someone school me on the vanos system and parts needed for fixing it
 

I have all the symptoms of a bad vanos.. marbles in the can sound on start up. low end torque loss. I just want to know what parts are needed for this. I know when I replaced my chains on my vr6 years ago I had to change the chain tensioner and chain guide rails. so I have to do this also for the x5? also is the vanos just a sensor? or what because I'm not exactly sure how to go about this because I haven't really researched much for this issue. I have many years mechanical experience so to do the work its nothing for me, but I definitely want to know what parts are needed for this...thanks guys any help would be appreciated

oh yea.. 182k on my 4.4

Beisan Systems

Give a good writeup of the problem and a repair option.

I've done the DIY if you're interested in pursuing it

good question. I would definitely change the valley pan if you havent already. I know there are some gaskets that need to be replaced. just cross your fingers that weasel will chime in

more info?...

The water pump also gives that same grumbling marble noise..I thought mine was the vanos and it turned out it was the water pump.. At 182k miles I'm assuming you've already replaced the water pump at least once right?

yes.. replaced it @ 110k... I wanna change it with the vanos. new belts. new tensioners. just get everything out the way just as a precaution

any feedback on this would be appreciated....

I have been watching this thread and hoping more info would surface. I have the marble in the can start up and diesel tick at idle. I found this thread from bimmerforums.com and thought it might shed some light on the issue. The posts refer to the 7 series but use the same M62 engine as the X5.

VANOS Rattle - Bimmerforums - The Ultimate BMW Forum

Maybe M5James will provide some insight as he had some postings on the posted thread.

I am thinking about changing my Vanos units, but would like more info before doing so.

morrrrrreeeeeee info