BMW S5 VANOS Solenoid Fix: Real Repair Costs Exposed

Had the same trouble with my 2012 S4 last year. The inlet camshaft position was causing similar symptoms, high fuel consumption plus engine misfire issues. The diagnostic showed low power to the VANOS solenoid, which turned out to be more than just a solenoid problem. The repair revealed significant oil sludge buildup around the timing chain area, which was restricting proper solenoid operation. This is actually a serious issue that can lead to complete engine failure if left unchecked. The mechanic had to clean the entire VANOS system, replace both solenoids, and perform a thorough oil system flush. The job took about 6 hours and required specialized diagnostic equipment to properly reset and calibrate the VANOS system after replacement. Make sure to get the oil passages thoroughly cleaned, this prevents future solenoid failures. Its also worth checking the timing chain condition while the system is apart, as these issues often occur together. Later discovered that more frequent oil changes could have prevented this level of buildup. Now change oil every 7000km instead of following the standard service intervals.

Thanks for sharing your experience. My repair shop also found similar variable timing issues, including sludge around the VANOS solenoid. Did you remember roughly what the total repair cost was? Also curious if youve had any related problems since the fix, especially wondering if your fuel consumption went back to normal levels after the repair.

Thanks for asking about the follow-up. After seeing the mechanic, the inlet VANOS mechanics fault was completely resolved. The repair cost came to 250 Euro for fixing a defect in one of the camshaft solenoid valves. The variable timing system is now working perfectly. The fuel consumption returned to normal levels right after the fix. The check engine light hasnt come back since, and engine performance is much smoother, no more engine misfire issues that were happening before. Really worth getting it sorted properly. Its been over a year now with no related problems. Following the mechanics advice, Ive kept up with more frequent oil changes to prevent future sludge buildup around the inlet camshaft. This maintenance schedule seems to be keeping everything running smoothly. If youre seeing similar symptoms, getting it checked sooner rather than later is definitely the way to go. These variable timing issues tend to get worse if left unaddressed.

Just had my repair done last week actually. The mechanic found the same sludge issue around the VANOS solenoid that you mentioned. Total bill came to 850 Euro including parts and labor. They did a complete system cleaning, replaced both solenoids, and performed an oil system flush while checking the timing chain condition. Fuel consumption is already back to normal, dropped from 13.5L/100km to 9.8L/100km. The check engine light disappeared right after the fix and engine response feels much crisper now. Really satisfied with how it turned out. Worth every cent considering how much I was wasting on extra fuel before. The variable timing system is working perfectly now and the engine runs smoother than it has in months. Plus its good peace of mind knowing the sludge buildup is cleared out and wont cause bigger problems down the road.