"Best" aftermarket Vanos line?

[old///MFanatic]

Oh man not sure which route to go, gotta pull the trigger within a couple hrs for discount.

[DanAvoN7]

On 99% of vanos overhauls (unless a customer requests a different line) I install the revised Genuine OE BMW vanos oil line. I always suggest this part over aftermarket options as it fits great and with the additional mounting tab it will be a very reliable part. I have yet to see one of the revised lines fail. I also believe some of the original line failures are due to improper install during vanos overhauls. I've seen a few cars in which the top banjo bolt was torqued prior to tightening the vanos oil line lower mounting tab bolt which put additional stress on the line.


Revised Genuine OE BMW vanos oil line installed during a vanos overhaul.




With some of the aftermarket lines they rub slightly on the lower radiator hose, have different line internal diameter, etc. Also, I wanted to mention for those who have purchased the Bimmerworld vanos oil line, DOUBLE CHECK your torque spec for the banjo bolts. The instructions I've seen have said to torque the banjo bolts to 20 ft. lbs!!! This is incorrect and will lead to stripping threads. I have notified them of this torque spec mistake and they said they would correct it in their installation instructions. The correct torque spec for the banjo bolts is 115 in. lbs (you should be using a calibrated inch lbs. torque wrench for vanos related work). Also, be sure to use a torque wrench for the vanos to cylinder head bolts. I've also seen a local installer strip these threads on multiple cars.. The correct torque spec for these bolts is 89 in. lbs.

[Icecream]

From the aftermarket marketing, they state it gives at the top banjo fitting to line crimp. Is this what you’re saying or something different? Earlier I thought you were describing rubbing lower by the block.

Ok, so a non-rigid hose that flexes like all these aftermarket design likely better than updated line.

If these alleviate that why do these aftermarket hose brands seem to always say replace/inspect like every track session and every year? That’s the part that makes me wonder if it’s really an upgrade.

Yes, it rubs at the block. It is very firmly pressed against it. Probably last another 200k like the old one so there is that.
And yeah, I have heard that too about the aftermarket ones. Part of it I'm sure is just CYA by the suppliers (since a failure could blow a motor). That was another thing I didn't want to deal with, all these companies saying tested to this and that blah blah blah but then you buy it and its made in china with generic parts and what have you gained really? They also seem to imply the OEM one is "only" tested to meet the 1200psi of the vanos (or whatever it is), I am certain the OEM piece can hold much more than that and since they don't blow because the pressure rating is exceeded I see that that as a moo point. flip a coin

[old///MFanatic]

mine blew as have others. The problem is, the new one while secured better seems to press exactly where the old one looked worn. So, knowing that I probably would have gone a different route.

From the aftermarket marketing, they state it gives at the top banjo fitting to line crimp. Is this what you’re saying or something different? Earlier I thought you were describing rubbing lower by the block.

Ok, so a non-rigid hose that flexes like all these aftermarket design likely better than updated line.

If these alleviate that why do these aftermarket hose brands seem to always say replace/inspect like every track session and every year? That’s the part that makes me wonder if it’s really an upgrade.

[Icecream]

For all those that bought new lines. Did your old OE one really break or is this a part that is easily made from shops and marketed as something that "needs" to be done?
Seems strange a part would move so much to break that's connected to the engine. I understand the engine moves, but it moves as a unit. (Yes I understand vanos line is under oil pressure)

mine blew as have others. The problem is, the new one while secured better seems to press exactly where the old one looked worn. So, knowing that I prba ly would have gone a differe t route.

[Syfon]

I have the Bimmerworld line. Yet to install it though.

https://www.bimmerworld.com/Engine/Camshafts/BimmerWorld-S54-Vanos-Line.html

[heinzboehmer]

For all those that bought new lines. Did your old OE one really break or is this a part that is easily made from shops and marketed as something that "needs" to be done?
Seems strange a part would move so much to break that's connected to the engine. I understand the engine moves, but it moves as a unit. (Yes I understand vanos line is under oil pressure)

The original VANOS line part number was superseded by BMW in 2005 (old pn 11367831700, new pn 11367837614). The old part only had one mounting tab, whereas the new one has two. The extra tab is closer to the VANOS to avoid having the line vibrate and crack/rub against something. So yeah, the original design was prone to failure.

[old///MFanatic]

For all those that bought new lines. Did your old OE one really break or is this a part that is easily made from shops and marketed as something that "needs" to be done?
Seems strange a part would move so much to break that's connected to the engine. I understand the engine moves, but it moves as a unit. (Yes I understand vanos line is under oil pressure)

[WOLFN8TR]

You easily secure any Vanos line you go with by adding one of these Cable Clamps. 😎

https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Lokman-Stainless-Rubber-Cushioned/dp/B01N8TU0FH

[Cubieman]

I was thinking the sale price makes this a no brainer. Until BW changes ~$15 shipping while ECS is free.

Then I start thinking (as mentioned earlier) if the updated Genuine BMW Part is improved and Lifetime warranty on sale from FCP Euro at $104 Free Ship, paying more for solid line and OE look and fit is best, just not sexy aftermarket.

I notice RE line selling point is a sleek fitting on top vs bulky hose to fitting on ECS. But ECS fitting is angled to curve over vanos.
Decisions decisions....

Yea, that RE piece is definitely nicer looking in that respect imo. Here's another opinion, looks quite nice in that bare stainless finish as well. Looks like they let you choose your own color as well.

https://www.hackengineering.co.uk/product/hack-engineering-vanos-oil-line-s54/

[old///MFanatic]

The BW is $42 w/ tax right now (black friday sale) and the ECS is $72 (on sale) with tax. I bought the ECS last night and am already questioning my choice due to concerns over ECS quality, may just simply go BW, although I like how the ECS line is tucked away.

I was thinking the sale price makes this a no brainer. Until BW changes ~$15 shipping while ECS is free.

Then I start thinking (as mentioned earlier) if the updated Genuine BMW Part is improved and Lifetime warranty on sale from FCP Euro at $104 Free Ship, paying more for solid line and OE look and fit is best, just not sexy aftermarket.

I notice RE line selling point is a sleek fitting on top vs bulky hose to fitting on ECS. But ECS fitting is angled to curve over vanos.
Decisions decisions....

[Icecream]

A little off topic but I just did this on mine with an oem updated part and I noticed at the foil insulation it pushes hard against the block once secured, wondering if it's the same for everyone else or if I routed it wrong (which would be hard to do given it only seemed to fit one way. It seems to push right where the old one showed wear.

[maupineda]

I have an RE and didn’t like it bc it didn’t have two adel clamps to secure it. (yeah yeah I could’ve gone and bought one) Just get the bimmerworld

My ECS has one clip too, you can add a second one, but is not needed as with just the top one the line is routed in a very natural and straight way... it fit just fine and would recommend it

with that said, I think this is one of those items that you can go with either of the known brands.

[Rich022]

I’ve had my BW installed for 4+ years now... no issues.

[dilmorecg]

I used Bimmerworld when I did my Vanos. It was the best price. Don't have much experience on longevity since Ive only got about 300 miles since installed. I believe when I was doing my research on the old site they were all pretty comparable so I just went for the best price.