[194449]

Mine aren't broken or doing anything funny but I'm just a-wonderin'... Do the O-rings and piston/spring combo wear out? When replacing the solenoid, do folks usually only replace the electrical solenoid part itself or the entire unit? Do these units get affected by oil sludge buildup or anything of that nature?

 

[collardgreens]

Good question, I don't remember seeing any DIY for the solenoids.

Wonder what a failing solenoid sign or symptoms are?

 

[Fast Bob]

When rebuilding a VANOS unit, the seals get replaced (upgraded Viton seals from Beisan Systems), and you should do the piston anti-rattle kit at the same time. Solenoids rarely if ever go bad.

 

[Fudman]

The Vanos solenoid can go bad occasionally. Sometimes the P0015 code indicates the problem. The cause can be due to using the incorrect oil, which can gum up the piston. See this post for diagnosing a solenoid piston problem: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7034376&postcount=2
Accessing the solenoid is not easy as it requires a 32mm deep socket.

 

[Flybot]

You wont get stranded if the solenoid fails. You should get a code and it will not run as well as normal. I think it affects the idle, and the cams default to high speed position (but it may be opposite, cant remember). So I dont call that a maintenance item. Just replace it if it dies. But like others said, it doesnt happen often.

 

[540indiana]

I am going to replace them when I redo my vanos. Oh wait, damn 540 kits are still not available....

 

[194449]

Fudman, t'anks, I've bookmarked the procedure described by Rajaie.

Next time I'm at the hardware store I'll try to remember to look for a 1&9/32" shower socket.