vanos noise

vanos makes rattling sound
when the car is running it makes a noise in the vanos area as if the chain is loose its kind of like a metal sound the car dont idle roughly the rpm needle is steady dont seem like i`m loosing power. do all of them make that noise or this is something i should be concerned with.
any help would be appreciated

Vanos should operate quietly when heard from the cabin. BMW engines shouldn't sound any louder than a blender wrapped in a blanket. If it sounds metalic then, the chain tensioner needs adjustment.
You should hear a moderately loud Whirr sound, not a metallic thrashing sound like those of a Honda VTEC engine.

is it a do it yourself job
or is it a mechanic project

is it a do it yourself job
or is it a mechanic project
You made a good choice with a BMW because the engine is very accessible. I highly recommend purchasing the Factory Maintenance Manual. It's pretty expensive at around $100, but every little step is mentioned. Also, it will tell you exactly what tools are required beforehand, so you'll be able to estimate if you want to do it yourself.
If you have a decent set of tools, i.e. they don't all fit in the kitchen drawer, it won't be more difficult than setting up a set of IKEA furniture.

thanks is bentley manual good enough

Yes, Bentley is the book.
Be sure to avoid the Haynes manuals that are found at the local auto parts store. Those are usually full of errata and are grossly incomplete. But they're only $15 so people get easily tempted by the low price.

vanos makes rattling sound
Rattling sound + no loss of idle and startup quality = water pump. Check for play.

What year is the car? The newer engines use an electric motor water pump.

1994 325i

Here's a link to the water pump for the 1994 325i. This engine still uses a mechanically driven water pump.
http://www2.bimmerpartswholesale.com/parts/parts1/bimmerparts/wizard.jsp?year=1994&make=BM&model=325-I-002&category=G&part=Water+Pump&dp=true

Here's a link to the Bentley manual on Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0837603269/bmwworld/102-0916664-4241716

thanx

I've replaced more than a few Vanos units for noise concerns

Never heard of it being the water pump. it is the Vanos unit. Pop your hood and it should be coming from the front of the valve cover. It's really loud in my car right now. I'm doing some work to my M3 so until that gets done then I'll rip my 318 apart and fix it. Some people say use 20w50 oil. I'm using that now and it's still loud. I'm gonna try Lucas Oil to see if that helps for a quick fix...for now anyways. I've never heard of a water pump making noise like that unless the impeller broke or bearings shot. But even so, it won't make that Vanos noise. it's very distinct. Empty can of rocks to be exact. This a common for engines with high milage. Mine has 167,000 on it.