Twin vanos 2.8 but not the facelift?

[Stormy_be]

Hello,

I thought the twin vanos was introducted with the facelift model of the Z3.
When entering (again) my vin code in the vin-dcoder thing, it shows my I have a M52/TU - 2,80l (142kW)
But I don't have the facelift version (looking at the rear panels, etc).

Weren't they introduced at the same time?
Or is my Zed a "special one" in the sense that the factory had no more old engines but still some old body's.

Regards, Koen

 

[Aceman]

The M52TU engine was introduced on Oct 98 build dates and was a kind of mini face lift prior to the full facelift. My previous zed which was a Oct 98 build date had the twin vanos amongst other minor changes like front bumper and different alarm. I guess bmw were probably testing the waters before doing the full facelift.

 

[Stormy_be]

So I do have a Twin Vanos engine.
As I have seen after the last trackday that I have some "grease" built up on that side.

I suppose that is the known issue with the twin vanos?

Regards, Koen

 

[Aceman]

Yep that's a twin vanos engine. I think the rocker cover gasket is prone to fail as mine had a little seeping around that area although not as bad as that.

 

[Stormy_be]

I have the impression it's just under the rocker cover that it is seeping out

 

[Aceman]

Could be coming from one of the vanos seals as the oil is under high pressure in the vanos so can be prone to leaks too. You probably need to whip the covers off and see what is happening. Might also be coming from the camshaft sensor so check that too.