Vanos Noise - United Bimmer Community

**LHerbert** · 08-23-2005, 02:40 PM

How many people with VANOS have the "vanos noise"? Has anybody actually gotten it fixed? I know it's about a $1200 job and I hear it could just come back after you get it fixed. I've also heard that you shouldn't get it fixed if you don't have a problem with the engine noise because it's doing no harm and won't do anything.

**jrhaile** · 08-23-2005, 03:32 PM

I'm not sure what noise you're referring too man...

**billycuth** · 08-23-2005, 04:17 PM

me neither... is that the metal on metal sound you get when you turn the car over?

**xsperf** · 08-23-2005, 04:24 PM

huh? can you describe? clunk, ping.. lol, or can you atleast describe what causes the noise?

**catalyst** · 08-23-2005, 05:09 PM

Ive heard it sounds like marbles.. if you decide to do M3 cams or something, you mine as well change out the unit with another used one if it really bothers you that much.

DEATH2000 · 08-23-2005, 05:34 PM

Ive never heard a noice coming from the VANOS. My engine idles really quitley but i think i would notice. I dont think thats unless its really loud or seriously annoying its a problem.

**xsperf** · 08-23-2005, 06:19 PM

ahh like marbles, yes ive heard that sound before, i was checking out a car once, it was a black 525, and when you turn it on for like the first 5 seconds it sounded like marbles then it went away

drz · 08-23-2005, 06:32 PM

The guy who sold me my car told me that if I ever heard noise coming from the VANOS, it was time to change the oil. Sounds a little too easy.

**Dudesky** · 08-23-2005, 06:33 PM

Hold on, tho. I think c4talyst has it mixed up. The marbles sound is usually associated with the catalytic converters, the vanos is usually described as a ticking noise.

**catalyst** · 08-23-2005, 06:47 PM

Ive never heard it personally, i think i remember dutch having troubles with his vanos in his old 325, and he said it sounded like that.

Im assuming it makes that sound because the gears get worn down? and the cup sprocket and the sprocket on the vanos unit shake and make an odd noise.

**Dudesky** · 08-23-2005, 07:14 PM

Hmm . . I just did some research out of curiosity, and apparently we're both right, as some describe it one way and others another.

It's also a very common issue, and from what I'm reading it's caused by poor oil circulation at the top of the engine and vanos area. To fix it permanently, you can take it to a dealer and they'll install what's called an oil accumulator to ensure that there is enough oil on top. But most people just add a little extra oil to get rid of the noise.

**bmw4life** · 08-23-2005, 07:55 PM

For the first minute or so when I turn my car over it kinda sounds like marbles around the catalytic converters. So is this a real problem?

**94bmw325i** · 08-23-2005, 09:19 PM

hmm my car does sound weird when I first turn it on, might have to make a vid later.

**bmw4life** · 08-23-2005, 09:22 PM

I think I will make a vid tomorrow

**Dudesky** · 08-23-2005, 10:36 PM

Sometimes it's just the heat shield rattling. But if your cats are making the noise, I'd keep an eye on it. I think the worst would be the annoying noise, and sooner or later you won't pass inspection. Beyond that, there's really not much you can do but buy new cats (expensive!).