I Need Your Help!

[m3f_huss]

Hi, I own an E36 M3 Evo, european spec 1997, 3.2L 321BHP coupe. The car has LSD but not traction control.



My problem; I have had 4 VANOS units replaced under warranty.

More often than not, when I put my foot down of the line my car hesitates around 4000rpm, then carries on pulling good as normal to the red line. The car pulls quite well up to that point. The problem does not only occur that high in the rev range in first gear, it also happens a little before sometimes.



The problem sometimes happens but not as obvious in second and third gear where you feal that the car is not pulling as fast it can be or is not as responsive. This has also happend after a service.



BMW have no idea what it could be and i feal i'm wasting my time.



Please help.

[m3f_tgergen]

Well, I dont have a euro, but I know on the US spec that VANOS kicks in about 4k. I also feel the "vanos dip" around 4k when I punch it....I don't think there is really anything to fix it.



Secondly, keep in mind that the computer "adapts" (US spec at least)...so, depending on how you are driving, the car can perform differently on any given day. Also, when servicing, they could be clearing adaptation...which sets the car back to the default baseline...and hence, you feel less power as it has adapted to your "spirited" driving.



Tim

[m3f_huss]

My wife has a Z3 M Roadster with my engine in it. I know it weighs 69kg less than my car, but when she hammers it, it takes off like a rocket.



I have also driven other M3s just like mine and they pulled smoothly all the way.



I've been trying to sort this out now for two years.



Can this be anything to do with the cams. Someone said that the vanos unit adjusts the cams at different times?



Huss.

[m3f_tgergen]

Where do you live? If in N. California, I know of a great tuner with a dyno that could fix it....

[m3f_huss]

Unfortunately, I live in England (UK). Do you think this is something that could be solved by visiting a tuner, cause i can always see which tuners BMW car club and M Power club recommend over here?



Huss.

[m3f_jeffkeo]

Hi, guys!

To my experience I had replace a cams on my car when I drive it first I notice that when I punch it, it won't pull as hard like before. It pull slowly up till 4k rpm and then smoother.

Then I go back and check the vanos I notice that the mark is off about two teeth, then I set it to where is suppose to be. Now when I punch it pull as hard as then before. If you had replaced your vanos before, I think you need to go back and check it again maybe the timing is not correct.

[m3f_huss]

Yeah, apparently the vanos can be tuned or adjusted. Do you think that the garage should also look into the cams for this problem or do you think its solely the vanos?



Huss.

[m3f_jeffkeo]

Yes, sometime when they replace the vanos there is a chain that go to the cam gears, once they remove it when they replace a new one the cam can be slightly move without notice it. I did my twice before I notice it. If the cams not set it right when you punch it. it won't take off fast, I would bring back to garrage and readjust the cams.