Service & repair
E36 & E46 VANOS Repair
Diagnosis and repair of the VANOS variable valve timing on E36 and E46 sixes — seals, solenoids and the M3’s high-pressure VANOS.
VANOS is BMW’s variable camshaft timing. The later E36 sixes use single VANOS on the intake cam; the E46 sixes (M52TU, M54) use double VANOS on both cams; the E46 M3’s S54 has its own high-pressure system. Worn seals and tired solenoids are the usual faults, and they cost power and smoothness long before they set a code.
We read the codes and the live data first, then quote what the fault actually needs — seals, a solenoid, or more.
Signs it needs doing
- Loss of power or a flat spot at low revs
- Rough or hunting idle
- A rattle from the front of the engine at start-up or idle
- VANOS or camshaft position fault codes
What the job covers
- Fault codes and live data read
- VANOS unit inspected
- Seals or solenoid replaced as quoted
- Adaptations reset and a road test
What it costs
Every car is different at this age, so we price it once we have seen yours. Yes. You get a written estimate by email with a private link, and you approve it job by job — or decline what you don’t want. We won’t go over the estimate you approved by more than Colorado allows (10% or 25 dollars, whichever is less) without asking you first.
Questions
Will I know the price before you start?
Yes. You get a written estimate by email with a private link, and you approve it job by job — or decline what you don’t want. We won’t go over the estimate you approved by more than Colorado allows (10% or 25 dollars, whichever is less) without asking you first.
Where to find us
Where to bring it
Book ahead so the car has a bay and the right person when it arrives. We get back to you to agree a time.
Book an appointment3 Series Parts Service
The service shop
More of what we do
Scheduled maintenance (Inspection I / II)BMW’s Inspection I and Inspection II maintenance for the E36 and E46 — fluids, filters, plugs, brakes and a full look-over, on our estimate first.
Oil serviceOil and filter change for the BMW E36 and E46 with the right oil for your engine, plus a quick look underneath while it is on the lift.
Cooling system overhaulRadiator, expansion tank, water pump, thermostat and hoses for the E36 and E46 — the plastic cooling parts these cars are known to crack.
E46 rear subframe reinforcementInspection and repair of the E46’s rear subframe mounts — the known floor-cracking problem — with reinforcement plates welded in.
Book an appointment
Bring your E36 or E46 in
Nothing is booked or charged until we have talked, and any price comes as a written estimate you approve first.
Body damage, paint or rust? See our body shop. Parts for your own work: shop used E36 and E46 parts. Both shops.
Independent repair shop; not affiliated with or endorsed by BMW AG or BMW of North America. BMW is a registered trademark of BMW AG.