If you drive or own a BMW or MINI vehicle, there's a good chance you've heard the acronym VANOS in relation to the car's performance, servicing or repair. The system brings some great benefits to the vehicle but can be prone to failure and expensive to fix. 

We'll examine what the VANOS BMW system does, what causes failures, and how to spot a failure. We'll also discuss how much VANOS systems cost to fix and other top FAQs. 

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What is the VANOS system? 

A Vanos system is a variable camshaft timing (VCT) system in BMW cars. Let’s quickly break it down.

A VCT system helps the engine run more efficiently and smoothly by adapting to how you're driving.

VANOS stands for Variable NockenwellenSteuerung which is a German translation of a variable camshaft system. BMW developed the system in the early 90s and it is now seen on all BMW petrol-engined vehicles.

Variable Valve Timing (VVT) systems adjust when the engine's valves open and close to enhance performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions. Different car brands have their own versions of VVT.

VANOS is a specific type of VVT that combines hydraulic and mechanical methods. While it can be effective, it sometimes causes maintenance issues for BMW owners.

How much is a BMW VANOS repair cost

The average BMW VANOS repair cost is between £300 and £2,000 in the UK. 

Replacing rubber seals on a VANOS system is relatively simple and inexpensive, but if the unit itself is faulty, it can be costly in terms of parts and labour. The overall cost can vary significantly depending on your vehicle and location.

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What causes VANOS failure?

BMW’s VANOS system, known for its impressive efficiency and performance, can face issues as it ages—sometimes reaching 30 years old.

The system's complexity often leads to problems, with common failures linked to ageing rubber seals. These seals degrade over time, especially if not consistently exposed to oil, and the solenoids control oil flow to the VANOS system and can fail, causing further issues.

Common VANOS system failure symptoms

The complex VANOS system often shows wear or malfunction through noise or vibration while the engine runs.

With this in mind, there are other symptoms to be aware of. 

VANOS system ticking

At idle or startup, a ticking noise from the VANOS unit, sometimes making the engine sound like a diesel, often indicates worn seals.

Low on power

Variable valve timing helps maintain low-end power and boosts peak output at high RPMs. If your BMW’s VANOS system fails, you might experience a noticeable loss of power, especially below 3,000 RPM.

Rough Idle 

Improper cam timing disrupts the ECU’s control of ignition and fueling, especially at low speeds. This can cause a rough, misfire-like sound and erratic idle speed.

Engine fault codes

In cars post-1996, the ECU logs faults and displays them on the dashboard. 

Issues with sensors like idle, camshaft, or emissions sensors will typically trigger the engine management light, with a stored code likely related to the VANOS system.

Common fault codes are: 

• 2A82: Vanos intake solenoid
• 2A87: Vanos exhaust solenoid
• P1520: Camshaft position actuator, exhaust
• P1523: Camshaft position actuator is jammed, exhaust
• P1397: Camshaft position sensor B

How does a VANOS engine work?

Overall, an engine with VANOS is similar to one without it, though the VANOS unit is visible as a protrusion on top of the engine or hidden under a plastic cover on modern BMWs.

The VANOS system uses two cam gears instead of one, per camshaft. One is driven as normal by the engine via the cam belt or chain, and the other is driven by a hydraulic clutch system.  

When the computer detects the engine is in a specific set of parameters of RPM and load, a hydraulic solenoid valve opens to allow oil from the engine to activate the VANOS cam gear. 

On early versions of the system, the second camshaft drive was at a fixed speed, meaning the valve timing altered from one set position to another. On modern systems, it is infinitely variable, the equivalent to VVT-i systems made by other manufacturers. 

Valve timing adjusts only at high speeds to extend how long the valve stays open and changes when it starts opening. 

Most VANOS systems activate between 2,500 and 3,300 RPM, depending on load, speed, and throttle. Unlike competitors, VANOS systems adjust timing gradually rather than abruptly, which can be either a benefit or drawback.

VANOS system maintenance

Maintaining the VANOS system is essential for proper function. Key components to monitor include the solenoid valves and rubber seals. 

Seal kits should ideally be replaced every 50,000 miles, or sooner if your car is older and low-mileage.

Solenoid Cleaning

To prevent solenoid failure, clean the intake and exhaust VANOS solenoid valves regularly. They can clog with contaminants and become unresponsive. A BMW specialist garage should be familiar with this maintenance procedure.

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What’s the difference between double or single VANOS?

After the improvements to efficiency and power gained from adding the VANOS valve timing system to the engine's intake camshaft, BMW developed what is known as the double VANOS system. 

This adds a control system similar in design to the single VANOS unit, to the exhaust camshaft, allowing the ECU to now control the timing of both the intake and exhaust valves. 

Do all BMW engines have VANOS?

Besides diesel engines, almost all BMW engines since 1993 have some variation of a VANOS system, except for a few select models that still used the older version of a BMW engine after 1993.

What years did BMW use VANOS?

Introduced in 1992, the BMW M50 engine was first introduced as the M50B20TU - the B20 designated a 2.0L displacement. TU is used on all BMW engine codes to identify engines fitted with VANOS. 

The M50 engine was used in the 3 series and 5 series of the era from 1992 onwards. 

Double VANOS was first used in 1996 on the S50 engine, found again in the 3 and 5 series, along with the famous E36 M3. 

VANOS BMW Systems - The Conclusion

So, that’s the wrap on VANOS systems! Maintaining your BMW’s VANOS is key to ensuring efficient engine performance. Early maintenance can prevent costly repairs and avoid issues like power loss or rough engine behaviour.

Always check problems as soon as symptoms arrive to keep your vehicle running smoothly, saving you both expense and hassle in the long run.

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