Timing for BMW Z Series E85/6 (2003-2008)

The factory VANOS exhaust hub on the S54 engine is known to develop excessive play where the drive tabs interface with the oil pump disk. Over time, this imprecise fitment causes a back-and-forth rattling motion that can result in the tabs shearing off inside the engine, risking catastrophic damage or complete engine failure. Unlike other aftermarket solutions that require full VANOS disassembly, retiming, or replacement of the oil pump disk, the Turner Motorsport S54 VANOS Hub Upgrade offers a smarter approach. Our bolt-on fix eliminates the common failure point without opening the VANOS unit or disturbing engine timing.

Our solution involves removing the worn tabs from your stock exhaust hub and installing our precision-fit replacement, which is precision-machined from 4340 steel and hardened to meet OEM specifications. Designed using 3D scanning and CAD modeling, the Turner Motorsport VANOS Exhaust Hub Upgrade provides a tight, interference-free fit into the oil pump disc, completely resolving the issue without unnecessary labor.

Features & Benefits:

Direct bolt-on solution for S54 VANOS oil pump drive tab failure, preventing potentially catastrophic damage to engine internals Precision-machined from high-strength 4340 steel and heat-treated to match OEM specifications Designed using 3D scanning and CAD modeling to ensure precise fitment within the OEM oil pump disc Engineered to eliminate the play that exists between the exhaust hub and oil pump disc from factory Backed by extensive real-world testing and our lifetime replacement program!

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

Long lasting alternative for sealing plate 11367831906. This sealing flange is located between the VAN0S adjusting unit and the VAN0S solenoid on the S54 engine. It can be the source of oil leaks and should be replaced when the the VAN0S solenoid is.

This item fits the following BMWs:
2001-2006 E46 BMW M3
2001-2002 Z3 BMW M Roadster M Coupe (S54)
2006-2008 E85 BMW Z4 M Roadster M Coupe

BMW S54 3.2L VANOS Elimination Kit - Full Kit | VAC Motorsports is designed to replace the original VANOS unit on the S54 engine, offering a comprehensive solution for performance enthusiasts and racers. Engineered and tested by VAC Motorsports, this kit allows for precise camshaft timing adjustments and is ideal for those using standalone ECUs that do not control the dual-VANOS system.

• Enhanced Performance: Allows for full adjustment of camshaft timing, enabling optimization of camshafts for maximum performance.
• Engineered for Racing: Ideal for racing applications and standalone ECU setups that do not manage the dual-VANOS unit.
• High-Quality Components: Includes a billet 6061-T6 anodized black VANOS elimination plate and adjustable camshaft hubs made from durable 4140 alloy steel.
• Complete Kit: Comes with a block-off plug, using OE O-rings to replace the original oil supply valve, and all necessary hardware for installation.
• Versatile Fit: Compatible with all S54 engines and those swapped into other chassis.

Kit Includes:

• Billet 6061-T6 Anodized Black VANOS Elimination Plate
• (2) Adjustable Camshaft Hubs made from 4140 Alloy Steel
• Block OFF Plug – Uses OE O-Rings and replaces OE Oil Supply Valve
• All Required Hardware
• Installation Instructions

NOTE: ONLY COMPATIBLE WITH AFTERMARKET ECUs