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BASIC FUNCTION OF BMW VANOS SYSTEMS
All BMW VANOS systems are operated through electric/hydraulic/mechanical control.
Electric Control: The engine control module is responsible for activating a VANOS sole-
noid valve based on DME program mapping. The activation parameters are influenced
by the following input signals:
• Engine speed
• Load (intake air mass)
• Engine temperature
• Camshaft position
• Oil temperature (MS 42.0 only)
Depending on the specific VANOS system, the solenoid valve is one of two types:
• Basic black/white (on/off) solenoid valve. Found on M50 TU and M52 engines.
• Variable position solenoid valve. Found on the M52 TU and M62 TU engines.
Hydraulic Control:The position of the solenoid valve directs the hydraulic flow of engine
oil. The controlled oil flow acts on the mechanical components of VANOS system to
position the camshaft.
Mechanical Control: The mechanical components of all VANOS systems operate under
the same principle. The controlled hydraulic engine oil flow is directed through advance
or retard activation oil ports. Each port exits into a sealed chamber on the opposite sides
of a control piston.
• The control piston on six cylinder engine systems (M50TU, M52 & M52TU) is con-
nected to a separate helical gear cup.
• The control piston on the M62TU VANOS system incorporates the helical gear.
In its default position the oil flow is directed to the rear surface of the piston. This pulls
the helical gear forward and maintains the retarded valve timing position.
When the oil flow is directed to the front surface of the piston, the oil pushesthe helical
gear in the opposite direction which rotates the matched helical gearing connected to the
camshaft.
The angled teeth of the helical gears cause thepushingmovement to be converted into
arotationalmovement. The rotational movement is added to the turning of the
camshaft providing the variable camshaft positioning.
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M62 TU VANOS CONTROL
As the engine camshafts are rotated by the primary and secondary timing chains, the
ME7.2 control module activates the VANOS solenoids via a PWM (pulse width modulated)
ground signal based on a program map. The program is influenced by engine speed, load,
and engine temperature.
•Shown below: In its inactive or default position, the valves direct 100% engine oil pres-
sure flow to achieve max “retard” VANOS positioning
•Top of next page: As the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) increases on the control sig-
nal, the valve progressively opens the advance oil port and proportionately closes the
retarded oil port.
Oil pressure pushes the piston toward the advance position. Simultaneously the oil
pressure on the retarded side (rear) of the piston is decreased and directed to the vent
port in the solenoid valve and drains into the cylinder head.
•Bottom of next page: At maximum PWM control, 100% oil flow is directed to the front
surface of the piston pushing it rearward to maximum advance.
Varying the pulse width (on time) of the solenoids control signals proportionately regulates
the oil pressures on each side of the pistons to achieve the desired VANOS advance angle.
