E90 - VANOS problem.

[rodsetkl]

Hi all, hoping for some guidance here.

I have an E90 323i that is in the habit of dying/cutting-out. Simple as: clutch-in, gas-off and revs drop to zero. No warning lights, no problem restarting and no particular pattern (perhaps only happening after the engine has warmed up).

I was given a quote of around R30,000, which included replacement of both VANOS solenoid valves, exhaust camshaft, both impulse sending wheels and so-on.

When I queried the quote I was given three different diagnoses - none of which made sense. I opted out of the repair and initially the problem went away. It has however returned so there is obviously something going on that needs attention.

Any suggestions as to a likely diagnosis or a good (trustworthy) diagnostic/service centre (Sandton / Randburg / Roodepoort) would be appreciated.

Regards

Keith

 

[akash]

If you can get to Midrand take the car to Ross Duncan.

 

[Spiro]

if you in JHB Westrand, lemme know, i can maybe readout and OBD errors for you....

start with the low cost option first... in this case.. a free Diag...


T


:=):

 

[Philip Foglar]

What error codes did they get? A very common issue with the E90 Vanos system is the solenoids that get all gunked up thanks to the stupid lengthy oil service intervals. You can easily remove and clean them, and this often helps. I posted a DIY about this ages ago.

But I would start with what the error codes say and do the simple things first.

 

[Kish2604]

after you have done diagnostics and cleaned the vanos solenoids, you could perhaps try replacing the solenoids, i do have 2 good solenoids in my garage you could try on a pay me if it works basis...

if that doesnt correct the problem then the next thing is someone with GT1/ISTA to run a test schedule on the vanos and check if its getting to advance the timing correctly. if that test fails then you need someone with a timing tools set to verify the timing hasnt phsically gone off (yes it does happen). then only would i suggest changing bigger items like vanos.

as a last thought. you could be having issues with a cam/crank sensor or faulty maf. more likely the maf as the car cuts out at idle.

goodluck!

 

[rodsetkl]

Thanks for the input all. Clearly no way forward without diagnostics and codes.

:ty:

 

[SlideMasteR]

just my 2 cents, if it was a vanos issue it would still run .... no power etc but it would still run

if the crank sensor has issues then it will die off completely

does its start and warm up ok ?

 

[rodsetkl]

just my 2 cents, if it was a vanos issue it would still run .... no power etc but it would still run

if the crank sensor has issues then it will die off completely

does its start and warm up ok ?

Yes, no problems at all when starting (and re-starting when it dies).

Tx