[David_Vasha]

Has anyone had any good luck with aftermarket VANOS solenoids? Thinking about buying Beck/Arnley brand solenoids since they are a solid manufacturer for BMW.

[beegeezy]

They might be reboxed OE parts too. I’ve had that happen with B/A before with other cars.

[David_Vasha]

Originally Posted by beegeezy

They might be reboxed OE parts too. I've had that happen with B/A before with other cars.

I've been thinking the same thing too

[Trainwreck914]

Not sure who is the or supplier. Usually fcp will have that info. But they only show Bmw for $$$

[David_Vasha]

Originally Posted by Trainwreck914

Not sure who is the or supplier. Usually fcp will have that info. But they only show Bmw for $$$

I'm thinking going with beck Arnley or gates should be fine. I just can't justify buying ONE solenoid for $180z

[OnlyGerman]

When should these be changed?

[David_Vasha]

Originally Posted by OnlyGerman

When should these be changed?

I believe you change them once they start throwing codes and mess with the smoothness of the idle and whatnot.

[David_Vasha]

Has anyone made bought aftermarket (reputable brand) before? How was it?

[Wht550jersey]

50k -80k should be cleaned or swapped

[HotSpicyChicken90]

OE manufacturer is Pierburg

Cleaning the solenoids is more then often enough. Be sure to clean them from the INSIDE OUT!

Spray the brake cleaner on the inside until it flows out.

[brz62]

Originally Posted by HotSpicyChicken90

OE manufacturer is Pierburg

Cleaning the solenoids is more then often enough. Be sure to clean them from the INSIDE OUT!

Spray the brake cleaner on the inside until it flows out.

Be sure to clean the filters as well.

[David_Vasha]

Originally Posted by HotSpicyChicken90

OE manufacturer is Pierburg

Cleaning the solenoids is more then often enough. Be sure to clean them from the INSIDE OUT!

Spray the brake cleaner on the inside until it flows out.

Will do. Thanks

[David_Vasha]

Just changed the oil today and the idle issue that I have has gotten better. This further leads me to believe it could be Vanos if it's oil related.

[Trainwreck914]

Anyone find the pierburg equivalent? I'd like to change mine also. But can't justify the $180 for bmw

[David_Vasha]

Originally Posted by Trainwreck914

Anyone find the pierburg equivalent? I'd like to change mine also. But can't justify the $180 for bmw

I believe the website autohauz has them. They go for about $85 each

[Trainwreck914]

Thanks found them.

[David_Vasha]

Originally Posted by Trainwreck914

Thanks found them.

Let me know if you buy them/install them

[ashmailusa]

Hey folks!
I don't have any codes, but my idle is rough at times(on cold), low power on low RPM, bad fuel milage - a lot of match in the symptoms.
Solenoids were cleaned once by dealership during previous ownership of my car.

Can' decide on what I should do with the solenoids. I've read mixed success stories about cleaning with 5-10V activation. Some claim replacement is the only option..

I was also looking into OE replacement options: a lot of positive reviews about Dorman.
Interesting find: SKP branded number SK916717 almost completely matches DORMAN part number 916717. Do yo think one of them is just repackaged version of the other brand? SKP is $30 vs $80 for Dorman

I would appreciate your input!
Cheers,
Alex

[Conserve]

So, looked up DORMAN (part # you gave) then I did confirmation fit that was good but look at the review. People saying IT ALMOST FIT, which I say it is not good enough.

[ChiltiCoatl89]

Originally Posted by ashmailusa

Hey folks!
I don't have any codes, but my idle is rough at times(on cold), low power on low RPM, bad fuel milage - a lot of match in the symptoms.
Solenoids were cleaned once by dealership during previous ownership of my car.

Can' decide on what I should do with the solenoids. I've read mixed success stories about cleaning with 5-10V activation. Some claim replacement is the only option..

I was also looking into OE replacement options: a lot of positive reviews about Dorman.
Interesting find: SKP branded number SK916717 almost completely matches DORMAN part number 916717. Do yo think one of them is just repackaged version of the other brand? SKP is $30 vs $80 for Dorman

I would appreciate your input!
Cheers,
Alex

Do not accept anything Less than BMW or OE Equivalent for these solenoids, spend the money upfront for the quality part(s), rather than spend money more than once for possible multiple issues in the future.

[Surly73]

I'll pile on here.

Personally, I would not go any "lower" than the Pierburg units (offered by FCP and others like Rock Auto). Even those are classed as "aftermarket" and not "OE" or "OEM" by FCP so you might still be taking your chances.