What is this thing attached to the engine?

[z3mee]

2002 Z3 Roadster 2.5L


I noticed a tiny puddle under my car this morning of red fluid on the floor.


Took a few photos tonight and traced the leak to this hose in the photo below.


The first photo shows end 1 of the hose attached somewhere deep near the engine. It is under the oil filter.
The second and third photo show end 2 and what it is connected to.


Anyone know what this thing is? Replacing that seems like it will be fun with how tight the space is :whistle:

[Mr Bingley]

That's your VANOS (variable valve timing) solenoid. It uses engine oil pressure which is what runs through the lines. If your oil drip is red, then that's not the source of your leak. More likely it is power steering fluid that is dripping.

[z3mee]

That's your VANOS (variable valve timing) solenoid. It uses engine oil pressure which is what runs through the lines. If your oil drip is red, then that's not the source of your leak. More likely it is power steering fluid that is dripping.

That makes more sense! Now to locate this leak.

[bluptgm3]

That's your VANOS (variable valve timing) solenoid. It uses engine oil pressure which is what runs through the lines. If your oil drip is red, then that's not the source of your leak. More likely it is power steering fluid that is dripping.

...and more than likely your power steering uses ATF.


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[BETO]

If your leak is on the driver's side from those hoses, most likely is the steering fluid, the reservoir and hoses get old and need to be replaced. Done it last weekend, no more leaks.

[jbourne99]

I had a PS fluid leak. I isolated it it to loose hose clamp (the one that plugs into the bottom of the reservoir). Apparently the hoses shrink with age causing the clamp to not be tight enough. I may have replaced the sealing ring for the PS reservoir cap which is another common source of leaks.