Looking for Vanos Solenoids for E90

[zizebra]

Hi People

My 2009 BMW started having idling issues on cold start. The idling is quacky, generally hesitates for first 10-15seconds after starting and then comes right. The other day it went into limp mode and after switching it off and back on. it came right. Besides cold start issues, it has been driving well.

After going through various forums, the issue appears to be vanos solenoids. I am aware that i can clean the solenoids but iwould like to have the solenoids on hand before i clean. I read that some people had more issues after cleaning the solenoids and i want to be prepared. I am also trying to avoid the genuine BMW solenoids as they are costing an arm at +R2000 each. Can you tell me where i can these in Cape Town

 

[Peter@AEW]

Buy from agents rather, to avoid disappointment

 

[Twinz]

Have the codes read first with a proper diagnosis.
It can be many things...plugs, coils, injectors, vacuum lines etc...

 

[zizebra]

thank you, forgot that i had a cheap tool to check with.

i got the following codes, i guess i have to stop blaming Vanos now.

P2098
P0302
P2096

 

[Solo Man]

I have two of those solenoids which were taken out of a 323i E90, but it made no difference fitting new ones, even though my R6k reader said it was the solenoids. I think i read on the forum that the problem lies with the tappet cover gasket leaking causing the uneven running, etc. I would start replacing the gasket as it is time consuming but much cheaper. Also, you should be able to see if there is oil leaking out from under the gasket. I could lend you the solenoids if you do want to clean yours. Am planning a trip to the Cape on this coming Sunday. Be in Tyger valley area.

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Also, bought the first solenoid at BMW for just over R2k and the second one from Goldwagen, much the same price.

 

[zizebra]

I have two of those solenoids which were taken out of a 323i E90, but it made no difference fitting new ones, even though my R6k reader said it was the solenoids. I think i read on the forum that the problem lies with the tappet cover gasket leaking causing the uneven running, etc. I would start replacing the gasket as it is time consuming but much cheaper. Also, you should be able to see if there is oil leaking out from under the gasket. I could lend you the solenoids if you do want to clean yours. Am planning a trip to the Cape on this coming Sunday. Be in Tyger valley area.

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Also, bought the first solenoid at BMW for just over R2k and the second one from Goldwagen, much the same price.

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Thank you, after reading the codes, i see none of them relate to Vanos. Seems problem could be O2 sensors or cat or something else but not Vanos solenoid or even spark plugs.

 

[zippy320]

Another Thing you could do , If this solenoid is anything like that on the N42 engine. Is to try cleaning them and replacing the seals , Spray carb cleaner in the center , and through all the holes , shake it around , make sure all the black stuff and dirt falls off , the solenoid should run clear after spraying it repeatedly , clean the metal filters at the sides with he same spray, replace the seals with new seals from BMW and try again. I cant promise it will work , but its better then replacing . I did this on my N42 engine when it pulled up the fault code , cleaned it , fitted it back in and the code never appeared again . I now do this now and then , and the engine runs perfectly smooth.