Uploaded August 2022 | Updated September 2026, 18 hours ago
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:
youtu.be/Y8tUIiiza1A
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.
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:
youtu.be/Y8tUIiiza1A
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.
