This DIY explains how to replace the VANOS Solenoid, with failure commonly detected through the following codes.

2A82 Inlet-Vanos variable cam control test
2A87 Outlet-Vanos variable cam control test
3100 boost-pressure control, deactivation
...

Going to do this in a few and have 3 questions.

1. If cleaning do you have to use compressed air (I have no access to it). Will MAF or carb cleaner work?

2. Do you have to replace the O-rings if just cleaning them?

3. I was going WOT and car lost power/shuddered and idled rough, I turned car off then on and all was fine and no codes, I am guessing Vanos.

Thanks for a great DIY!

Getting ready for cleaning and switching the solenoids as I've gotten exhaust vanos code a few times when I get off throttle after 3,4 and 3,4,5 WOT pulls.

What screw is holding the solenoid in place? Looks tight, best way to reach screw?

This is a 10 minute job, take off snorkel and there is a 10MM bolt holding the vanos retaining clip to the block.

Ok, thanks man!
Got the half engine light and limp again today after an inspired overtake. Gotta get this done tomorrow..

Put rags down there do you do not drop the 10MM bolts...there are not long at all

Yup, had some rage under solenoids and the removal vent really smooth. Did not remove engine cover only airduct. It is tight but there is enough room to wrench and have one hand down there.

Cleaned both solenoids with brake cleaner and switched them out. Have not been able to replicate the vanos code on the 4-5 WOT pulls I have made after the cleaning/switch.

Thanks again for a great DIY on this awesome forum.

E92 335i -07

First, thanks for the great DIY on this. I replaced the intake vanos with a brand new one and the code shows up again. Any thoughts on this?

Do you have a CPS on your JB4?

Sorry to appear stupid but you'll have to translate. It's my wife's car and I'm just the repairman if it's easy

She probably doesn't have a tuner on the car then...robot ably not realavant.

That's a great DIY project! Keep it up!

The codes may clear themselves but it's better to clear them with a OBDII code reader or equivalent.

If you are still getting codes, follow the excellent post #57 by AlanAZ.

I suggest replacing the O-rings (PN 11 36 7 548 459) while you are in there. ecstuning has the Victor Reinz brand for about 5 bucks apiece.

The photos show the O-ring kit I got over-the-counter from the BMW dealership.

Attached Images

  

Had yellow engine management light come on and under diagnoses says "Vanos" Had it cleared. Two weeks later came back. Cars running perfect though. Why keep paying £20 to have it cleared when cars driving fine. Surely the car would be running poor if there was a real problem ? Does anyone know of UK suppliers of vanos units apart from BMW ? Or where I can get the "O" ring to do a self repair as this seems quite simple thanks to video on Youtube

Main dealer price update.. Vanos solenoids £67.00.. "O" Rings £6.02 for two. Wanted £180 to fit them though. Thanks to this forum it looks quite easy.. Good luck :-)

I just did this today and it took me 20 mins. I was taking my time and being careful too. I had the 2A87 error code on the exhaust solenoid. I took both out, cleaned with electrical spray, blasted with compressed air and re installed in the opposite locations. Before I had a little blip around 4700rpm and now its gone. Totally smooth through the whole power band. I hope the code stays away too.

Had light cleared but came up again with code 2A67.. Does anyone know what this is ?

Anyway, I got two Vanos Solinoid's from main dealer and friend is fitting them tomorrow, Just paid £137 for the pair.. Will update on any improvement and if codes stays off. Hop this sorts it out as I'm losing faith with BMW

2A67 = Valvetronic Internal Fault

Thanks for that.. Replacing the Vanos solenoids fix it?

Had them fitted,car running smoother than ever. This morning however went into limp mode again with EML on, grrr. Looks like it means replacing the valvetronic motor. Fekin BMW's. never again

Codes now saying eccentric valve sensor. seems like I'm never going to get this resolved

Was the Valve Tronic motor £400 at a local independent BMW Specialist Still,cheaper than main dealers £750. Car running like a a gudun again :-)