M54 Vanos Overhaul?

HooperPC · 04-20-2022, 11:48 AM

Bought a 2006 X3 recently so I have the M54 engine. Turns out the previous owner did apparently no maintenance to this car over several years. One neglected item is the VCG. It was leaking oil, and upon removal, the VCG was rock hard, so brittle it crumbles when disturbed. The double vanos has a carbon coating, coupled with the likely rare oil change I figure it will need at least to be cleaned. Should I do this and what kind of kit is best?
Thanks.

richardodn · 04-21-2022, 06:52 AM

There is no reason to dig into the VANOS system unless you suspect an actual fault. The coating on the outside of the system will not affect its operation. Besides, it's really not that bad. However if it bothers you, feel free to clean it up before you put a new gasket on.

Now with that said, all those early VANOS systems have a reputation for bad seals. So if you feel like doing it as a preventive service, go for it. The people at https://www.beisansystems.com/index.html say they basically have all failed. Personally, I think the truth is somewhere in between. If you do go for it, I'd suggest buying supplies from them. Their seals are supposed to have better longevity. I have an E36 with the M52 that I plan on doing some time over the next year.

04-20-2022, 11:48 AM	#1
HooperPC Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW 528 iXdrive Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Freeland, MD iTrader: (0)	M54 Vanos Overhaul? Bought a 2006 X3 recently so I have the M54 engine. Turns out the previous owner did apparently no maintenance to this car over several years. One neglected item is the VCG. It was leaking oil, and upon removal, the VCG was rock hard, so brittle it crumbles when disturbed. The double vanos has a carbon coating, coupled with the likely rare oil change I figure it will need at least to be cleaned. Should I do this and what kind of kit is best? Thanks. Attached Images
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04-21-2022, 06:52 AM	#2
richardodn First Lieutenant 161 Rep 351 Posts Drives: '12 X3 35iX/'20 440ix cabrio Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0)	There is no reason to dig into the VANOS system unless you suspect an actual fault. The coating on the outside of the system will not affect its operation. Besides, it's really not that bad. However if it bothers you, feel free to clean it up before you put a new gasket on. Now with that said, all those early VANOS systems have a reputation for bad seals. So if you feel like doing it as a preventive service, go for it. The people at https://www.beisansystems.com/index.html say they basically have all failed. Personally, I think the truth is somewhere in between. If you do go for it, I'd suggest buying supplies from them. Their seals are supposed to have better longevity. I have an E36 with the M52 that I plan on doing some time over the next year. __________________ 1986 Delphin 528e - Roof rack equipped lumber hauler. 2008 Platinum-Beige X3 3.0si - Current project 2012 Alpine White X3 xDrive35i - My new snowmobile. 2020 Estoril Blue 440i xDrive cabrio w/MPPSK - This car is a blast to drive.
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