Project 13: Vanos Installation / Setting Cam Timing

[Wayne 962]

Got any questions on Project 13 for your E36 or E30? Ask them here!

-Wayne

[HarvesterOfBeer]

How important is the VANOS sprocket rotating tool for this job? Part# 90-88-6-115-490. Thanks!

-HoB

[BMWCowboy]

Makes it aLOT easier but U dont have to use it

[HarvesterOfBeer]

I ordered it anyway after reading a couple of other posts like that. :-)

-HoB

[mbrady]

I'm on the last leg of the journey to button my car back up after replacing the thrust washers, intake/exhaust sprockets, and the VANOS unit itself. I reinstalled the back thrust washer, studs, intake sprocket, front thrust washer, and outer washer, in that order. My car's production date was 3/94 (towards the 'later' end of the 325's production run i'd have thought) yet it had no spring plate.

Before torquing down the nuts, the sprocket assembly rotates the prescribed 20° as expected. However, after torquing the nuts down to 85 in-lb (~10 N-m), the assembly no longer rotates by hand or even using the sprocket rotating tool. I noticed your book noted that this should not be the case. Even without that warning, this problem prevents the complete reinstallation of the VANOS.

After doing some research, it appears many people have this problem. Are the studs and nuts really the cause of the problem? The thrust washers and intake sprockets are brand new, which leaves the nuts to be the only remaining frictional components that aren't polished and new... are they really to blame for holding up the entire assembly? Should I update my engine with the spring plate?

Any advice is much appreciated. My car has been out of commission for a month or so and it would be great to finally get it up and running again! Thanks so much for your help, Pelican Parts has made it possible for a college student DIY-spirited fellow such as myself to tackle complex jobs like this!