Transformation after dual Vanos repair on 2.8

dva99999

Zorg Guru (I)
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British Zeds
Joined
Feb 14, 2016
Points
85
Location
Wirral
Model of Z
Z4 3.0 E85 Automatic
Having learned how to change the rocker cover gasket on this and my 5 series I took it upon myself to have a go at the Vanos Repair procedure after looking at both the Beisan method, X8R method and some YouTube videos.
The procedures were spot on....my only personal advice is not only to have the right tools but also make sure they are good quality. The cheap fan holding tool from Amazon snapped while removing the fan so I had to wait for another from Laser.
Also...take your time. Check, check and recheck everything. The number of times I put the washers and bearings in and out of the piston in the right order I could probably do it blind folded.
I didn’t know I needed to do this until I drove the car. At first on starting it up it misfired on all cylinders!! I have a code reader. I stopped the engine and restarted with no problems.
I literally shot off down the road....the lower end power was instant hitting 3000rpm very quickly like something had been released and then pushing on further to the redline.
On the motorway the response was similar, dropping down a gear and flooring it, it couldn’t get to the redline quick enough and I found myself doing (ahem) 70 very quickly.
It is a long job to the inexperienced but there are a lot of guides out there....just be prepared to take your time...it’s worth it.
I’ll give it a week and see how it fairs but it seems the car has been completely transformed.
 

dva99999

Zorg Guru (I)
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British Zeds
Joined
Feb 14, 2016
Points
85
Location
Wirral
Model of Z
Z4 3.0 E85 Automatic
X8R....you can get them directly or through Amazon. They do a write up on their website plus a video.
 

James S

Regular Member
British Zeds
Joined
Apr 26, 2018
Points
20
Location
North West London
Model of Z
Z3 2.2i
This is really great to hear as I'll be doing the vanos seals on my 2.2 (M54) on Monday. The torque below 2500 revs feels pretty sluggish to me currently. Hoping for similar results.

I'll definitely be taking my time. I've set aside the whole day (until 7 pm!).
 

gookah

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British Zeds
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Dec 7, 2011
Points
170
Location
Shropshire
Model of Z
2.8 Z3
why is it other people seem to see big changes, but I never seem to notice the difference when I do any of these things?
Vanos seals and rattle rings..nothing
spark plugs. nothing
strut brace. nothing
gearbox oils. nothing
brake hoses and fluids. nothing
clutch hose. nothing


the only things I have changed that made a difference were the inlet manifold and suspension.

maybe mine was perfect to begin with..... yeah right.
 

Nodzed

Zorg Expert (II)
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British Zeds
M Power
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Feb 18, 2016
Points
231
Location
Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Model of Z
Z3M Imola and Z4 (e89)
why is it other people seem to see big changes, but I never seem to notice the difference when I do any of these things?
Vanos seals and rattle rings..nothing
spark plugs. nothing
strut brace. nothing
gearbox oils. nothing
brake hoses and fluids. nothing
clutch hose. nothing


the only things I have changed that made a difference were the inlet manifold and suspension.

maybe mine was perfect to begin with..... yeah right.
You haven't been driving it hard enough :whistle::whistle::D
Getting the Vanos done in mine totally transformed the car if I'm honest, like night and day.
 

Cooper

Zorg Guru (IV)
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Australian Zeds
Joined
Apr 17, 2014
Points
157
Location
Hobart Tasmania Australia
Model of Z
3.0i 2001
why is it other people seem to see big changes, but I never seem to notice the difference when I do any of these things?
Vanos seals and rattle rings..nothing
spark plugs. nothing
strut brace. nothing
gearbox oils. nothing
brake hoses and fluids. nothing
clutch hose. nothing

the only things I have changed that made a difference were the inlet manifold and suspension.

maybe mine was perfect to begin with..... yeah right.
LOL!!!

Don't feel bad I also got no noticeable difference when I rebuilt my twin vanos in the 3.0i but it wasn't making noises or whatever, I just did it because I had the rocker cover off and I am too lazy to do that twice. Plus the car had done 160,000k so what the heck, preventative maintenance.
 

Nodzed

Zorg Expert (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
M Power
Joined
Feb 18, 2016
Points
231
Location
Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Model of Z
Z3M Imola and Z4 (e89)
LOL!!!

Don't feel bad I also got no noticeable difference when I rebuilt my twin vanos in the 3.0i but it wasn't making noises or whatever, I just did it because I had the rocker cover off and I am too lazy to do that twice. Plus the car had done 160,000k so what the heck, preventative maintenance.
Chances are both yours and @gookah vanos were just fine?
 
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