I'm buying an M3 Evo....problems?
Discussion
Hi Nick
Ive just bought my first Evo at the weekend, and have gone through the whole Vanos episode, its basiclly a component on the front of the engine on the side of the cylinder head, it controls the timing and is linkind into the ECU, which in turn controls varoius tasks to do with acceleration/deceleration etc.. anyway the EVO has a dual Vanos which is a bit suspect to say he least, make sure that whatever you buy has had it updated to a new unit by BMW, warrantys are a waste of time IMO relating to the Vanos as it could fail after your warranty has expired.. Make sure its been changed, or dont but it, simple as that.
Ian
Ive just bought my first Evo at the weekend, and have gone through the whole Vanos episode, its basiclly a component on the front of the engine on the side of the cylinder head, it controls the timing and is linkind into the ECU, which in turn controls varoius tasks to do with acceleration/deceleration etc.. anyway the EVO has a dual Vanos which is a bit suspect to say he least, make sure that whatever you buy has had it updated to a new unit by BMW, warrantys are a waste of time IMO relating to the Vanos as it could fail after your warranty has expired.. Make sure its been changed, or dont but it, simple as that.
Ian
Don't think it's as clear cut as that. Some never fail, others have had three fitted! I wouldn't not buy a car just because it's on it's original Vanos. AFAIK ours is and still going strong at 55k miles, that said, we will be renewing the BMW warranty.
Also, its about £1500 to repair at a specialist, so a nasty bill granted, but not the end of the world. (In fact a similar amount to the Inspection 2 and warranty renewal I'm about to pay!)
Take a look at www.bm3w.co.uk
Also, its about £1500 to repair at a specialist, so a nasty bill granted, but not the end of the world. (In fact a similar amount to the Inspection 2 and warranty renewal I'm about to pay!)
Take a look at www.bm3w.co.uk
my car does not appear to have had a vanos changed and its still fine at 125k..... (bought cheap 9mths ago at 105k).
sitting on the sidelines it seems that the Vanos issue is a bit of a lottery were there are some cars that are continualy going wrong.
If I was to buy again, I'd ask the owner how long they have had it and be weary of anything less than a year, as it could indicate a bad-un.
sitting on the sidelines it seems that the Vanos issue is a bit of a lottery were there are some cars that are continualy going wrong.
If I was to buy again, I'd ask the owner how long they have had it and be weary of anything less than a year, as it could indicate a bad-un.
Couger
Giving advice regarding Vanos as Dont touch it unless its been renewed is quite misleading and ignorant. people on this sight are selling their cars which i am sure most are good and straight and will make their new owners proud.
Not all vanos have failed some are OE from new about half are on high milage cars, anybody who is looking for a M3 evo should check its history with BMW and get it inspected .
Get a written report and make their decision.
Nothing is guaranteed except death and tax.
regards
greg
Giving advice regarding Vanos as Dont touch it unless its been renewed is quite misleading and ignorant. people on this sight are selling their cars which i am sure most are good and straight and will make their new owners proud.
Not all vanos have failed some are OE from new about half are on high milage cars, anybody who is looking for a M3 evo should check its history with BMW and get it inspected .
Get a written report and make their decision.
Nothing is guaranteed except death and tax.
regards
greg
I remember asking exactly the same questions when I bought mine..... so it must become a little wearing on the regulars.
There is always mixed advice, some are adement not to buy the Evo due to the Vanos issue and others say its blown out of proportion.
I looked at both the Evo and Non evo cars and bought the best condition car within my budget.
Not regreted that decision one bit.
There is always mixed advice, some are adement not to buy the Evo due to the Vanos issue and others say its blown out of proportion.
I looked at both the Evo and Non evo cars and bought the best condition car within my budget.
Not regreted that decision one bit.
No sorry, I disagree, All the research Ive done on this issue points to the Vanos on the Evos being very suspect, and everyone you see for sale that has had it updated, the owner makes a big point in telling you that it has been changed, regardless if it has gone wrong, its a HUGE bill if it goes wrong, yes people are selling Evos without it done and they may never go wrong I agree totally, this is only MY opinion... which is what the chap asked for,you have given yours let him decide.
Ian
Ian
If you go to www.bm3w.co.uk there is a pole of vanos problems of most of the E36 owners (ie M Roadster, M Coupe, M3 etc) - many haven't failed (there was a free recall to alter the bolts).
This is a fact and is based on 100 or so actual cases.
Yes, when people are selling they do mention its had a new VANOS is that is the case, but that still is no guarantee that it won't fail again!
There is also some thought that it might be to do with changing the vanos filter regulally, which some dealers apprantly don't do - this is Munich Legends view AFAIK.
This is a fact and is based on 100 or so actual cases.
Yes, when people are selling they do mention its had a new VANOS is that is the case, but that still is no guarantee that it won't fail again!
There is also some thought that it might be to do with changing the vanos filter regulally, which some dealers apprantly don't do - this is Munich Legends view AFAIK.
, I have just come off the back of a very bad experience with an Esprit and am probably a little ultra cautios at the moment. Hi guys...thanks for all the info....I've plumpted for an Evo Coupe......but I have a full years Fully Inclusive warranty, which I checked covered the Vanos
The dealer has an impeccable reputation and the car is mint....so I think I have made a good decision.
It's a 97 in Cosmos black,brand new rear tyres,MOT,TAX, service, FBMWSH, M3 plate, 64k and looks brand new.
I even asked him to put a pukka boot spoiler on and he's doing that.
Can't wait........
The dealer has an impeccable reputation and the car is mint....so I think I have made a good decision.
It's a 97 in Cosmos black,brand new rear tyres,MOT,TAX, service, FBMWSH, M3 plate, 64k and looks brand new.
I even asked him to put a pukka boot spoiler on and he's doing that.
Can't wait........
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