Solve Your Reduced Power Problems - E90 VANOS Solenoid Cleaning
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- Опубликовано: 8 фев 2025
- VANOS is the BMW system for variable valve timing and it uses two solenoids to control that. These solenoids move back and forth and direct oil through small passages inside the cylinder head that ultimately cause the cam phasers to retard or advance. These solenoids get oil varnish built up inside of them and start to stick and so it's possible that cleaning them with solvent might solve the problem.
If cleaning or replacing your vanos solenoids doesn't ultimately solve your problem, check out this video for even further details on this issue:
E90 Cam Bearing Ledge Failure:
• This causes VANOS code...
This video is for entertainment purposes only. 50sKid assumes no liability for any repairs or modifications performed by the viewer as a result of the information contained in this video.
Spraying the outside piston does next to nothing as this is not the one which sticks. You need to clean the inside piston and the cylinder which are underneath the coil (black plastic bit). Forget 12V supply, use your hands to shake it. Turn it upside down, pour petrol in it and spray carburettor cleaner through the lower holes (plug the rest with your fingers) then vigorously shake in that position. This will allow the solvent to enter the inner cylinder. Then turn upside down amd continue shaking so that the dissolved gunk gets out using gravity - the amounts are miniscule so do not expect to see any deposits pouring out. You need to repeat this procedure at least 20-odd times until you get virtually frictionless movement of the piston, by using slightly movements, when the solenoid is in horizontal position. Yes it takes time but, but only if you get it this clean does VANOS work as intended and long term. The difference in torque before vs after is nothing short of phenomenal. Please do note I have been using LM Ceratec for many years now, and everything inside the engine is ridiculously slippery, and finally VANOS solenoid internals as well. I had identical issue on two cars with N52 engine. Now approaching 5 months since the fix, 10k miles on total. No issues whatsoever, and full torque from low down still there.
Essentially just when you begin to doubt if it will ever break loose it will start happening. You know when it's done is when you barely move (let alone shake) the solenoid, the pistone moves freely as if levitating in vacuum, and hitting both travel ends with a distinct metal clank, not muted. If you need to shake it in order for the piston to hit the ends you're not done.
Dude, I know this vid is a yr old, it's still very helpful for me & I appreciate it 😊
This is the BEST direction for this fix THANK YOU!
Reposting your follow on comment as this seems to have disappeared:
Essentially just when you begin to doubt if it will ever break loose it will start happening. You know when it's done is when you barely move (let alone shake) the solenoid, the pistone moves freely as if levitating in vacuum, and hitting both travel ends with a distinct metal clank, not muted. If you need to shake it in order for the piston to hit the ends you're not done.
Upside down as in the black plastic piece facing down?
There are also 2 vanos filters/valves on the left side of engine block, worth taking them out to find out if the fine mesh filter is caked or clean. Good YT video: "BMW E90 : How to replace or clean your VANOS filters"
I cleaned those filters (non-return valves) on the side of the engine, but that didn't solve my problem. My local BMW specialist suggested that I should replace them instead as the springs wear out over time and can often be the culprit (not just the solenoids). Changed them, and the problem went away permanently.
@@mra4107 Does the E90 with N43 engine have the non-return valves / filters and where exactly are they located? Thanks.
@@Telstar_1 Not sure as I have an N52. You'd have to look it up. Apologies!
I have been buying e46s to flip and sell for the past couple of months but I recently grabbed a e92 for a good price considering these issues, owner couldn’t diagnose.
One vanos solenoid was faulty with a weak pluck. A shake and clean before the yard ones went in. Car runs fine. Most the time a lot of parts need to be cleaned from bad oil changes so and so then you can run and have good oil constantly now
Did this fix yesterday on my old E91, and MAN, felt like it got a small turbo all of a sudden! Definitely needed. Now I just have to deal with the valvetronic motor and all the other leaking parts that makes all of us, love the 3-series!
You have lost a lot of weight. (I've been following you a few years as a practical guide to assist understanding confusing formal courses)You look good thanks for sharing your knowledge You help a lot and I appreciate the articulation and visual clarity of you instructional videos❤ the support is appreciated a lot...its been a hard rough go being a female in the BMW diagnostic programming and mechanical repair world
I cleaned my vanos solenoids five years ago because of fault codes, no problems since, so IMHO, yes, you can clean them and fix your problems.
Looking good man! I been watching your vids for 6yrs whatever you’re doing keep at it 💪🏾
Hey, there are 2 screens/screws on the left side of the engine, you have to pull those and clean them. If they are clogged, oil doesn’t go to the vanos and you can get the codes
They should click when you shake them. Otherwise, I think they will need to be replaced.
I've been so busy working on my second degree to turn wrenches lately, and have had a lack of funds. I'm looking forward to picking up an E90 in a few months. Thanks as always, Jason!✌️
It sounds like you shouldn't get a e90 gonna be honest, unless you got 2 grand laying around ready to do maintenance.
You'll wanna take care of all the maintenance which will be a bit of money. And I'm saying this if you do the work yourself.
Some basic maintenance is: valve cover/gasket, 1 step colder NGK spark plugs, elder coil packs, transmission solenoids, fluid and cover/filter(huge difference. My 5th gear would slip if I went into 5th under full throttle), charge pipe if it's still plastic, BoV if you upgrade the charge pipe, injectors(prolly most expensive since index 12 injectors hitting $400 a pop) oil fill cap has a gasket too(replace that), vacuum lines, check your serpentine belt, if ripped, check your crank pulley, might be broken because it breaks on the chassis if you bottom out suspension.
If you bought a Camry, you could drive it with shampoo for engine oil and finish school.
But if you can do all this maintenance on a decent n54 then you wouldn't give it up for the world. I know I wont
@@PaleAura1 Good points to consider. I've flipped cars as a side hobby for some time. Specifically my favorite car is the bmw E46 platform.
I currently have one as my daily driver that I've done pretty much everything to just for fun. (01 325ci coupe) I've got an 05 325xi in my garage that I'm currently waiting on a title for... It might be a parts car.
You are very correct that a Camry in many cases is far less maintaince. Sadly, we both know a Toyota Camry doesn't have the engineering a BMW does. While a good automobile, a tin can in comparison.
Thank you for your time to write your thoughts. I can see it took some time. I appreciate it.
Best,
Mark
Get a camry first (except the 2.4) and finish your degree, pay off debt, then get the Big Money Waster. Don't do it now.
@@Dansk55 Ignore this guy... E90's are cheap now and you can get one for less than $10k in decent shape and it wont cost much to maintain it if you do your work. If you buy a 100k car, be ready to do a 100k maintenance (spark plugs, oil (engine, tranny, diff), brakes, cooling system, alternator) and all hoses, then you wont have much to worry about. Honestly, the same will be true with any used vehicle you buy at 100k miles. I like to do the maintenance whenever I first buy a used car that way I don't have to wait until it breaks and then end up stranded.
@@apathy11303 Depends on what kind of E90. My E90? Absolutely not as everyone has been making me offers left and right - including Canadians outside the U.S. All in all, most maintenance is relatively easy on almost all vehicles. If anything, it's just tedious with many screws, narrow fittings for our hands (assuming you're 6'1 195lbs with piano hands lol), and whatnot. In fact, I can do almost everything on most cars with the exception of transmission work and/or engine drop work. Everything else is relatively easy and doable. Again, it's tedious like everything coding in tech.
11:00-12:00 awesome pointer abt the sealing o rings on the camshaft carrier
The non return valves feed oil to the solenoids. If those screens are blocked with gunk, not enough oil will be fed to the solenoids, thus starving the bearing ledges. I just cleaned my solenoids and the valves. I'm glad I cleaned those valves. They were full of gunk, especially the top valve. The check balls were not moving. I think I'm going to clean the valves at every oil change because the PO did not take care of the car and I see gunk on the MILVs' springs from the oil filler. I throw in a quart of ATF and let the car idle for a bit, then change the oil. That slowly cleans the engine, instead of using a flush that will release chunks of gunk and possibly clogging journals., for example the ESS oil feed tube. When that gets clogged, you get the infamous eccentric shaft gear wear, because not enough oil is supplied to the gear.
lippage is a technical term widely used in various industries 🤣
love your videos 50sKid, been watching yours for a while, take care
You didn't tell us if it did anything. So did it do anything? Fix the codes? Etc?. Thanks for the video!
Awesome Video! Sounds like I just need to buy new solenoids and hope I don't have to do a tear down!
On a different topic, what do you think about removing the engine beauty plastic cover for good, I don’t see any benefits having it and without it, the engine probably will cool better
Hey man you lost so much weight, you look amazing! Keep on educating us on BMW, love your videos!
If this doesn't fix issue your oil filter may be clogged i changed my oil and fixed this exact issue on my 535i
Why not just swap them over for a few weeks and see if the code moves to the other side ? Seems the most logical thing to do, before trying anything else. This will tell you 2 things. First whether the solenoids are definitely causing the issue and second which solenoid is faulty. These are expensive from BMW. I would only replace the faulty one, as changing them only takes a few minutes.
How bout NOOOO
Amazing video I will try it in the morning 👌🏼
I own a 2010 n51 engine I have no check engine light but once in awhile it used to surge either going in reverse or going in forward or even while I'm driving at a stoplight I follow somebody else which told me that if I clean my solenoid it would fix the problem I also did a transfer case exchange the oil and so far so good I have no problem with it once again no check engine light
Dude u look great compared to five years ago !
Don't forget the two check valve that feed each one. They are on the exhaust side above the timing chain tensioner. Get new O rings too..
I removed two from my 540I, cleaned them and a lot of junk and plastic pieces from the timing chain guides when they broke off put them back in and same issue. Took them out and noticed that the cylinder where the spring element moves up and down had rotating and a slight side to side play. The new ones had no play. I guess with time that cylinder becomes lose and so the oil is no longer pushed with the correct oil pressure...I haven't seen a video about the loseness though.
Nice to see another update from you Jason! So I guess you already know if cleaning them fixed the issue, or will you have to wait a couple of weeks?
Will have to wait
Dude your looking good and healthy 👍
Don't be cheap buy 2 new ones in high quality and have peace of mind also Rotella T6 full synthetic 5w40w makes these cars run smoothly and change at 5k miles
Sure lots of you guys will knock Rotella T6 but I assure you it's high grade high shear rated for harder use than the BMW
Google it and see many guys run it and have shown the oil analysis to back it up
My Z4 Coupe E86 3.0 was having a slight surging idle on startup switched to Rotella T6 and it totally went away
Great video but.. what was the outcome!?
Great video. Thanks for sharing, Jason!
Hi, your videos are very educational. Thanks for all you do for us. Where are you located and do you do work on other peoples BMW?
Such a great scan tool! I need one of those!
Recently removed these 2 solenoids to clean, the top intake looked clean but the bottom outlet had oil buildup so I'm guessing this was the problem child? so to be safe getting both replaced much like brake pads its makes better sense do both since I've got no ambitions of repeating this in a month. (Q) with the top solenoid working as it should but the bottom sticking, there would be a buildup, what happens with that buildup if its not flowing like it should through the system.
Very yes budy looking forwrad to your cam-shaft video my friend!!! Thank you mr jasons
Hi - First time I have seen the updated intro. Well done. Are you going to Monterey for car week?
Great video. Thanks
Is it possible that cleaning them solves ”half the issue”? Got a really bad misfire, cleaned them and car stopped misfiring when cold, however keeps misfiring when hot. Could new ones be the solution still? or is it just a ”stick or no stick” situation?
Or maybe i was lucky, they didnt stick first, but suddenly they did and it started misfiring and had bothing to do with car temp? possiblev
Thanks for the video hopefully it will fix my problem
My first time owning BMW didn't know much about the car, i didn't get any light on dash but my instinct told me to changed both intake/exhuast long and behold i got 28mpg instead of 19 mpg.I was driving like that for a month.
28MPG at what speed?
@@angelpena8121 65mph 40miles 95% highway that's what car told me though
You are da guy!!!!!😊
Can this solenoid problem cause that the car doesn’t start and only does a clicking sound? My car stopped yesterday and only did a clicking sound. But it also smelled burned in the motor and little of smoke ..
I cleaned solenoid but when put back it doesn't exist when it reaches to the end I don't know maybe I will have to replace the o'ring?
Thank you for your video. Where do you buy your BMW parts?
Did it help with the problem?
I've seen these bmw's can be a nightmare. Some of them have a belt somewhere just outside the block that starts to strip and somehow winds itself in through the oil seal then blocks the sump oil pickup. If pickup is blocked too long it will starve the engine of oil and it's rebuild time. To check, connect an oil pressure gauge with special adapter and see if oil pressure drops when revving.
Nice video i watched your videos to fix my cars i have a 06 bmw x3, 99 bmw 323i and i just bought a 03 330xi for my son
I have a question on my last purchase 03 330xi I overheated my engine now I need to change the head gasket but I am 80% sure the block was bent. I have an extra 02 325i engine do you think I can change the 02 325i 2.5L to a 03 330xi 3.0L? because I can't find anything on the internet
I really appreciate if you can help me with my question.
Thanks in advance
Do bad solenoids make a louder clicking noise? We have a 2008 325i. There is an intermittent “clicking” noise, not a mechanical “ticking,” but an electric “clicking” sound that the solenoids make. It’s only intermittent. Could this be bad solenoids.
hello, on my e46 I changed the rubber rings of the selnaoids now the car gives me these errors P0013 and P0011, can you help me? I already cleaned the vanus too 😔
Hat did it turn out to be?
I've been chasing down the exhaust side issue with code 2A87 for about a year. Also spent a good fortune buying tools and good used part to finish the bearing ledge job. I have not changed the VANOS solenoids, because swapping both sides did not make the issue go away on the bad side. It always comes back as the exhaust side error. I do have a final thought, which is the mechanical wear of the VANOS sprocket unit. The unit consists of a rotating piece with multiple steel vanes sandwiched between 2 aluminum plates. My next attempt before giving it up will be disassembling the VANOS unit and polishing the inside of the 2 plates. Maybe it's also a good DIY topic that you can consider to put a video on.
Exhaust camshaft sensor could be playing up. Not sure if you can swap them too. They are probably identical but haven't checked.
@@seanpaul3050 Yeah I forgot to mention, the cam position sensors are interchangeable, and I did swap them as well. Same error. So now the only suspect left in the entire VANOS system is the sprocket unit.
Fun fact: brake cleaner will cause your rubber gaskets, or o-rings, to expand and never shrink back to its original size.
Tienes algun video de vanos N46N BMW 2.0 l
how many volts and amps do u give from the power supply to the vanos solenoid?
Does anyone know if vanos has anything to do with sound of rattling at idle as if it’s a can full of marbles 🤔
Bad vanos **
Thank you. I have a 2006 525i and I followed the procedure, so far is running ok, but after reassembling, the bolts don't lock-they just keep turning. This happened with both solenoids' bolts. Do you have any idea why? This is the first time I've removed these solenoids.
Unfortunately stripped or try keeping the solenoid in place and trying one more time?
Do the vanos adaptations need to be done after replacing or is that ever necessary?
Why not clean using an ultrasonic cleaner ?
Would this help for idle surging only at startup? No code and no issues driving.
That's a cool intro you made 👍
Hi just new to BMW's I have a 2008 335i E90 N54 is this the same as the car here for the Seal parts number and Intake and Exhaust Solenoids?
HELLO how much for the 4 seals and please send website where u bought them?? thanks
I replaced mine with new OEM solenoids. This morning when I started up my 630i n52 it gave me a check engine light and made a weird noise. I’m pretty sure I did the procedure correctly since it’s pretty simple to do but…anyone could help figure out what it could be ?
After inspecting, cleaning, and testing of solenoids, non return valves, camshaft sprockets, camshaft position sensors, and crankshaft position sensor I’ve replaced solenoids, bearing ledges & seals, oil filter cap, multiple oil/filter changes and engine oil flush I am still plagued by 2A99 and 3001. I am at a complete loss of what to do at this point.
Sounds like your timing wasn’t set right after the bearing ledge job
@@50sKid It was actually done correctly, I’ve done this a few times trying to remedy my issue before paying the $1,300 that I don’t have for the bearing ledges.. So I’ve had practice/repetition timing the engine with the DP Tools kit from Amazon. I’ve watched your video on the replacement a few times as well, and followed everything to the tee.
@@austinmerrival927 I don’t know if timing is your problem but I did the Vanos overhaul recommended by Beesan Systems on my E46 M3 and I remember seeing many articles out there saying that the timing tool needs to be original BMW tool and not aftermarket. Dunno if this applies to your engine but just throwing that out there.
Nice explain. Tks
Does anybody know if I can check the plug that plugs into this valve or solenoid for voltage to see if I have a bad plug while the car is running and if so how would I do that?
VANOS CAMSHAFT SENSOR BAD CONNECTION IN THE KONECTIONBOX
Is it possible to lose power without any codes ?
Hi I have a Question.
I have 2002 bmw 330ci m54 engine. now I try to rebuild engine. can I use same piston and ring? I'll send machine shop for bore the engine head and block. Can you tell me what size is boring cylinders?
Which way is good rebuild?
Thanks
I've a question so My e91 335i from 2008 only goes into limp mode when its cold start uhm but when i do pulls and goes over 5k rpm it dosen't go into limp mode, if i start it let it idle about 5 min and shut it off and start ik again it dosent go into limp mode.. So Is it just The vanos or something much Worse?
i will like to see how to reset the light for service engine soon
Do you prefer that scanner or ista?
Thank you
Good video, Thanks. BTW you're looking good, still riding your road bike?
Hi
Can I clean the solenoids for an e46 with M54 Engine ?
They look different from those.
good video!!! Do you have a link for your scanner?
Thanks for your video, your videos are very helpful and professional. could you help us to make a video about upgrading the car stereo? A lot of car owners don't know how to install a car stereo, so this will be very helpful for them. If you are willing to do this, we will be very grateful. we will provide the car stereo.
Great videos!
Can a bad vanos cause your bmw to shut down
I had this happen to me
I live in Rowland Heights CA.
Can this cause random missfires? I did get a timing-over-retarded code (forget which cam it was) which I cleared and has not come back, but the engine is not running right - Rough idle and random missfires under load. Coils and plugs are new and CCV + DISA all changed recently so its not those... VANOS system is the only thing I've not looked so I'm hoping it's that, the car is not nice to drive in its current state - Rough + hessitant and no power.
Thanks Again for another great video will this apply to e39 540i I have code p0022 I change one off the vvt bank 2 and still have the code please help if anybody knows thanks
It’s either your vanos solenoid or you need to rebuild the vanos itself (replace the o-rings on the pistons). I have videos on both on the M52TU/M54 engines
Thanks for responding
I pulled out one from the junkyard (vanos) and now it’s running good
Thanks again
I think I’d rather put in new ones since you’re already saving $$$$ over dealer repair by going DIY and still you can justify buying new tools with the savings.
LOW BATTERY BAD CONNECTION SOLENOIDE WILL NOT OPEN USE CHECK FOR LOW VOLTAGE
You wouldn’t be interested in looking into my ZF hp19 ? Would you please?
HEY DONT FORGET THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
You are amazing brother
Good video which can be applied against many other models. E90 is the first piece of shit BMW made and they never looked back after it. E90, E60 and E65 are notoriously horrible cars. Electronics are worst than an E38 and that’s saying a lot. I have a E39 and E38. My E39 has been 20 years of flawless reliance. Can’t say that for the generation after.
A can of seafoam and an oil change fixed mine..
If I spray this on my 🎉 will it save my marriage? Please help
Try it might save it 😊
all i need is to extend this car til next payday, then ill order new ones.
you lose lot of weights. 💪
Whyyyy would you make this with no conclusion.
Help 🆘 got 335d mapped 340hp dpf gutted at full throttle hitting 120mph goes into limp mode only at that speed
Has a fault ( faults for exhaust gas cooling switching valve open circuit.,) the coded was removed the car was running okay after few days same problem. PLEASE HELP 🆘
Why show us all of that, ONLY to NOT show the results, or even talk about them. Hopefully the codes won't come back. Well, what about cranking the car and ACTUALLY seeing if the codes come back???????????????? Don't understand how you just leave the results hanging...?????????????
Shut up, damn. You go make the video you want to see. Stop complaining about free material
BRO WHY HAVE YOU GOTTEN SO SKINNYYY ????????????????
I never clean them I buy new
You ain’t lien just buy new
Damn you're skinny now
Just get another car these luxury rides are unreliable asl
How are the viewers supposed to see where this parts are if you don't show it? LAZY!! 👎
I did show it. Did you not watch the full video?
Always replace those solenoids with a good brand like Bosch or NGK. Don't clean them, and put them back in. Being dirty isn't the only problem with VVT Solenoids. Your car will run better with new ones. Use good synthetic oil and change it often. Always replace O-rings with new ones, and put petroleum jelly on them(or di-electric gel). It helps the O-rings stay in place, helps it slide in easier, and protects the O ring.