Considering a 330i (i.e. E46 with M54B30 engine). Vanos ok?
Discussion
The M3's flawed Vanos has been much documented but several other engines including the M54 3.0 V6 in a 330i have the same double Vanos unit. Why doesn’t it have the same frailty? Or does it?
I'm considering buying one (2002 330i sport tourer) but just wanted to sanity check my decision as I dont want a £2k bill waiting for me round the corner.
I'm considering buying one (2002 330i sport tourer) but just wanted to sanity check my decision as I dont want a £2k bill waiting for me round the corner.
I have replaced 2 in 6 years on the M54 engine which means they are reliable.
Considering we see this engine 10-20 times a day for servicing thats not a bad failure rate in 6 years.
The vanos for some reason is feared because it can be an expensive replacement,but unless your buying an M3 evo or a high mile M52 then the problems are few and far between,so there isnt much to be concerned about.
Considering we see this engine 10-20 times a day for servicing thats not a bad failure rate in 6 years.
The vanos for some reason is feared because it can be an expensive replacement,but unless your buying an M3 evo or a high mile M52 then the problems are few and far between,so there isnt much to be concerned about.
I bought a '03 330i Sport Touring for my wife in Feb of '06, what a brilliant car it is!
In fact, it was a PH car! Approx 20k miles have been put on in that time, all fuss free and enjoyable.
Handles very well, is super comfy and has never felt like an estate either (it sure doesn't get driven like one!)
The engine responds very well to a wee tune also :-)
In fact, it was a PH car! Approx 20k miles have been put on in that time, all fuss free and enjoyable.
Handles very well, is super comfy and has never felt like an estate either (it sure doesn't get driven like one!)
The engine responds very well to a wee tune also :-)
Single-Vanos = Reliable and less than £1K to replace
Double-Vanos = Unreliable and nearly £3k to replace
Find out which the car has before you start worrying. I don't care what anyone else says, the MAJORITY of people I know who have Double-Vanos equipped cars have either had to change it or bought cars that have already had it changed.
Double-Vanos = Unreliable and nearly £3k to replace
Find out which the car has before you start worrying. I don't care what anyone else says, the MAJORITY of people I know who have Double-Vanos equipped cars have either had to change it or bought cars that have already had it changed.
MitchT said:
Single-Vanos = Reliable and less than £1K to replace
Double-Vanos = Unreliable and nearly £3k to replace
Find out which the car has before you start worrying. I don't care what anyone else says, the MAJORITY of people I know who have Double-Vanos equipped cars have either had to change it or bought cars that have already had it changed.
Double-Vanos = Unreliable and nearly £3k to replace
Find out which the car has before you start worrying. I don't care what anyone else says, the MAJORITY of people I know who have Double-Vanos equipped cars have either had to change it or bought cars that have already had it changed.
Applies to M3s only I thinnk.
Not many 330s let go, and they're double vanos iirc.
chilli said:
Can I ask a question......What is Vanos?? 
Was thinking about getting a Jag XK soon, but am now looking at the 330d (2005 model) £25k should secure a nice one....Sparkling Grey me thinks!
Was thinking about getting a Jag XK soon, but am now looking at the 330d (2005 model) £25k should secure a nice one....Sparkling Grey me thinks!
Variable camshaft timimg control.
Basically a devise that can alter the camshaft timing at any given time.Optimises emmisions,performance,good starting and so on
Edited by blackspider on Friday 12th January 14:25
middleagecrisis said:
Has anyone used that new "Internet Showroom" place based in Hartney Witney just off the M3?
Yes. My wife bought her '02 330i SE Sport Touring from them a few months ago. Very friendly, fixed everything we negotiated they were to fix on delivery (albeit in the case of a cracked foglight by swapping it off another car while we waited to drive it away!)
Price was very competitive. The car we bought was quite leggy but the price reflected this.
No complaints with them at all.
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