[DallasBoosted]

Very interesting weekend at Motorsports Ranch, had hail yesterday that collected in the corners of the track, making ice sheets. In Texas. In Spring...

The weather was better today, still chilly (45-50 degrees) but sunny, and no ice falling from the sky.

Got the chance to chase an E36 race car, this was a Texas Track Works car and has pretty good aero, gigantic splitter and wing, and I think side fences although I could be making that up.

I'm still getting used to the 335i and improved every session this weekend, as I gain more confidence with my setup and how the car behaves. Car was great this weekend aside from one session aborted due to a Vanos-inlet limp mode. Thats something to work on...

This video is also great because of the contrast... the E36 is a lightweight stripped out racecar with Hankook slicks, aero, and a driver with some talent... the 335i is full street, non-sport seats and all, NT01 tires, no aero, etc.. no idea how much power this E36 was making other than "less than me."

This was my personal best lap on the MSR 3.1. I have the Dual XGPS150 external GPS for Harry's Lap Timer, so I trust the speeds shown for the straights/corners pretty well. Enjoy

P.S. That was a 1M out on track with us too, he had 275/295 hoosiers... pretty darn fast. He was having Vanos limp modes all day.

[DallasBoosted]

Here's a video of the same track from a well-prepped E92 M3 by a local great driver and board member ortho281. This is from last month, but I think the weather was actually better for him.. it was mid 60's.

He was also on NT01's

[SneakyDeeky]

Sweet videos and nice driving Your car's running strong.
Is there anything we can do to help prevent the Vanos limp mode?
I ask b/c my new engine is throwing the Vanos Inlet code too along with the HPFP Plausbility and 3100, Limp Mode now that I got my Cobb AP (threw it using Stage 1+FMIC Drive and Stage 2+ FMIC Drive). I used the DIY to clean both Vanos solenoids, but still threw the codes. I have new Vanos solenoids on order.
I'm anxious to get my car back to normal.

[DallasBoosted]

Originally Posted by SneakyDeeky

Sweet videos and nice driving Your car's running strong.
Is there anything we can do to help prevent the Vanos limp mode?
I ask b/c my new engine is throwing the Vanos Inlet code too along with the HPFP Plausbility and 3100, Limp Mode now that I got my Cobb AP (threw it using Stage 1+FMIC Drive and Stage 2+ FMIC Drive). I used the DIY to clean both Vanos solenoids, but still threw the codes. I have new Vanos solenoids on order.
I'm anxious to get my car back to normal.

Other than replacement I don't know. I've never gotten a Vanos limp before yesterday. I'll probably replace them also.

[johmei]

Cool videos. Regarding Vanos I had the same problem my first track day. I took them out, gave them a good clean and switched them. This in theory will make them work in a different "spectrum" and get them both some exercise. Have had no problem since then (1 yr).

[demontwinz]

that E36 is fast on turns

[mrbillytalent]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing!

[raceyBMW]

Great vid! really shows the difference between the two in the corners.

Vanos codes can be two fold, either the solenoids, or worn cam bearing ledges on the early builds. The ledges are known to wear prematurely and groove, leading to reduced oil pressure in the vanos system. Only fix for that is to replace them (I have had that done, and still occasionally throw a vanos code, which I think is my solenoids).

I don't remember the cutoff date, but I know they had a revised part no. at some point which fixed the problem.

[Killerfish2012]

Originally Posted by DallasBoosted

Got the chance to chase an E36 race car, this was a Texas Track Works car and has pretty good aero, gigantic splitter and wing, and I think side fences although I could be making that up. This video is also great because of the contrast... the E36 is a lightweight stripped out racecar with Hankook slicks, aero, and a driver with some talent... the 335i is full street, non-sport seats and all, NT01 tires, no aero, etc.. no idea how much power this E36 was making other than "less than me."

You got destroyed. And that wasn't even an E36 M3 right? I know you love to stick up for the 335I, but we are what we are. Btw, is that yet another one of these blended "ethanol" maps? Y'all need to quit it, an use some real gasoline.

[Killerfish2012]

Originally Posted by raceyBMW

Great vid! really shows the difference between the two in the corners.

Vanos codes can be two fold, either the solenoids, or worn cam bearing ledges on the early builds. The ledges are known to wear prematurely and groove, leading to reduced oil pressure in the vanos system. Only fix for that is to replace them (I have had that done, and still occasionally throw a vanos code, which I think is my solenoids).

I don't remember the cutoff date, but I know they had a revised part no. at some point which fixed the problem.

I have a 10/06 build, and the solenoids stated giving me issues after 50k miles. I replaced both, and knock on wood, have been fine since, with over 100K miles on the clock. Not sure what build dates you think are affected by the cam thing, but mine is way early, and no issues, just the solenoids themselves.

[raceyBMW]

I am 10/06 build as well. There is a SIB out there for it, and I myself had my ledges replaced after various vanos codes, so yes it is a known issue.

[DallasBoosted]

Originally Posted by raceyBMW

I am 10/06 build as well. There is a SIB out there for it, and I myself had my ledges replaced after various vanos codes, so yes it is a known issue.

Mine is 5/08, is that something I should be concerned about or just replace the solenoid?

[raceyBMW]

http://www.techshopmag.com/issue/art...ontentid=96306

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=207508

This is what I could find for it. It does not give a range of build dates, and I don't see a change in part no. on realOEM.

If it were me though, I would definitely try pulling the codes when you get them, and see if its the intake or exhaust side you are getting an error on. Then try cleaning the solenoids with electrical parts cleaner, and swapping the solenoids between intake and exhaust sides. If the code pops up again on you, and follows the solenoid, then you know that one is bad and replace. If it still is appearing at the same side, even after swapping, then it probably is bearing ledge related.

[DallasBoosted]

I got inlet side. I already ordered the solenoid, just going to swap it. If I still get inlet code then I'll look into the bearing ledge.

Thanks