Timing for BMW Z3 (1996-2002)

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Timing issues can be detrimental to the longevity of your BMW. If you're getting high in mileage or suspect a timing issue, it's likely time for a timing service. We have everything you need from tensioners to guides here at Turner Motorsport.

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Race German Dual Vanos Rebuild - Seal And Rattle Kit
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Race German - Corporate Logo
T#:6843919
Part#: RGDVNSSRK
In Stock
$ 101.99 USD
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$ 101.99 USD
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Race German has devoted themselves to providing quality products for late model BMWs that cover both street and track applications. Race German has now grown their catalog to a wide variety of models and products geared towards keeping your car looking and running nice. BMW introduced VANOS in the early 90s, and it added variable valve timing to the straight six engines. Over time the VANOS unit wears out which can cause error codes or VANOS rattle. Race German has sourced quality replacement parts in an easy kit. Seal Kit: 2 Large PTFE Teflon Ring Seal 2 Small PTFE Teflon Ring Seal 2 Large FKM (Viton) O Ring Seal 2 Small FKM (Viton) O Ring Seal 2 Small FKM (Viton) O Rings for Blind Plugs 2 Copper Oil Pipe Washers 2 Anti Rattle Bushing Set (2 Bushing + 4 Bearings)
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Genuine BMW VANOS Hub Hardware Kit - S54
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Genuine BMW - Corporate Logo
T#:378169
Part#: 07129905536KT3
In Stock
$ 58.99 USD
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ECS S54 VANOS Rebuild Kit - E46 M3, Z3, Z4
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
ECS - Corporate Logo
T#:394204
Part#: 012018ECS
Ships on Nov 19, 2026
Sale - Save 11% $ 277.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
06-14-2026

Starting at $ 248.48 USD
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Sale - Save 11%
$ 277.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
06-14-2026

Starting at $ 248.48 USD
Free Shipping

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

 

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Race German Single Vanos Rebuild - Seal And Rattle Kit W/Modified Soc...
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Race German - Corporate Logo
T#:6843925
Part#: RGSVNSSRK-MS
In Stock
$ 85.00 USD
Free Shipping
$ 85.00 USD
Free Shipping
Race German has devoted themselves to providing quality products for late model BMWs that cover both street and track applications. Race German has now grown their catalog to a wide variety of models and products geared towards keeping your car looking and running nice. BMW introduced VANOS in the early 90s, and it added variable valve timing to the straight six engines. Over time the VANOS unit wears out which can cause error codes or VANOS rattle. Race German has sourced quality replacement parts in an easy kit. Seal Kit: 1 PTFE Teflon Ring Seal 1 FKM (Viton) O Ring Seal 2 Copper Oil Pipe Washers Anti Rattle Bushing Set (1 Bushing + 2 Bearings) *Note: a modified 18mm socket is needed to disassemble the VANOS unit. We are now offering this socket at a small charge. If you have a 1993 model single VANOS car, the 18mm socket will not work. You will need a modified 17mm socket. This kit includes the modified sockets.
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Genuine BMW VANOS Filter Change Kit - Level I - S54
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Genuine BMW - Corporate Logo
T#:370589
Part#: 11361401971
Ships in 1-2 days
$ 65.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Genuine BMW Upper Timing Chain Guide Rail
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Genuine BMW - Corporate Logo
T#:6766
Part#: 11311722651
In Stock
$ 50.03 USD
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Genuine BMW Guide Rail
This item fits the following BMW Chassis:
E36 M3,E34,E36,E39,E46,E53 X5 X5,E83 X3,E85 Z4

Fits BMW Engines including:
M50,M52,M54,M56,S50,S52

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Timing Chain Guide, Upper - E46 M3, Z3 S54, Z4 M
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Genuine BMW - Corporate Logo
T#:211092
Part#: 11317830159K
In Stock
$ 43.99 USD
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This is a plastic guide rail for the timing chain on the E46 M3, MZ3 S54, and Z4 M (all S54 cars). We have found that on high mileage engines this plastic piece has worn down, especially at the tip. If allowed to completely wear out it could lead to some very bad engine damage as the timing chain flops about and maybe even jumps teeth on the camshafts or crank gear. When replacing the S54 VANOS unit you should also replace this guide rail which is located close-by. A new crush washer is included.

When doing any sort of repair or maintenance there is no replacement for genuine factory parts. Turner Motorsport carries the Genuine BMW brand with pride and has the parts you need to complete your next project with confidence.

This item fits the following BMWs:
2001-2006 E46 BMW M3
2001-2002 Z3 BMW Z3 M Roadster M Coupe
2006-2008 E85 BMW Z4 M Roadster M Coupe
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ECS Upgraded Viton VANOS Seal Plate Kit - E46 M3 Z3M Z4M S54 ...
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
ECS - Corporate Logo
T#:393763
Part#: 012018ECS02
Ships in 7 Business Days
Sale - Save 25% $ 34.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
06-13-2026

$ 26.24 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Sale - Save 25%
$ 34.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
06-13-2026

$ 26.24 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up

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

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Iwis Timing Chain - Upper
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Iwis - Corporate Logo
T#:1196187
Part#: 11311432177S1
In Stock
$ 41.76

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
05-11-2026

$ 40.86 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
$ 40.86 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
The timing chain in any vehicle can begin to stretch and rattle over time. This is a common issue, and though BMW says it is a lifetime part, most enthusiasts decide to change them. If you need only the timing chain instead of a kit, ECS Tuning has your replacement.
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Genuine BMW Timing Chain Tensioner - M44 1.9L, M42 1.8L
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Genuine BMW - Corporate Logo
T#:367621
Part#: 11311743187
Ships in 1 day
3% off MSRP $ 78.99

MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. This is the suggested retail price provided by the manufacturer, supplier or seller.

$ 76.99 USD
Free Shipping
3% off MSRP
$ 78.99

MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. This is the suggested retail price provided by the manufacturer, supplier or seller.

$ 76.99 USD
Free Shipping
Febi Lower Timing Chain Guide Rail - E34, E36, E39, E46, E53, E83, Z3...
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We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
Febi - Corporate Logo
T#:361337
Part#: 11311726480
In Stock
$ 38.99 USD
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Replacement guide rail for required maintenance
5150 AutoSport S54 VANOS Hub
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
5150 Autosport - Corporate Logo
T#:35154980
Part#: 5150-VANOS
Back Ordered
$ 679.99 USD
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