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.
Parts for this job
We sell used genuine BMW parts for the E36 and E46. Doing it yourself, or want to bring your own? Browse the shelves:
Repair guides for the do-it-yourself side.
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.