Faulty VANOS Solenoid Draining Alfa Romeo 156 Fuel Fast

Had the exact same symptoms on a 2007 Alfa Romeo GT last month. The check engine light started flashing combined with low power and high fuel consumption. The engine would occasionally misfire, especially during acceleration. The diagnostic confirmed a VANOS solenoid malfunction on the intake side. These solenoids control variable valve timing and when they fail, the engine timing gets compromised. The repair involved replacing both the intake and exhaust VANOS solenoids since they typically wear at similar rates. This is considered a serious issue because continued driving can lead to: Further engine performance degradation, Risk of internal engine damage, Increased emissions, Potentially complete engine failure The job requires specific diagnostic equipment and expertise with variable valve timing systems. Parts need to be genuine or high-quality aftermarket to ensure proper function. The repair itself takes about 4-5 hours for an experienced technician. Would strongly recommend getting this fixed soon. The longer you wait, the more potential for additional engine damage. Make sure the shop has experience with Alfa Romeo VANOS systems specifically.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I had a 156 with the same VANOS failure symptoms in early 2023. My mechanic found the inlet camshaft was affected by oil sludge buildup, which contributed to the VANOS solenoid issues. The timing chain also showed signs of wear during inspection. Do you remember roughly what you paid for the complete repair? In my case, I postponed it for a few weeks and regretted it as the problems got worse. Has everything been running smoothly since the fix, or have you noticed any other issues?

Thanks for asking about the repair costs. Since fixing my Alfa's inlet VANOS mechanics issue last month, the car has been running perfectly with no additional problems. The repair bill came to 250 Euro for replacing the faulty camshaft solenoid valve. This was actually less than expected, considering the diagnostic work needed. The mechanic found similar oil sludge issues as you mentioned, but caught it early enough to prevent timing chain damage. Regular oil changes have been key to keeping the VANOS system clean since the repair. The fuel consumption is back to normal, and the engine runs much smoother, especially during acceleration. One tip: using high-quality oil specifically rated for VANOS systems helps prevent future solenoid problems. The BMW VANOS system used in these Alfas is quite sensitive to oil quality and maintenance intervals. The investment was definitely worth it, waiting would have likely led to more extensive and expensive repairs, as you experienced.

Had my Alfa fixed last week and wanted to share the outcome. After the check engine light started flashing, I took it to a specialist who confirmed the inlet camshaft and VANOS solenoid issues we discussed. The total repair came to 780 Euro, which included fixing the oil sludge buildup that was causing the VANOS failure. The mechanic showed me the clogged components and explained how the sludge had restricted oil flow to the VANOS system. They cleaned the entire system, replaced both solenoids, and performed a full oil change with specialty oil. The car now runs perfectly, no more flashing lights, fuel consumption is back to normal, and the engine feels much more responsive. My only regret is not addressing it immediately when the symptoms first appeared. For anyone else facing similar issues, the repair cost was worth every cent to prevent more serious engine damage.