My 1995 325i 5speed has a noisy VANOS. It has the classic "marbles in a can" sound which I understand perfectly describes this condition, but about which I am unable to turn much up.
I'm wondering if anyone else here has run into this problem, and if so, what did you do to resolve it? Does anyone know what the mechanism is for making the noise?
I've read some folks have switched back from 5W30 mobil1 synthetic to
15W40 dyno oil with good results as far as the valve train noise goes. I'm wondering if maybe Castrol 20W50 (dino) would be a good choice instead. I know it fits somewhere in the recommended oil temperatuire chart for that engine, but am looking to know what it will do for the noisy VANOS.My indy wrench, who's opinion I generally regard pretty highly, says I need a new VANOS unit (to the tune of about $250) and the upper timing chain tensioner, this after only a quick listen, as these are what he usually does for this (fairly common) problem. I'm aware that he knew I was planning on doing the job myself and was only tapping his diagnostic skills. He still gets enough of my money (I bring 3 different BMWs there for various things) so I don't think he is jiving me.
My plan is to do the oil change with 20W50, which is about due anyway. If that doesn't help the noise right away, I'll pull the valve cover and scope things out. Of course that means new VC gaskets and a host of other odds and ends to get in and out cleanly.
Any insight on this VANOS noise stuff?
TIA,
-Fred W