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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.
