After 135,000 miles, it finally happened....
 

My vanos is headed south :bawling: This morning before heading to work I decided to open the hood and take a listen to things. Well, I heard something a little funny, not quite the *tick* you hear from an S52. So I put my ear to the vanos and sure enough, sounded like a bunch of marbles in a can. Now I know you can drive for quite a while with a failing vanos and it won't severely hurt the car. You may lose low end power and torque, but that really doesn't matter considering the long list of other things I need to fix to have the car in "real driving" conditions. And if the vanos gets really bad, it can screw your timing. My list of parts is quickly climbing and I'm already at $1500. That doesn't include a fix from Dr Vanos, suspension, or summer tires. Oh, and selling is absolutely not an option. Goose will be gutted, stripped, and track dedicated before he's sold.

Maybe it's time to get a double vanos unit, and individual throttle bodies... and a 6-sp :eek:

What is a vanos unit?

Variable valve timing monitored by the DME and accelerator petal position. Makes for smoother operation, fuel economy and performance.

VANOS controls the intake valve only. Double VANOS works the intake and exhaust valves.

VAriable NOckenwellen Steuerung

Dang.

I have no idea what anything means that you said or if that's even English, but I think that "Poor Goose" is a proper reply, so, Poor Goose! :saad:

I thought all BMW engines had VANOS? Was it just the M engines, I-6s???

I do know the Euro e36 M3 had double vanos, the US had single, and the e46 had double.

And yes Michelle, it was all English... and poor Goose works :)

Forget about "poor goose" with all those troubles, break out the Grey Goose to forget about the troubles...

Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever. Have started stockpiling $ for future repairs, but am rabidly having the mechanics replace anything that shows the smallest bit of failure in an attempt to push off that big $ day - So far, having the Dinan S2 upgrade gave the effect of having the engine rebuilt - Almost 3yrs now and flawless performance - at 83k. I'm not at your level yet - and the fact that I don't use it for commuting, does cut down on the wear'n'tear - even having a tough time wearing out the Diamaris(I could get 35K+ out of them) - I agree with you - rather than sell it, I'll rip out the rear seats, install a rollbar, racing seats w/5-pt belts, extinquisher, go down to Bonneville Salt Flats and join the 150mph club, then set it up for rallys

Good luck with your repairs

...I think it has 335 envy....

You are talking about your M3, right? Sorry to hear that.

I am however, very glad to hear you say selling is not an option. I think you would regret it down the road. Hopefully you can keep it street worthy for a minimal costs.

Quoted for best post in the thread :bustingup




Yes, I'm talking about the M3... and it's unfortunately not very street worthy right now. Makes me very sad :( But I still drive it... very carefully.

Your right, as far as the e46s, they have the double VANOS. M52 TU (323 and 328), M54 (330 and 325), M56 (325iA), and S54 (M3)<--- this M Engine has a high pressure double VANOS.

Hmmmm.... wonder if I can fit one of drvanos's double vanos units to my s52 :genius:

http://www.drvanos.com/images/dualkit.jpg


instead of


http://www.drvanos.com/images/stage_2.jpg

:dunno: :thumbup:

A Dedication from Goose to Ken
 

So last night, as we pulled into the garage from watching the new Batman movie... I heard Goose crying... poor poor Goose... We always take Carmen out now, and he truly is saddened. I think that is why he is starting to fall apart.

So... on behalf of Goose, we dedicate this song to you Ken. :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9f-lXqUZ18

Here are the lyrics:

Perhaps with the help of you all, we can tweak the words to be a little more "Goose" specific.

She said, "I've seen you in here before"
I said, "I've been here a time or two"
She said, "Hello, my name is Bobby Jo
Meet my twin sister Betty Lou
And we're both feeling kinda wild tonight
And you're the only cowboy in this place
And if you're up for a rodeo
I'll put a big Texas smile on your face"
I said, "Girls

I ain't as good as I once was
I got a few years on me now
But there was a time, back in my prime
When I could really lay it down
And if you need some love tonight
Then I might have just enough
I ain't as good as I once was
But I'm as good once as I ever was"

I still hang out with my best friend Dave
I've known him since we were kids at school
Last night he had a few shots, got in a tight spot
Hustlin' a game of pool with a couple of redneck boys
One great big bad biker man
I heard David yell across the room
"Hey buddy, how 'bout a helping hand"
I said, "Dave


I ain't as good as I once was
My how the years have flown
But there was a time, back in my prime
When I could really hold my own
But if you wanna fight tonight
Guess those boys don't look all that tough
I ain't as good as I once was
But I'm as good once as I ever was"

I used to be hell on wheels
Back when I was a younger man
Now my body says, "You can't do this boy"
But my pride says, "Oh yes you can"

I ain't as good as I once was
That's just the cold hard truth
I still throw a few back, talk a little smack
When I'm feelin' bulletproof
So don't double dog dare me now
'Cause I'd have to call your bluff

I ain't as good as I once was
But I'm as good once as I ever was
May not be good as I once was
But I'm as good once as I ever was...

Awww...poor Goose is jealous of Carmen. Shame on you. :damn: