M3 Problem.
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Joined: May 2005
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From: virginia beach
M3 Problem.
I have a 2002 BMW M3 SMG. I recently took it to the dealer for a misfire and they told me that the VANOS needs to be replace and it would cost $3750. I was wondering if anyone knew of a place that i could buy this part from besides the local dealer, and anywhere that could replace it. Do you also think it may be possible to do it myself. Thanks
Drink Up, Chumps
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 20,155
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From: Palm Beach Gardens
Re: M3 Problem.
That sucks. I don't know if you can do it without the BMW special tools. 
Here are some local shops that could do it:
Eurosport - Expensive but good. George has a lot of my money: http://www.eurosprt.com/
Atlantic Autowerks - They've been doing it forever: http://www.atlanticautowerks.com/
DP Motorwerks - BMW racers and I want to say the guy who runs it used to be the master tech at Checkered Flag: http://dpmotorwerks.com/
Sports and Imports - Mike is one of the nicest guys out there and he won't screw you over: http://www.sportsandimports.net/
Racewerks - New guys on the block: https://www.vadriven.com/forums/blackhole-6/new-european-performance-shop-vb-184708/
East Coast Exotics - A little hike from VA Beach but they're legit: http://www.eastcoastexotics.net/
I'm forgetting one, I can't remember the shop that Terry owns. It's on the boulevard near Witchduck.
Here are some local shops that could do it:
Eurosport - Expensive but good. George has a lot of my money: http://www.eurosprt.com/
Atlantic Autowerks - They've been doing it forever: http://www.atlanticautowerks.com/
DP Motorwerks - BMW racers and I want to say the guy who runs it used to be the master tech at Checkered Flag: http://dpmotorwerks.com/
Sports and Imports - Mike is one of the nicest guys out there and he won't screw you over: http://www.sportsandimports.net/
Racewerks - New guys on the block: https://www.vadriven.com/forums/blackhole-6/new-european-performance-shop-vb-184708/
East Coast Exotics - A little hike from VA Beach but they're legit: http://www.eastcoastexotics.net/
I'm forgetting one, I can't remember the shop that Terry owns. It's on the boulevard near Witchduck.
Last edited by blah; Apr 30, 2007 at 11:13 AM.
Drink Up, Chumps
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 20,155
Likes: 0
From: Palm Beach Gardens
Yup, jolly poopbuggy
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Hampton, VA
Drink Up, Chumps
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 20,155
Likes: 0
From: Palm Beach Gardens
Re: M3 Problem.
Most likely what's wrong is the VANOS unit. Unlike a Honda where the solenoid sits outside the valve cover, in the S54's the piece is located inside the head. It's the breakaway piece in this pic:
You gotta take off the intake manifold and essentially take out the camshafts. Unfortunately you can't really do that with normal hand tools. Add into the fact that the dealer's rates are around $100 an hour and the parts are marked up 500% and you end up with almost a $4k bill.
