What VANOS problem on the E36?

[Optimanc]

This 'VANOS problem' keeps coming up on the net, can anyone shed some light on exactly what it is please?

Thanks

[fixedwheelnut]

Vanos is actually quite reliable on the basic models, it tends to be the M3 double vanos that plays up usually it just goes noisey/rattly and becomes annoying rather than any drop in performance, a few E46 M3s had a recall on vanos units breaking up, a phone call to any dealer with the chassis number will let you know if a vehicle has had or got any outstanding recalls.

[Harry Flashman]

Never understood how Honda could make utterly reliable 100bhp+ per litre VTEC engines with variable valve timing, and BMW's enjoyed self destructing. Anyone have the low down on the difference between the two mechanisms? Can any mods be made to the BMW system to make it bulletproof, like Honda's?

I ask because I'm thinking about a car with the E36 engine (Z3M) and this all really worries me. The alternative is a TVR Griffith - which has its faults, but they tend not to be around the engine (electrics/chassis instead...)