Got a lumpy idle in your M3? Power not quite what it used to be? Thinking of buying an M3 & want a pre-purchase test to confirm the vanos is doing what it should when it should? Is that grumbling sound getting worse?

 

For peace-of-mind why not go for one of our popular vanos test session diagnostic health checks?

 

At Iridium we have advanced diagnostic capabilities that allow us to run automated tests on the vanos system to confirm it's operating correctly, show the inlet & exhaust camshaft expected positions against actual positions, & even run a fully automated vanos test sequence on the system with. These tests can highlight any potential errors or malfunctions in the operation of the vanos unit & control systems.

 

How we do it

Initially we start with a visual and audible check of the vanos unit & wiring. Then, using dedicated Snap-On^TM diagnostics we perform a vanos solenoid actuation test. This activates/deactivates each vanos solenoid in turn for approximately 30 seconds each. During this time the solenoids can be heard & felt to click as they engage/disengage & the electrical continuity & ECU operation is confirmed. Should one or more not be working, this can be quickly identified. One of the major causes of a lumpy idle is a broken vanos solenoid wire or faulty solenoid - this test will enable you to pinpoint exactly which one has failed or where to start looking!

 

Next, the engine is run & the dynamic camshaft actual positions (in degrees) are compared to the values the ECU is expecting. Any major error here could indicate faulty camshaft position sensors, excessive wear in the vanos unit or a faulty control signal for the vanos unit.

 

Swapping to the BMW GT1 diagnostic system, we then run a fully automated dynamic vanos test sequence. With the engine running, the test software dynamically adjusts the vanos control system & monitors the engine & vanos system behaviour. During this time the engine revs are automatically increased/decreased & various testing parameters such as general operation & inlet & exhaust leakege checked against factory-expected behaviour. A test report is then displayed to indicate the test results.

 

A good peace-of-mind health check for your vanos.

 

 

 

Please note - this does not include a full car diagnostic or further fault investigation - its a health-check on your vanos system only.