kevingallo

I've been having a lot of rough idle issues, along with random stalls, some CELs, and that bloody clicking noise. I figured it was the VANOS unit, so I ordered a rebuilt one from Dr. Vanos. Well, I got into the motor, took the valve cover off, and it appears that the dual VANOS unit that I ordered isn't proper for the N52. Maybe I'm crazy? Does the VANOS unit on the N52s actually need replacing after a while, or is it just the solenoids? I've cleaned both of them out, but I haven't fully tested them, so if that's the only issue....

Any guidance would be great, even if it's another direction to head. I'm just stuck between a rock and a hard place currently....

Thanks in advance,
Kevin

slo.e60

Don't have an answer to your question, but I do have a few questions for you such as what year and model do you have, whats your mileage and how often do you change your oil?

I've heard that vanos (not the solenoid) failures often are a result of sludge buildup due to the long oil change intervals. I've had several talks with my mechanic regarding this and will be on more aggressive oil change interval. My mileage is 127K and I'll be aiming for a 5k mile oil change interval.

kevingallo

It's an '06 530I with the N52. I just replaced the oil with Mobil 1 0W-40 last month. I've just recently gotten back from deployment, so I don't know how often the oil was changed while I was gone (roommate was driving the car while I was gone, BIG mistake). I'm at 113K currently.

E60I

Maybe your roommate has been using low grade octane at the non preferred gas stations?

kevingallo

Shouldn't be. I know she once put in mid-grade, but other than that she said she always used premium 93. Non-preferred gas stations is a possibility though. What do you guys recommend? I usually go to the Kangaroo or Shell stations around here in Mississippi.

Kevin

E60I

I trained my 3 year old daughter to understand that her daddy buys only 93 octane gas from Chevron Techron. Every so often, I add two bottles of Chevron Techron fuel injectors cleaner for peace of mind.

Wishing you best of luck in fixing your car issue.