Please Help Me Techs!! 99 328i (E46) with possible VANOS issues!!

[JLuv_69]

I have a 99 328i(E46) 66,500 mile with the engine checklight on. I got it scan at my local shop and he said that it was something dealing with the Vanos (hope i spelled it right). I just got my oil (5W 30 synth) changed yesterday and the shop guy thinks that it might clean the vanos out with the new oil. He thinks the vanos is getting stuck and that's why my check engine light is coming on. He also mention that if this does not help....he wanted to change my oil again to a heavier weight (something like 20w50). He told me to drive it around to see if it helps... and also reset my check engine light. But today....my light is back on again.... My symptoms: check engine light. When the engine is cold....the car starts right away with no preoblem...but still has the light. But when the engine is hot....i have a harder time starting the car and sometimes it stalls. Also when this happends....my car lacks tourque and even when i step on the gas....it seems like it's not getting any power. So...this happends back and forth.....depends on if the engine is hot or not...... My shop guy thinks that if the oil change does not help....than he wants to replace the whole vanos unit.....which will cost around $1000 dollars....Please help!!!! Any input will be appreciated!!!! Thanks Jay

[Bijan]

Have you checked the oxygen sensor. It sounds like that could be the problem. I think you need to change that. And I am not sure but I beleive on the E46 there is more than one oxygen sensor.

[mj.dempsey]

Oil??? thinkabout it,, oil weight wouldn't do that, you need better techs.. before spending $1000, make sure that's your problem, because if you pick it up and it still acts the same. Oops, must of been something else, sorry, now give me $300 for the simple repair it is,,,, just go to someone BMWeducated