Need help doing vanos test with INPA

[ac427]

I'm certain I've downloaded a crumby version of INPA. I got thru the VANOS test thru Toolset32. There's a script to check. Mine timed out because of low pressure.

Why not just use the tool written by karter16 for the vanos test?

https://github.com/karter16/MSS54-DS2-Tool-Public/releases

[sapote]

Don't get me wrong, I agree that the curls should not be there but I think it could also be for a number of reasons (thread shavings from factory / timing chain may have slapped the wall / may be some other soft threads that ended up migrating from the bottom of the engine there after 20 years. Any of them could be the reason why they ended up choking the flow.

all of these debris should be caught in the large engine oil filter and can't be at the vanos low P regulator. The curls are in the oil galleries after the main filter.

[JP1580]

1. The metal curls inside the low P regulator: I think some of the smaller pieces had entered into the vanos body, as I just don't think they are all stopped at the regulator body. It's hard to believe they were inside the R from the factory. Are the curls aluminum or metal/steel?

2. You can't see the curls looking at the valve train. If they entered the head, then they only can be found at the cam bearings saddles which only can be inspected after cams removal.

1- Just put a magnet on it. Looks like it's aluminum. I did get a rebuilt VANO valve block from Beisan.

2- Noted. I'll keep an eye out for sure.
No shaving in the pump when the main bearing were swapped 3 years ago.
Last oil change, no metal flakes.
No abnormal rattle noise from the engine
Don't get me wrong, I agree that the curls should not be there but I think it could also be for a number of reasons (thread shavings from factory / timing chain may have slapped the wall / may be some other soft threads that ended up migrating from the bottom of the engine there after 20 years. Any of them could be the reason why they ended up choking the flow.

They've now been replaced.

I'll check the plastic screen on the high pressure valve once I store the car for the winter.

[sapote]

1. So, I spoke Beisan about this finding and I'm told me that there are some instances that some of these low pressure regulators left the factory with this metal screen. Unsure how this happens / passes quality control

2. I looked up and down on the valve train and the cams and nothing was out of order (ie worn/about normal).
.

1. The metal curls inside the low P regulator: I think some of the smaller pieces had entered into the vanos body, as I just don't think they are all stopped at the regulator body. It's hard to believe they were inside the R from the factory. Are the curls aluminum or metal/steel?

2. You can't see the curls looking at the valve train. If they entered the head, then they only can be found at the cam bearings saddles which only can be inspected after cams removal.

[JP1580]

On a 2004 E46 M3, the VANOS test should be available through the MSS54 module in INPA. If you can connect, read/clear faults, and see live data but don’t have the VANOS activation/test functions, I’d suspect the INPA/MSS54 script files or configuration rather than the DCAN cable itself.

Make sure you’re entering MSS54 → F6 (Status) → F2/F3 depending on the INPA version. The exact function labels can vary between script versions. Mike’s Easy BMW Tools installs can also have mismatched or incomplete MSS54 IPO/SGDAT files, especially on Windows 10.

I’d check that the MSS54 script set is actually the correct E46 M3/MSS54 version before reinstalling INPA again. The fact that you’re getting live engine data confirms the basic communication is working.

I'm certain I've downloaded a crumby version of INPA. I got thru the VANOS test thru Toolset32. There's a script to check. Mine timed out because of low pressure.

[JP1580]

The metal shaves inside the low pressure regulator is a mystery and source for concern. They came from the cylinder head valve train I think. They could be in other bearings on the head.

So, I spoke Beisan about this finding and I'm told me that there are some instances that some of these low pressure regulators left the factory with this metal screen. Unsure how this happens / passes quality control.

I looked up and down on the valve train and the cams and nothing was out of order (ie worn/about normal).

Lastly, I confirmed with the previous owner that there were no shaving in the oil filter (less than 500 miles on oil change back in May)

If nothing else. The engine freaking purrs!

[sapote]

The metal shaves inside the low pressure regulator is a mystery and source for concern. They came from the cylinder head valve train I think. They could be in other bearings on the head.

[Grime]

I'm trying to do a vanos test using INPA but it seems like it's missing that and some other functions. I can connect to the car and get error codes and engine data like rpm, temperature, etc. but it doesn't appear to be fully functional. I've tried two different DCAN cables with the same results. I've reinstalled INPA several times from Mike's BMW Easy Tools but still can't seem to get it to work right. Attached are some screenshots. The YouTube videos I've watched have a vanos button in the status screen but mine doesn't. My car is a 2004 M3 and I'm using a Windows 10 64-bit computer. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

On a 2004 E46 M3, the VANOS test should be available through the MSS54 module in INPA. If you can connect, read/clear faults, and see live data but don’t have the VANOS activation/test functions, I’d suspect the INPA/MSS54 script files or configuration rather than the DCAN cable itself.

Make sure you’re entering MSS54 → F6 (Status) → F2/F3 depending on the INPA version. The exact function labels can vary between script versions. Mike’s Easy BMW Tools installs can also have mismatched or incomplete MSS54 IPO/SGDAT files, especially on Windows 10.

I’d check that the MSS54 script set is actually the correct E46 M3/MSS54 version before reinstalling INPA again. The fact that you’re getting live engine data confirms the basic communication is working.

[JP1580]

Update:
Car started FINALLY
Pressure started at 30 bars.
Adjusted the high pressure valve.
Got it to stabilize at 86-88bars.

Not quite there.

Dilemma:
- adjustment screw is about 0.5mm recessed from the lock nut.
- lock nut measures 5.5mm

There's progress for sure but I'm not there yet.
I'm talking to Beisan to troubleshoot it. They're awesome to deal with.

[ac427]

In all honesty, I haven't start it yet.
I am rechecking everything to make sure I didn't screw anything up before starting the car.
It's the first time I'm wrenching on this car. I can confirm there are no extra screws (that's good news there)!

Crossing my fingers for all to go well.

Good luck mate. I'm sure with your attention to detail all will be well.

[JP1580]

A lot of updates, but what’s the vanos P measurement now?

In all honesty, I haven't start it yet.
I am rechecking everything to make sure I didn't screw anything up before starting the car.
It's the first time I'm wrenching on this car. I can confirm there are no extra screws (that's good news there)!

Crossing my fingers for all to go well.

[sapote]

A lot of updates, but what’s the vanos P measurement now?

[JP1580]

Update:
- Valve cover gasket -> new complete
- VANOS high pressure line -> Rogue Engineering installed*
- VANOS Accumulator -> new complete
- Checked the timing tensioner since the area has oil seepage. Gave it a quick tug (torque wrench can't fit there.

* Does anyone know the proper routing and where to clamp the p-clamp. (Picture please of your p-clamp location)

- CPV valve installed. Tighten it until it stopped.
Anyone know when it's good enough (outside of check after I run the car)

[ac427]

My reply got buried in the "quote thing"
Was made of metal?Yes. Think of the stainless steel scrubbers for pots and pans. It was shoved in the inlet hole (small OD)

Was it the regulator that supplies the vanos assembly or the regulator in the vanos valve block? Vanos assembly

Picture is new replacement. I swapped my beisan o-rings.

All good. Thank you for replying.

[JP1580]

Yes, which?

My reply got buried in the "quote thing"
Was made of metal?Yes. Think of the stainless steel scrubbers for pots and pans. It was shoved in the inlet hole (small OD)

Was it the regulator that supplies the vanos assembly or the regulator in the vanos valve block? Vanos assembly

Picture is new replacement. I swapped my beisan o-rings.