BMW Engine Parts for BMW 3 Series E46 (1999-2005)

The main reason all of the VANOS units will eventually fail is because the material used for the sealing rings from the factory is not designed for that type of environment. When this happens the only option that BMW leaves you with is buying a new and expensive VANOS unit with the same sealing rings that failed in your original unit.

The VANOS system found in BMW engines is a great feature (when it’s working properly), keeping your power curve smooth and responsive especially in lower to mid RPM range. What usually goes unnoticed is the gradual loss of power within this range as the vehicle's age due to slowly failing seals within the VANOS unit. The way the VANOS system works is based off of oil pressure triggered by a solenoid that allows for a small range of timing degree adjustment, this is where the power curve is affected. When the seals begin to fail (all of them do) there is less pressure to advance the timing reducing the power in that low to mid range. Because this happens slowly it's very hard to notice a difference until you refresh your VANOS unit, then you easily realize the response you've been missing.

There are a number of symptoms that will plague your car as a result of these failing seals such as erratic idle, engine hesitation, stalling, and increased fuel consumption to name a few. If you've been chasing down any of these symptoms with no fix then this could be your issue.

While you're replacing the seals in your VANOS unit it a good time to install anti-rattle spacers to tighten up the gaps in your stock assembly and get rid of that noisy VANOS clatter.

Seals & O-rings:

The seals  were the main focus of this project since the OE units are built with Buna-N rubber o-rings instead of the ECS supplied Viton rubber o-rings. The Buna-N material quickly hardens from the heat and chemical exposure within the engine, where the Viton is significantly more resistant to these chemicals. This knowledge was also used when it came to the commonly failed o-rings found on the VANOS seal plate, replaced at the solenoid.

Rattle Repair:

When it comes to the VANOS rattle this is commonly described as "marbles in a can", and can be heard throughout the different RPM ranges depending on the engine. These upgraded rings and washers are precision ground from hardened steel to resist wear and deformation keeping your VANOS rattle free. The rattle repair tools are designed specifically for this VANOS anti-rattle repair, design from hardened steel to stand up to the job. Designed to perfectly follow the splines of the shaft for a tight grip when applying the necessary torque to disassemble & reassemble the VANOS transfer gear. The keyed socket was designed with the intent to use a "common" wrench so this can be completed at home in your garage.    

When Servicing your VANOS unit we recommend getting everything you need to replace on the way to service which includes an oil change and valve cover gasket set. Fresh oil and gaskets is the best way to start off a fresh rebuild of any kind giving you the maximum performance of your freshly serviced components.

Don't forget to check out our rebuild PDF to make sure you have everything to get the job done and eliminate the rebuild guess work.

This item fits the following BMWs: 
2000-2001 E46 3 Series M3 M3 Convertible 2000-2006 
2001-2002 Z3 Roadster / Coupe Z3 M Roadster Z3 M Coupe w S54 Engine 
2006-2008 E86 E86 Z4 Z4 M Roadster Z4 M Coupe

Includes the head gasket.

Sometimes you have to take the cylinder head off of your vehicle to diagnose problems, have it rebuilt, or replace a faulty head gasket. It tends to be a fairly labor intensive job, so anytime you can make it easier is definitely helpful.

When it comes time for reassembly, one of the biggest problems is finding quality gaskets and seals. Turner has your solution with this cylinder head gasket kit. With so many gaskets that are one use only to replace, getting them all done at the same time can be made harder by not having everything you need. With the proper, high quality gaskets, your reassembly will go much easier with no need for trip after trip to the local auto parts stores. Intake, exhaust, downpipe, valve cover, and in some applications valve seals will all help to get your engine into top condition.

When it's time to put everything back together, there are some things that should not be overlooked. Most cylinder head fasteners found on European automobiles are a one time use or stretch bolt. To be sure that everything is tightened down properly, it is important to replace them to get the proper torque reading and ensure the longevity of your repair.

Elring is one of the biggest OEM names in the manufacturing of high quality gaskets that are available for very affordable prices. Elring has supplied many automotive names for years with the gaskets that seal your car's components from day 1 so you can rest assured that these components will last for a long time to come!

If your car has died on the side of the road from a dead battery and you notice flickering or low powered headlights, it's likely your alternator failing. To be sure you are getting a high-quality part with a long life-span, choose this OEM Bosch Alternator. This is a brand new OEM replacement for BMW part # 12317501690.

Bosch is one of the largest OEM producers of Genuine BMW and aftermarket parts in the world, providing parts for almost every major automotive manufacturer. Bosch has likely supplied many of the original electrical (and mechanical) parts for your BMW. Thanks to their quality, high durability, and reliability, you should expect a long service life from Bosch products.

As a leading source of high-performance BMW parts and accessories since 1993, we at Turner Motorsport are honored to be the go-to supplier for tens of thousands of enthusiasts the world over. With over two decades of parts, service, and racing experience under our belt, we provide only quality performance and replacement parts. All of our performance parts are those we would (and do!) install and run on our own cars, as well as replacement parts that are Genuine BMW or from OEM manufacturers. We only offer parts we know you can trust to perform!