Can a VANOS solenoid be cleaned?

Can a VANOS solenoid be cleaned?

I did this a while back when I got intake Vanos codes. Just cleaned with air blown from a shop-vac on reverse and rinsed in some lacquer thinner. Be sure to clean both while you are in there.

What causes VANOS failure?

These rings are made from rubber and can break down and deteriorate naturally over time. The second most common issue is with the solenoids, which can get clogged. If dirt and debris block the solenoids, they will not be able to work properly.

What does a bad VANOS sound like?

A typical VANOS rattle usually sounds like a bunch of marbles rattling around in a plastic bucket. A noisy VANOS may drive you up the wall while driving, but it won’t result in poor performance or engine damage, in most cases.

What happens when VANOS fails?

If the VANOS system fails, your BMW will be unable to properly regulate its fuel usage. As such, it may start to burn through more fuel than normal. Simultaneously, your vehicle may also sputter and accelerate sluggishly, as its engine will struggle to push out the increased amounts of fuel through the exhaust cam.

What causes VANOS solenoid to fail?

The first issue is o-ring failure. These rings are made from rubber and can break down and deteriorate naturally over time. The second most common issue is with the solenoids, which can get clogged. If dirt and debris block the solenoids, they will not be able to work properly.

Can a bad VANOS solenoid cause limp mode?

The Vanos solenoids in the 325, 328, 330 and 335’s can get clogged and cause a car to go into limp mode or not be driveable at all. My 335 threw a check engine light in Tysons Corner and went into severe limp mode that would not clear.

How much does it cost to replace a VANOS solenoid?

Taking a car to the dealer for this process will cost a minimum $350. The following DIY post is the one I used to perform the removal and cleaning of both vanos solenoids. I swapped them as instructed in the re-install and everything worked well again.

What’s the BMW E90 camshaft solenoid location?

The BMW E90 engine utilizes two VANOS (variable camshaft timing) solenoids. One for the intake camshaft and one for the exhaust camshaft, mounted to the front of cylinder head.

Is it possible to clean the solenoids without removing the plunger?

The solenoids don’t have gaskets on the internal plunger, it’s a machined seal, so cleaning them is useless without actuating them.