Removing vanos. Clearance?

07ImolaRot · 03-05-2023, 11:38 AM

I'm going to be doing a vanos overhaul soon. It seems like taking the vanos off might be a little challening due to much less space on the Z4M than the E46. Those of you that attempted this, how did you go about it? Did you have to loosen the radiator support to make enough space to backout the vanos and take it out?

Seems like a very tight fit.

belcom · 03-06-2023, 07:59 AM

It is tight but very doable. Make sure to remove the top plastic piece and fan assembly first. But the whole unit will come out with a bit of wiggling. Same going back in. Check multiple sources for procedures. I used beisan guide primarily. Also used fatboys garage guide on youtube. Both are very detailed. If you are doing it for the first time I'd review both resources start to finish to understand the whole process before even starting.

maupineda · 03-06-2023, 10:58 AM

Need to remove…

Radiator beauty cover
Remove radiator fan and shroud
Remove hood release cable from its clip and then the clip from the slam panel (needed so that unit can be as car forward as possible.

And when removing the VANOS you need to separate the feed valve carefully so it remains attached to the head (not the vanos unit), or remove it completely. Then the unit can be pulled back completely and slide it up.

Use the longest bolts from the solenoid pack as sliding guides so the unit is slid forwards and still supported while you release the feed valve.

03-05-2023, 11:38 AM	#1
07ImolaRot Private First Class 130 Rep 102 Posts Drives: 07 Z4M, 05 M3, 13 M3 Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Removing vanos. Clearance? I'm going to be doing a vanos overhaul soon. It seems like taking the vanos off might be a little challening due to much less space on the Z4M than the E46. Those of you that attempted this, how did you go about it? Did you have to loosen the radiator support to make enough space to backout the vanos and take it out? Seems like a very tight fit.
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03-06-2023, 07:59 AM	#2
belcom Lieutenant 179 Rep 427 Posts Drives: '18 540i, '06 Z4si, '07 Z4MC Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	It is tight but very doable. Make sure to remove the top plastic piece and fan assembly first. But the whole unit will come out with a bit of wiggling. Same going back in. Check multiple sources for procedures. I used beisan guide primarily. Also used fatboys garage guide on youtube. Both are very detailed. If you are doing it for the first time I'd review both resources start to finish to understand the whole process before even starting.
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03-06-2023, 10:58 AM	#3
maupineda Captain 456 Rep 975 Posts Drives: E86 Z4MC Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Detroit, MI iTrader: (3)	Need to remove… Radiator beauty cover Remove radiator fan and shroud Remove hood release cable from its clip and then the clip from the slam panel (needed so that unit can be as car forward as possible. And when removing the VANOS you need to separate the feed valve carefully so it remains attached to the head (not the vanos unit), or remove it completely. Then the unit can be pulled back completely and slide it up. Use the longest bolts from the solenoid pack as sliding guides so the unit is slid forwards and still supported while you release the feed valve.
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