Where to Get Reliable BMW VANOS Repair Services in Ann Arbor

Do you need professional automotive mechanics who will assist in repairing the VANOS system in your BMW? The VANOS system is BMW’s version of variable valve timing technology. First employed in the early ’90s, VANOS is an acronym for “Variable Nockenwellen Steuerung,” or, in English, “Variable Camshaft Timing.”

This system changes the direction of the camshaft to get the maximum results for engine usage depending on driving conditions. At low engine speeds, VANOS helps the engine idle smoothly and consume as little fuel as possible. At higher speeds, it compensates for more power and torque. This switching between efficiency and performance is what makes BMW engines unique and so efficient. However, the VANOS can wear out like any other advanced system, leading to several performance problems. Let’s quickly check out the causes of failure and how you should fix this problem.

Major Causes Of VANOS Failure

• Worn Seals: The seals within the VANOS unit are subject to the same phenomenon as all other seals, which is the wearing out of the unit over time, particularly when exposed to high temperatures and pressure. As these seals become worn, they can allow oil to leak from the system, which can affect the efficiency of the entire system and the engine.
• Contaminated or Dirty Oil: Deposits from old, dirty, or contaminated oil can clog the very narrow VANOS oil passages. This blockage limits proper oil circulation within the system, resulting in the system working sub-optimally or not at all.
• Faulty Solenoids: In the VANOS system, the solenoids regulate the supply of oil to the valves to alter the timing. They can give way over time due to electrical failure, contamination, or just aging, which affects the system.
• Timing Chain Problems: A stretched or damaged timing chain affects the fine-tuning that the VANOS system needs in the engine. This can result in low performance of the engine and low fuel economy of the car.

Measures to Take When Repairing a Failing VANOS System

• Perform a Detailed Diagnosis: The first thing is to get the right diagnosis. A technician will always use his or her tools to identify the problem with the car. In this process, the performance of the VANOS solenoids is tested using the OBD-II scanner, and oil leakage into and around the VANOS unit/seal is also tested.
• Replace the Seals: The most widely known solution is the replacement of VANOS seals, which tend to wear out as time passes. Factory seals are usually replaced by good aftermarket seals that are made of high-quality material and are more long-lasting.
• Clean or Replace the Solenoids: Problems with the solenoids cause blockages in oil flow or incorrect operation of the VANOS system. Solenoids can sometimes be cleaned so that they can work again, but if they are impaired, they should be replaced to enhance functionality.
• Replace the Entire VANOS Unit: In some cases, especially for the older models of BMW cars with considerable wear, it is necessary to change the VANOS unit as a whole. Even though this solution costs more, it is considerably cheaper in the long run because it will make the system reliable for a long time and bring the system’s efficiency back to its maximum.
• Update the Engine Software: When repairs are done, a software update may be necessary to reset the VANOS system to the correct setting. This step synchronizes the valve timing and revives the peak performance of the engine altogether.

Why Opt For Orion Automotive Services?

When it comes to automobile repair, especially BMWs, one thing you need is experience and expertise. Orion Automotive Services is located in Ann Arbor, MI, and we primarily deal with European vehicles, especially BMWs. Most drivers turn to us because we have a team of mechanics who have been practicing diagnosing and fixing BMWs for quite some time.

We also use modern equipment to make sure we are accurate in our diagnosis and repair. If you are experiencing a faulty VANOS system and need professional service, we are here to help make your car perform as you expect to. Please contact us now to make an appointment.

* Black BMW 550i Car image credit goes to: Brandon Woyshnis.