VANOS Seal Replacement Experiences
 

Anyone here replaced their VANOS seals with the Beisan product? How difficult was it? I'm about to tackle it myself and have downloaded and printed out the instructions from the Beisan website. It seems pretty straightforward. Was it really straightforward? Anyone that's done this have any tips or tricks? Also, did it result in improved fuel mileage?

Thanks in advance!

Aside from my valve cover breaking, it was very straight forward. Just watch a diy video and you'll be set.

I didn't notice and fuel efficiency nor performance increases.

That would suck. Thanks for the info.

Same here - did not noticed fuel efficiency nor performance increases after the upgrade. Although, the X was running/purring perfectly before the upgrade. I did the seals and rattle kit. I mainly wanted to do the seal, but the rattle kit was one of those "while you're in there, what the heck" sort of job

The S54 on the other hand, made a huge difference in terms of making everything more smooth and quiet. But I haven't noticed any fuel efficiency nor performance increases either. I did the Beisan stuffs on the S54 mainly for preventing the hub tabs from breaking more than anything else - for that, I'm happy.

But, as they say - Your Miles May Vary

I decided not to do the rattle kit as I don't think I have the VANOS rattle. I've heard described as bb's in an empty can. Definitely don't have that going on. Thanks for the info.

I did not do the rattle kit, not for a lack of trying. I bought the parts and the soft vice clamps. My impact gun couldnt get the nut off the piston. Luckily I dont have the rattle.

Try changing out the 4 vanos solenoids , I did , it made a big difference

Really? Interesting. Dr. Vanos doesn't change the solenoids. When I asked they told me they are very reliable so they don't. Sounds like maybe I need to change those as well. Fortunately, with the M54 I only have to change two. Those suckers are expensive!

If you are looking for better fuel economy you might want to think about a different vehicle. The vanos is more suited for power and performance.

This truck used to get about 5 mpg better mileage. Over time it has degraded to around 16.

2 things I did when considering the vanos refit that kept be from doing it. 1. Changed out the check valves behind solenoids. Big difference. 2. Change the oil filter every 3k miles. I change oil every 10k using 15k oil.

regardless of your OCI, the orings used get hard and shrink over time. It's believed that BMW used the wrong composition for the rings which leads to premature failure.

My orings were hard as a rock, and the pistons basically fell out of the housing when I removed mine. They were doing less than nothing at that point. The new teflon (I think that's what the new ones are but cant remember) seals made the pistons sit in there very snug. I was impressed with the quality of their kit.

Any more stories here about replacing the solenoid seals? Reading a lot from the 7 series guys about how much of a difference it makes. To be clear we're talking N62 V8's here

Odd, I did the Dvanos seals on the N54 at 200K, and 32 K later I see improved performance great highway mpg and decent 19 around town, but than I drive it with a light touch. Didn't do the rattle either. Of course, how often. you change oil/filter can have effect too.

Oil and filter change every 5000 miles.