Vanos Control Unit Problem

TurboCarrera · 2nd July 2003, 03:47

I bought my 2000 M5 new in 7/2000. Until recently, it has not required a repair in the 27k miles I have owned it.

About 2 weeks ago I got in, started up, and drove away. At mid throttle the car sounded like the exhaust had fallen off. I stopped and looked under the car 3 times. No noticeable loss of power. Then the Check Engine light came on, and I drove it to the dealer at 4pm on a Saturday. Code said Vanos fault so I left it there.

Turns out the Vanos control unit failed, and the bill came to $2200, under warranty.

The lesson here: ugly exhaust noise plus check engine light equals pricey Vanos repair.

Car runs great now. I almost traded it for a Carrera 4S about two months ago, but glad I kept it as it is a great car, and I have an old 930 to drive if I need something less refined.

Steve

MAH · 2nd July 2003, 17:41

Steve,

thanks for the advise and feedback regarding the vanos. Good thing it was under warranty.

Mark

Jessem · 2nd July 2003, 19:06

Last week, one morning I got into my 2000 M5 and thought one of the exhaust system mounts had broken, since there was much noise and vibration in the cabin, as if an exhaust pipe was now vibrating against the floor pan. Sounded like the M5s at the DE.

After 10 minutes or so the vibration and noise disappeared. This cycle repeated itself each time the car00 was left to cool down.

Since my service interval lights just went to yellow, I set up a appointment for yesterday that included looking at the exhaust system. When I picked up the car in the evening I was surprised to find out that the VANOS had gone into leakdown mode and would need a major repair, which was covered under warranty. I can still drive the car and will return in a few weeks to have it fixed. No exhaust system problems!

DavidS · 3rd July 2003, 19:48

JesseM,

Do let us know exactly what broke, and what parts they change to fix it, will you?

Best Regs,

David