The car cranks but won’t start. 2012 528i bmw - Answered by a verified BMW Mechanic We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them. The typical range for BMW Vanos repair costs is: Minor Repairs – $1200 to $1800 for items like solenoids, sensors, seals/gaskets. Timing Components – $1500 to $2500 for replacement of worn phasers, chains, guides, etc. Full Rebuild – $2500 up to $4000+ for complete Vanos disassembly and rebuild with all new components. 99% of all failures are caused by a $100 solenoid that a monkey could replace by hand. Some rare cases involve the unit itself, even rarer is the timing chain tensioner failure. Best bet is to replace the solenoid and see if that remedies the problem. The dealer charges $100 to diagnose a VANOS problem and that doesn't include parts or labor. they do the same thing in theory, vtec is a simpler and arguable more effect way of handling a variable valve timing system. vtec enguages at a certain RPM using a kind of OP switch that drives a pin. vanos allow for far more adjustablilty and a smoother powerband, but its also less reliable. The BMW E46 M3 VANOS system is a prime example of how innovative engineering can elevate a high-performance sports car to legendary status. Its ability to seamlessly adjust camshaft timing ensures that the E46 M3 delivers thrilling performance while also being efficient and clean. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, technologies I am different than some; I question things that make no sense to me. I look for reasons why and how things work. You may inherently know how the VANOS seals work (and fail) - and how that impacts "performance"; but I don't. I question warp. I question octane. I question miracles in a can. I question failure modes. S55 is an inline-6, high-rev, turbocharged petrol engine. Mainly, It was designed for performance cars. It is equipped with the new BMW’s M TwinPower Technology: two mono-scroll turbochargers that can develop up to 7500RPM, high precision direct-injection, and Valvetronic VVT, and double VANOS variable camshaft timing that provides complete Put a towel under the bottom (exhaust) solenoid, and change this one first. Unplug the electrical connector, use a 10mm socket to loosen the retaining bolt, and once you can twist the retaining bolt by hand, CAREFULLY back the bolt out by hand. Twist the solenoid to the right and then pull straight out. The diagnosis was that the gauze within the vanos gear has disintegrated, causing blockages and therefore preventing the vanos from correctly adjusting. The car was misfiring like mad and was practically undrivable. Would have cost me £2000+ however MINI payed 75% out of good will due to full MINI service history. VANOS units on the intake and exhaust camshafts of a BMW N52 engine. VANOS is a variable valve timing system used by BMW on various automotive petrol engines since 1992. The name is an abbreviation of the German words for variable camshaft timing ( German: variable Nockenwellensteuerung ). The initial version (retrospectively renamed "single M9Jv.