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Is your BMW e90’s engine performance not what it used to be? One possible cause may be a defective VANOS solenoid. This system regulates the time of opening of the intake and exhaust camshafts to enhance the performance of the engine in your BMW. When the solenoid starts to go bad, your car can develop different issues. Below are the signs that may point towards the fact that the VANOS solenoid of your BMW e90 needs repair.
What is the Vanos Solenoid?
The VANOS is an acronym for Variable Nockenwellen Steuerung which is BMW’s system of variable valve timing. This system changes the position of the camshaft for the purpose of optimizing the efficiency of the engine, fuel consumption, and power. Of special importance is the VANOS solenoid which regulates the oil pressure required to move the camshaft. VANOS is a system that makes adjustments and when the solenoid fails, the car is left with some noticeable performance issues.
Most Frequent Symptoms Of VANOS Solenoid Failure
Rough Idling
The first symptom of a bad VANOS solenoid is the poor running or even stalling of the vehicle engine. There are cases where your BMW will produce a rough idle, or the engine will stall when you are at an intersection, and it can be attributed to the VANOS solenoid not adjusting the camshaft as required.
Loss of Power or Torque
A bad VANOS solenoid may lead to a significant reduction in power, especially as far as acceleration is concerned. If you step on the gas and your BMW feels slow or lacks its normal power, the VANOS system might not be changing the valve timing as it is supposed to. This loss of power is most often felt at low RPMs when the VANOS system is supposed to be fine-tuning performance.
Poor Fuel Efficiency
If you find that your BMW e90 is using more fuel than it used to, then it could be due to a faulty VANOS solenoid. The VANOS system assists in controlling the fuel intake of the engine by changing the valve operating time to ensure the best combustion. When the solenoid is faulty the engine may not receive the correct air-fuel mixture, which results in high fuel consumption.
Engine Misfires
Problems can arise due to the improper phasing of the valves and this is linked to the VANOS system. A defective solenoid may cause a wrong valve timing which in turn causes the engine to misfire. You might experience some vibration, some noise, or even see that your engine is not as smooth as it was before. Frequent misfires can cause more extensive engine problems so the issue should be addressed as soon as possible.
Unusual Engine Noises
When the VANOS solenoid is not functioning correctly, you may hear loud ticking or rattling sounds from the engine. These noises are produced when the camshaft timing is incorrect and the engine is not running right. If you hear these noises, it is advisable to seek the services of a qualified BMW mechanic to avoid exacerbation of the problem.
Inconsistent Acceleration
Another sign of a faulty VANOS solenoid is if the car accelerates in a jerky or slow manner. You might step on the gas pedal and the car just takes a while to react or the response is not smooth. This occurs because the VANOS system is not properly changing the timing of the valves.
What to Do If You Think There Might Be an Issue With Your VANOS Solenoid
When you observe any of the signs mentioned above, it is advisable to take your BMW e90 to a professional auto mechanic for diagnosis and repair. A professional is in a better position to diagnose the problem and identify if the VANOS solenoid is to blame for your car’s problems. Solenoid replacement is a relatively simple repair that can help fix your engine and stop further issues from occurring.
Bring Your BMW To Our Shop In Redwood City
If you own a BMW, then you need to visit 
Cerrone’s European for all your car maintenance and repair needs. We have a team of professionals ready to assist you. Whether the VANOS solenoid is failing or you notice other problems in your BMW, you can count on us to fix it. Visit our shop in Redwood City, CA, or call us today to set up a diagnostic appointment and get your BMW moving again.
* Blue BMW E90 Car image credit goes to: kurmyshov.