11 36 640 Replacing solenoid valves on left VANOS adjustment unit (S62)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 BMW Z8, 2002 BMW Z8, 2001 BMW Z8, and 2000 BMW Z8. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove upper section of intake filter housing on left.

Disconnect plug connection on solenoid valves.

CAUTION: Two different versions:

Solenoid valves not pretensioned
Solenoid valves pretensioned

The solenoid valves and the VANOS adjustment unit of the pretensioned and non-pretensioned solenoid valves are different and must not be mixed when installed.

When the complete VANOS adjustment unit is replaced, the new version must be fitted with the pretensioned solenoid valves. It is sufficient here to replace only the VANOS adjustment unit of the cylinder bank in question.

Solenoid valves pretensioned.

NOTE: The solenoid valves are each pretensioned with a threaded pin in the VANOS adjustment unit.

The threaded pins are plastic-coated and do not have to be replaced.

Remove threaded pins (2).

Fig 1: Removing Threaded Pins

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Solenoid valves pretensioned.

Release screws (1).

Remove cover.

Fig 2: Releasing Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Oil drips from the bores once the solenoid valves have been removed. Have a cleaning cloth ready. Make sure no oil drips onto the belt drive.

CAUTION: Risk of board breakage. Do not damage cable and soldering points.

The solenoid valves (2) can only be removed completely with the board. Using pliers, pull on solenoid valves (2) alternately and carefully in 1 mm steps until valves (2) are no longer secure.

Fig 3: Removing Solenoid Valves

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

No gasket residue is permitted to drop into the bores.

Clean gasket residue from sealing surface (1).

Fig 4: Identifying Sealing Surface

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Lubricate sealing rings on solenoid valves (2).

CAUTION: Risk of board breakage. Do not damage cable and soldering points.

Press board at solenoid valves (2) uniformly and carefully into VANOS adjustment unit.

Fig 5: Pressing Solenoid Valves

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Replace gasket (3).

Fig 6: Replacing Gasket

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Insert wiring grommet in housing recess. Fit cover.

Install and tighten down screws (1).

Tightening torque, 19 Nm.

Fig 7: Installing Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

The threaded pins (2) are plastic-coated and do not have to be replaced.

Fig 8: Installing Threaded Pins

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Screw in threaded pins (2) by hand until they all rest uniformly on solenoid valves.

Tighten down threaded pins (2) to 16 Nm.

Assemble engine.

CAUTION: There is air in the VANOS system once it is opened.
In the first few seconds after startup this results in a clearly discernible "rattling noise".
This rattling noise does "not" indicate incorrect assembly.
The rattling noise will disappear as soon as the oil pressure has built up and the system has vented.