Dual VANOS Control

Performance, torque, idle characteristics and exhaust emissions reduction are improved by Variable Camshaft Timing (VANOS). The VANOS unit is mounted directly on the front of the cylinder head and adjusts the Intake and Exhaust camshaft timing from retarded to advanced. The ECM controls the operation of the VANOS solenoid which regulates the oil pressure required to move the control piston. Engine RPM, load and temperature are used to determine VANOS activation.

VANOS mechanical operation is dependent on engine oil pressure applied to position the control pistons. When oil pressure is applied to the control pistons (regulated by the solenoids), the pistons move causing the splined adjustment shafts to move. The straight splines slide within the camshaft sleeves. The helical splines rotate the camshaft drive sprockets changing the position in relation to the camshaft position which advances/retards the intake/exhaust camshaft timing.

Fig 1: Identifying Dual Vanos Control (1 Of 2)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 2: Identifying Dual Vanos Control (2 Of 2)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The operation of the VANOS solenoid is monitored in accordance with the OBD II requirements for emission control. The ECM monitors the final stage output control and the signal from the Camshaft Position Sensors for VANOS operation.

Dual VANOS consists of the following parts:

Intake and exhaust camshafts with helical gear insert
Sprockets with adjustable gears
VANOS actuators for each camshaft
2 three-way solenoid switching valves
2 impulse wheels for detecting camshaft position
2 camshaft position sensors (Hall effect)

Fig 3: Identifying Intake And Exhaust Camshafts With Helical Gear

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

When the engine is started, the camshafts are in the "failsafe" position (deactivated). The intake camshaft is in the RETARDED position - held by oil pressure from the sprung open solenoid. The exhaust camshaft is in the ADVANCED position - held by a preload spring in the actuator and oil pressure from the sprung open solenoid.

After 50 RPM (2-5 seconds) from engine start, the ECM is monitoring the exact camshaft position. The ECM positions the camshafts based on engine RPM and the throttle position signal. From that point the camshaft timing will be varied based on intake air and coolant temperatures.

The dual VANOS system is "fully variable". When the ECM detects the camshafts are in the optimum positions, the solenoids are modulated (approximately 100-220 Hz) maintaining oil pressure on both sides of the actuators to hold the camshaft timing.

CAUTION: The VANOS MUST be removed and installed exactly as described in the Repair Instructions!

NOTE: If the VANOS camshaft system goes to the failsafe mode (deactivated) there will be a noticeable loss of power.

DEACTIVATED

Fig 4: Identifying Vanos Camshaft System Components (DEACTIVATED)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

EXHAUST: Advanced -piston moved in

INTAKE: Retard - piston moved out

ACTIVATED

Fig 5: Identifying Vanos Camshaft System Components (ACTIVATED)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

EXHAUST: Advanced - piston moved out

INTAKE: Retard - piston moved in