Results 1 to 2 of 2

Thread: VANOS Service

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Location
    UK, England
    Posts
    29
    My Cars
    BMW X3 2004 3.0i

    VANOS Service

    Hi, I thought I'd share my VANOS service experience with the forum. I bought my '54 plate X3 in April with 92k miles on. I had noticed that lower end torque was a bit rubbish and my acceleration was dubious.

    So I decided to buy the PTFE VANOS seals from X8R to upgrade from the buna BMW ones.

    I performed the service yesterday and it took around 5-6 hours. I took my time and didn't rush, and was a pretty easy upgrade

    IMG_3985 (1).jpg

    This is what I found when I took the cover off. I couldn't quite believe the state of it. I was sure now I was doing the right thing! This is apparently what happens if you don't give your car an oil service at the correct intervals and use non-synthetic oil. Im going to be changing my oil every 10k miles from now on!

    IMG_3987 (1).jpg

    I got it cleaned up and started the procedure to remove the unit

    IMG_3990.jpg

    FYI, remember to replace the valve cover gasket as well. Mine had become like brittle plastic and surely wasn't doing its job

    IMG_3992.jpg

    With the unit out, cleaning and seal replacement could begin

    IMG_3995.jpg

    I can only upload 5 pictures per post, so I'll continue in VANOS part 2 :-)

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Location
    UK, England
    Posts
    29
    My Cars
    BMW X3 2004 3.0i
    VANOS Service Part 2:

    Used Gunk to clean the unit

    IMG_3997.jpg

    Removed the old seals on both pistons

    IMG_3999.jpg

    The piston cleaned up and new seals installed

    IMG_3998.jpg

    The reassembled unit back in place. Very happy with my work.

    IMG_4002.jpg

    They say you need to drive the car around 250 miles in the city so the seals can bed in properly, but some improvement should be obvious...Im finding the car runs so much smoother, the gear changes seem more fluid. The lower end torque is a massive improvement. I can't say with any certainty about improved MPG yet, as Ive only had 4 or 5 trips into town. But I'm noticing that my usual 23/24mpg is now should 27mpg. I'll keep my eye on the MPG and report back if anyone is interested...

    I would highly recommend this maintenance procedure for anyone who owns an M54 engine, and who maybe noticing lower end torque issues (tbh, id just do it anyway, as the BMW seals will fail eventually anyway!)

    M

Similar Threads

  1. VANOS servicing
    By noleemit in forum 1991 - 1999 (E36)
    Replies: 33
    Last Post: 07-30-2017, 12:05 PM
  2. Vanos service around Stamford
    By Jed5 in forum New York / New Jersey / Connecticut
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 12-01-2011, 12:23 AM
  3. FS: Double Vanos service tools
    By a2swappedvr6 in forum Engines, Performance Parts & Software
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 10-03-2009, 06:50 PM
  4. Vanos Service for 540i/M62
    By BlackBMWs in forum 1996 - 2003 (E39)
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 12-21-2008, 11:59 AM
  5. S62 Vanos Service Position
    By ssburns in forum Diagnostic Software
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 09-26-2007, 05:26 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •