Noise coming from the front of engine (chain & vanos area)

[bmwangel]

There is a clanking/knocking noise coming from the vanos/timing chain area in front part of the engine. When I touch the exposed part of the valve cover I can feel the clanking on that part. What do you think is the problem? Is it the vanos defective or is there a problem with the timing chains?

 

[BigEarl325is]

It's your timing chains. Since you have a 93 I'm assuming you have a good number of miles. If you're going to keep the car, buy the two new chains and the two chain tensioners, you'll thank yourself in the morning. I suggest you hire someone to put it in unless you're very confident in your abilities.

 

[bmwperson]

i had excaly the same problem, you can just take the valve cover of the engine and listen to the engine, my problem was the timing belt tensioner...

 

[wantanM3]

Hi Guys,
Just put my 320i in for a diagnostic service and bmw said the vanos system in it needs replacement. This is after the car has done 84,000 miles. Although I thought it was either cam or cam chain issue!

 

[CTBMW]

Where in front of engine do I find this?
What is vanos?
When I find this area-if I feel a "clanking" I'm in trouble? Or should I say "hear" a clanking? What should I "feel" if problems?
Need some help-don't want to be stranded.
-Mel

 

[wantanM3]

As i understand...
VANOS is a device that advances and retards the timing on the inlet valves...only by a few degrees but enough to give the engine abit more punch...as i gather if it fails the engine will either have a rough idle, or less performance at the top end....could someone confirm/trash this idea? It sounds like a light tapping noise....definatly gonna get mine fixed 'cos the engine will sound sooooo sweet afterwards!

 

[CTBMW]

Thanks-M

 

[eyedoll325is]

same problem

i have same problem, same sound. i know a guy who worked for a bmw shop, i just cant get him to come to my house cause he is so busy

and my car has 100k, 1995