seal without upgrading and installing the parts against the rattle issue while your in there anyway. why BMW didn't use better material for the seal is just as perplexing as why MB chose the type of insulation material on 3 of the main wiring harnesses,including the engine wiring harness.(2 are very expensive to replace,1 not so much).


around what mileage does the vanos seal give problems?


around what mileage does the rattle begin? are they both a guaranteed thing that WILL happen?

[ZUUD BYE]

around what mileage does the vanos seal give problems?
Seals are weakened & ineffective by 70K miles


around what mileage does the rattle begin?
I don't really know since I have never bought a new one, rattle has been apparent on all vanos BMW's I have bought and all have been between 80K and 124K mile when purchased.

are they both a guaranteed thing that WILL happen?
yes, just about the only guarantee on a used BMW!!!

[Jmac95E34]

My 525 is Pre-March 1995 built and these extra bits are the 1st attempt by BMW to address vanos rattle/noise. Besian has excellent installation instruction for these parts also but they need to be purchased from BMW.
These may be install already by a PO thru the dealer. You can talk to besian and get their feel if they MUST be installed also, I put them in the 525.

details here http://www.beisansystems.com/procedures/single_vanos_diaphragm_spring_procedure.htm
6-cylinder Single Vanos Diaphragm Spring Procedure
The diaphragm spring dampens sprocket rotational play and thus reduces the rattle.

THANKS!
Mine is a 06/95 build so I am in the clear on that note.
i think I'll take the plunge and tackle replacing the seals.
According to Beisan, my seals went south a long time ago, poor material selection by BMW for the O-rings.