How To Replace N55 Vanos Solenoid (135i, 335i, 535i, E82, E90, E92)

If you are experiencing rough idling as well as fluctuating idle or even timing related engine fault codes on your N55 BMW try replacing the vanos solenoids first. The solenoids I used are aftermarket and are linked below. You can also try cleaning them, but it is much easier to replace them.
Part link:
N55 Vanos Solenoid:
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[@ShopLifeTV]

N55 Vanos Solenoid: click.linksynergy.com/link?id=BZfgVZ7JGM8&offerid=580643.12221996832&type=2&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecstuning.com%2Fb-genuine-bmw-parts%2Fvanos-solenoid-priced-each%2F11368605123%2F

[@mannylopez15986]

Hi, the new Vanos solenoid valves are not going all the way in. They are the exact parts and looks exactly the same, is it something I am missing? I'll really appreciate your response. Thanks.

[@The252000]

it was so much more accessible on the n52 haha i miss it but bro can u please make more n55 videos there’s not a lot of diy’s out there for us and u explain everything so perfectly and understandable

[@ShopLifeTV]

Yes! I just need one lol

[@houseofno]

Nice disclaimer, and totally on the money. If you screw up your car due to failure to follow directions, Shoplife isn't at fault. Great job!

[@mromagachi5194]

i remember you said no more working on small lil parts only fulll swaps or project cars glad ur back to these diy cuz if it wasent for you is probably be broke af from working on my e36 or e46 thank u jason ur the best man

[@kevthecompass6217]

For anybody wondering you don’t have to remove the fan but it will be wayyyyyy easier if you do it took me about an hour to mess around with the solenoids and get them in there

[@nickbarba9809]

video came in clutch. my solenoids were so dirty I didn't even realize there were bolts! solved my engine malfunction after replacing OFHG. Thought it was odd it happened right after doing the maintenance, but then again I used a shit ton of brake cleaner. oops

[@LamonMoore-z2n]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Trump-The-GREATEST]

Its a MUST to clean all ur Vanos when you replace ur serpentine and tensioner belt and pulleys! Cleaning the vanos cured my annoying jerking and unbalanced timing while idling at a stand still. My car warms faster, its very silent and i got full power! No more jerking or shaking at idle when starting my bmw f10 n55 and finally SOLVED my issue. Idles soo smooth and clean! How to cleaned both Vanos. I used 2 wires red & black with small alligator grips and attached them on a 9 Volt battery and hooked them up on both Vanos connection poles. This method while giving power to the Vanos allows it to open and close. This is where you begin to clean the vanos in all hole opening as well as the inside with either a Map Sensor cleaner or a Electronic contact cleaner which cost cheaper. This cleans the Vanos soo clean that it revives them like brand new. Ur bmw will idle smoothly and sound more silent idling perfect because it now adjusts the timing as it was design when new and becomes well balanced in ignition firing! I was blaming my old ignition coils but the problem was the dirty Vanos! Clean them, its a must! Just a 10mm socket to remove them...

[@HowToDoitright]

can i use brake cleaner?

[@DrivingWithJake]

Great video, this is one of the best I've seen yet. I just replaced my camshaft sensor which is right near there but still getting the same errors so now it's time to reply the Vanos sensors :( At least it's almost the same task I just need to remove the fan now.

[@bigdtracks]

Your gonna help me a lot I've just got a e46 that needs pritty much needs rebuilding good to see someone who knows what they're doing thanks for the info keep it coming

[@gregfoster4541]

Glad to see you are back, very informative video 😁 have a friend with this problem,, will share this with him have a great day and"Howdy from Texas"!!

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thanks! Hope you are doing well!

[@Nalopotato]

definitely the best video on this process! kudos

[@jaemarple608]

So by replacing the vanos, did it fix the rough running issue and check engine light?

[@bri9435]

Shouldn’t you do the top one first??? So the oil from the top spills on the old solenoid instead of the new one??? No hate just genuinely curious on the thought process. Anyways I appreciate the video huge help :)

[@alcantarahouse4486]

after you change the vanos do you need to relearn or reset it?

[@Scotford_Maconochie]

Can you get any VANOS problem without any engine lights?

[@Shmigzy]

How would you recommend cleaning these? I'm trying to think maybe break cleaner into the front part of the silver? And pressured air? Idk I'm tryin to think before spending 450 on 2 solenoids lol

[@ansuyadhokia389]

this is such an easy job on my n52. i guess taking the fan out isnt a huge problem on manual cars? im currently in the market for an m235i so just doing mz research

[@RoxyLani]

if the car get a check engine light every now and then, why not do a fault survey and see what fault is has. sound like: power deduction, with fault code: 2a82 intake vanos and/or fault code: a87 exhaust vanos camshaft fault. SIB 11 02 08, with a N51, N52K, N52,N54. But you have a N55, so maybe or mostly its sib 01 10 14, vanos bolts (broke off). SIB 12 14 12, One or both (intake and/or exhaust) of the VANOS gear assemblies may have faulty assembly bolts. One or more of the four assembly bolts have loosened or broken. after replacing the vanos solenoid, did it fix the problem (rough idle, check engine light)?

[@mohammadhayatca3244]

Thank for update. As preventative martens replacing both exhaust and intake. My X5 N55 engine has 107,000 miles. I bought mine used at82,000 miles. No service history. Do you require reset re calibrate or Validation after you replace the new solenoids ?., thank you for reply

[@mohammadhayatca3244]

I am replacing with set if Pierburhg OEM .

[@ArisFilms]

I'm at 120,000 miles and occasionally (rarely) have a rough idle for a short period of time, could that be the beginning of this problem?

[@ShopLifeTV]

Yes it's possible, as well as a number of other things

[@ArisFilms]

​@@ShopLifeTV 1 year later and the problem never resurfaced until now. There's a burning oil smell, visible smoke from the back of engine bay, and extremely fluctuating idle as well as a loud whine. I'm going to be replacing the Valve Cover.

[@darioarias7611]

Thanks for this video, I have also a N55 2011 and the turbo is not boosting how do I it fix or tested to find a solution. Thanks man I appreciate your videos.

[@airjaff]

I tried pulling these out yesterday, was trying this for an hour they wouldn't budge, gave up. Any tips?

[@jvz_5.0]

My bimmer jerks when I let go of gas pedal in slow traffic. I’m stage 2 tune, I have rough idle it’s not crazy but there’s some vibrations here and there. Would it be this ? 535i 2011

[@hollowgr0und]

Theres only one vanos solenoid on n55’s? Specially talking in reference to 2011 135 n55

[@_Wai_Wai_]

I have a 2011 BMW 535i, with P052B and P054B fault Codes (Cold Start A, and B camshaft Position timing over retarded Bank 1) . I've been able to disconnect the solenoids and take out the 10 mm bolts, without having taken out the fan. But the solenoids are stuck in there. Maybe I should try to get the fan out first to get better leverage. But they sure are stuck in hard.

[@terrellnesbitt8835]

Yeah I’m having the same problem but I’m not taking the fan out

[@XxJugobetrugoxX]

I think I have the problem with the Solenoids too... Are both of them the same or they have different numbers? I saw only one type and I`m not sure if they are the same, `cause they are two (intake and outtake)

[@gilgonzalez5902]

He said in the video they are the same/interchangeable.

[@el.alejandro2696]

They are both the same or they different i have a 335i xidrive f30 2013

[@adrielcordova4206]

Have you ever think about doing a video of replacing the camshaft seals on the n54 ? I would like to see a video like that

[@jameshernandez8048]

Hello, my 135i does this weird thing only when the AC button is on, it revs or (surges) and jults when I'm coming to a stop. It doesn't do it when the blower is on by itself. Another thing is when I step on the accelerator the engine light comes on, but it doesn't do it I'm driving regular speeds. What do you think it it might be?

[@HowToDoitright]

bro what engine light code did you get? i ran ISTAD and got code 101F01...i checked everything from vacuum lines to airintke but no luck..the only thing i did to the car was replace the leaking valve cover gasket and clean vanos and started getting this light and code. ill appreciate if you can help

[@cwin34]

You ever solve your issue?

[@Xsocto18]

i have a E92 335I 2010 mod, i haved 126.000KM on it but have no engine light,it start fine ,should i change it anyway or ?

[@CSKeaton.]

I’m having issues being able to push mine all the way to the block. The bottom one doesn’t seem to want to go and the seal is out

[@gdeangelkick]

So what if you ARE getting misfire codes associated with the rough idle, but it only happens sometimes (usually in colder weather or when raining... and even then if you shut down and restart, about 25% of the time it will then idle fine). Just want to toss it out there for thoughts from the community...

[@drew2540]

Also interested, I don't get codes but a rough idle on cold start up when its colder weather

[@正朱-d8o]

you dont need to remove the fan.even the space is quite tight but save you lots of time.

[@leoalomari3832]

How many miles do you recommend replacing

[@bryantruong1100]

Hey quick question. I completed this and now my car is throw codes 2D54: Variable camshaft timing control (VANOS) exhaust: cold start not controllable and 2D55 Variable camshaft timing control (VANOS) intake cold start not controllable Start stutters like crazy then shuts off. I reconnected everything and tightened both new solenoids.

[@drone1028]

Why did you change them in the first place?

[@zilla2493]

how did you fix this???

[@bryantruong1100]

@@zilla2493 check connections, and swap the solenoids

[@zilla2493]

@@bryantruong1100 thanks bro, I just had the plugs switched up.

[@dndxander]

@@zilla2493how do you know which is which?

[@leop1193]

Great video bro thank you

[@OldeTimeFavorites55]

Hey man I notice you have a picture of Raleigh in the background of your cover photo. I'm from Raleigh and have learned a lot from your videos? Do you work in a local shop?

[@OldeTimeFavorites55]

Ahh I found your website and y'all moved to CA. Do you still watch the Wolfpack? Is there a local guy as versed in E46 (I run an M3) issues as you are? Thanks!

[@mostlychillchill9027]

Do you guys recommend using original bmw solenoids or can other brands can be used ?????

[@gilgonzalez5902]

I highly recommend using the OEM solenoids as this is a very sensitive part. Plus you basically only change these one time in the car’s life anyway so no reason to cheap out.

[@dewanwahed7754]

Which model csf radiator did you go with for the DCT?

[@gabrielhenderson6959]

How much is a walnut blast

[@donovanmiller8992]

I’ve got a question for you I cleaned my Vanos and MASS and Replaced coils and plugs on my 335 e93. I’m still getting a very subtle 25-50 rpm pulse at idle every 8 seconds. Any idea?

[@drone1028]

Try swapping the vanos, intake to exhaust. Both don't go bad at the same time.

[@donovanmiller8992]

I bought new vaico vanos. Runs smooth now.

[@leviwilbert9588]

What were the torque specs on various screws you removed?

[@lucasandersson1686]

I also wounder that, i didn't remow anythigt exept the solinoids.

[@medetbugda6056]

We need any programer for this

[@gumba2901]

MAN i’m doing this rn and i cannot get them to pop in i oiled them up w liqui moly n mfs will not go in

[@manuelbrizuela7868]

Anyone know if you need to purge the system after this install?

[@gilgonzalez5902]

No

[@mitchelljasmann1337]

Should you disconnect your battery ?

[@tytlyf]

no

[@drohernandez1709]

When do these usually go out? I have a 2011 with 89,000 miles stage 1+ MHD tune

[@ShopLifeTV]

Hard to give an exact time frame, I've seen original ones past 150k with no issues

[@brandonmoore2679]

Are the Vanos in the same place on a n53 (F01) engines? Would like to clean or replace mine. Getting hesitation on acceleration and now getting camshaft timing retarded message.

[@Joseph-lk9pf]

Is this the same for N55 in e70 35xi x5?

[@gilgonzalez5902]

Yes, in the E70 there is actually more space so you dont even need to remove the fan.

[@raularce63]

Moree n55

[@BeatzXV]

Does a n55 solenoid fit a n54???

[@tytlyf]

no

[@BMWI-gk9wh]

Do we unplug battery before?

[@Objectional_Opinion]

BMW 335I No need.

[@tomgrzywacz6135]

Just an opinion...blow out all that crap with a compressor then degrease prior to replacing VANOS.

[@chris-oy9jn]

Cool video guys I gave you a shout out on my channel

[@voodoocars2134]

First..?..