N42/N46 Timing: Checking if VANOS units are locked

How to check if VANOS adjustment units are locked on a BMW N42/N46 engine.

Make sure VANOS units are locked before doing the timing.

[travkkin]

hello BimmerZen, i tested my vanus as you show in the video, the exhaust vanos did not have shaky but when i started to move the intake camshaft itself began to turn, when i cranked it no longer moved.

i suppose my vanos is not locked and it lags behind yes? a year ago, I replaced the chain with the tensioner, and the vanos was also changed, but to the used, and as I understand it, this one is also non-working. or am i wrong?

[andrijanozagorscak]

Hi BimmerZen. When I try to check it like you have made it in video my exhaust unit cannot move and intake unit I can move lke you in video. Just this small about 1 mm but exhaust I cannot move. Is that ok or should I check exhaust unit?

[DrugChabor]

Hello BimmerZen! I need help again. I changed timing chain and put new eccentric shaft sensor, but now I getting Vanos codes for both camshafts. What can be a problem? I didn't have that fault before. I checked timing two times, everything is okay. Faults are 2731 and 27BB. Many thanks!!

[lelekkozje]

Jak montuje nowego vanosa to mam go zablokować lub odblokować?

[MartiansChronicle]

Before I make any adjustments to the timing, I need to make sure that the VANOS units are locked? If I want to then adjust the timing I have to find TDC, lock the crankshaft and the camshaft, before I can loosen the VANOS bolts? I believe those bolts will need to be replaced. I can then place the timing tool in front of the VANOS gears and make sure the holes line up before tightening the VANOS bolts? Thanks!

[papaabdoulayeSarr-ic]

what is the consequences if the vanos are locked is this bad ?

[MrBojangles]

Awesome video!

I purchased new vanos units and after installing them I want to turn the engine over and I see the intake vanos moving but the exhaust doesn't. Then after a couple of degrees they both start moving together but of course now the timing is off.

Getting new bolts now and gonna do the locking procedure first :)

[wiktornowak]

hey if i just want to change the vanos unit bolt i have to unscrew chain tensioner ? or just lock camshafts and replace bolt ? :D

[quanglinhtran]

Do you have any documents about the Vanos system?
Can you give me the data, size or anything related to it?

[performancecomptonbro]

Would it cause a no compression issue on the 4 cylinder I have a n20 engine

[wzr]

Hey, good expleanation! Is there any chance that a N46 engine can have a vanos issue without sending an error to the ECU for readout ? I recently repaired my Valvetronic and replaced the excentric shaft, the engine runs really strong now witohur engine cuts anymore in lower RPMs. So its the first time i can drive the car(BMW 120i E87) to its fullest. But i have a strange feeling something is still off, thanks to the workign Valvetronic the car has lots of torque and fast acceleration between 1000 and lets say 3500/4000 rpm, but afther that if i pull until 6500 near the limiter, it feels out of breath. It feels like its missing power in higher RPM, but no error codes appear. So i taught its maybe a VANOS related problem.

[AihonouDanssou]

Oui bonjour comment vous allez la santé et la journée mais j'ai besoin de calage de paiement

[radeizazgrade]

greetings, I own an e46 with N46 1.8 and 116 hp, I have never had a single problem, it has 305, 000 km, it works perfectly, there is no smoke from the exhaust, the consumption is 7.3 liters. but I'm planning an e90 also with N46 2.9 and 129 hp, or maybe a diesel M47 with 122 hp.. please, stay with the e46 or which one should I choose between the two engines in the e90 that I mentioned? thank you