Man, you're a harsh one, ard. However, I have grown to appreciate your candidness over the years.

OP, I think you need to get a second opinion. While some indy shops look like crack houses, there are some legitimate ones out there. The dealer isn't this special kingdom paved with gold service bays. It just looks nice because they have rich guys backing them, and can afford to spend the money on a "nice" service center/dealership. Unfortunately, this massive expenditure doesn't always translate to the staff/service techs.

Ard, sure appreciate your advise but sure can do without the acerbic candor :) Do keep your suggestions coming.

It's just been a crazy week for me 'cause I had promised my daughter to take her to Disney, with the X5 out of action I had to take my 3 series, plus the dealer was taking their time to connect with BMW. I had already left a msg for my Indy but could only connect back once I returned from my trip.

The Indy says it's very rare to have a damaged Vanos assembly, usually these errors are thrown by dirty solenoids which can be cleaned for $150 bucks. If there is indeed wear and tear they can be replaced for a few hundred.

I also got the estimate from the dealer, they are still gonna charge 1000+ even with BMWNA pitching 50%, so no guesses where I am taking the car for a checkup.

Did the dealer give you a written diagnosis? You've probably thought this, but if not, how can they set a price? For sport I'd hound them on that for a while, but still take it elsewhere for the vanos/cam code. make them fix the DTML at the same time they are writing up a written estimate....BMW doesnt split "estimates to figure out whayt is wrong". IMO, BMW isnt paying for it, they know $500 will more than cover it. Again IMO

Glad the indy provided that input. One thing to consider- many times the cause of cam/vanos/crank timing codes is that a position sensors develop cracks/delaminations internally and the signals that get transmitted to the DME become degraded- eventually throwing a code. The otehr issue is, like he said, you get o rings degrading around the solenoids and/or crap in the solenoids themselves. The differential diagnosis is running a VANOS function test on the GT1. Solenoid issues will show up with a reduced ability to vary timing. Whereas a bad sensor will be occasional and sporadic. But we dont even have a code yet, do we?

GL

A


PS I can be rough, but part of the reason is to get peoples' attention....:cool:

PS I can be rough, but part of the reason is to get peoples' attention....:cool:[/QUOTE]

:bow: Ard, I can vouch for that!

ak

Ard, the dealer said that on avg. the cost should be about 1300 and max 2400. They sent it to me in an email, so somewhat of a written proof, but it is not a diagnosis. I am not sure if I should take the car back to them for the DMTL pump replacement, the way they have tried to rip me.

Anywayz, so the Indy took out the VANOS solenoids and swapped them, should give an idea if indeed one of them is bad, the fault will switch from intake to exhaust. BTW, found a DIY video on it and seems to be a fairly easy thing to do.

Now the Indy is recommending replacing valve cover gasket, eccentric shaft sensor seal and thrust arm bushing, all for a mere $900, majority of that is labor. I am thinking I might just try to do the valve cover gasket on my own. Found a DIY video on it, and seems to be pretty straightforward. Anyone else tried doing it on their own? Experiences?

:thumbup:

...I'd hate to know what the other part of the reason is. :D

Sport.:yikes:

Stuff like that just pisses me off.... It is blatant screwing, they know it, you know it, BMWNA doesnt care. For them to claim it is 1200-2400 and BMWNA is paying half is laughable. BMW doesnt pay half of guesswork!

Make them do the DMTL repair, why spend the $$$$? Plus, if something else breaks later you dont want those thieves claiming it was the indy.

Publish the name of the SA and dealer- they deserve the shaming.

GL

A