Nasty 2000-3000 RPM rattle - DISA or VANOS?

[stephenkirsh]

Just noticed a nasty rattle at 2-3k RPM today. Sigh.

It sounds just like the DISA rattle on my dad's car. Problem is… I replaced my DISA only 4 months ago.

I can't quite differentiate where the sound is coming from, and my iPhone can't seem to pick up the rattle in video.

Any ideas?

Can I unplug the DISA and run the car at 2000 RPM as a test? If it goes away, it's the DISA. If it's still there, it's not the DISA. Does that work?

[BimmerWill]

Disa works off of vacuum so if you unplugged the vacuum hose I imagine it would no longer serve its function.

However if the flap or pin itself have failed it would still make the noise I would think. Honestly may be easier to just pop it off and take a look at it.

How did you replace it? Just a new unit from BMW or the rebuild kit? Can't remember who sells the rebuild off top of my head.

[stephenkirsh]

I replaced it with a brand new OEM unit from ECST.

[ELCID86]

So it's DISA and not VANOS?


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[stephenkirsh]

Based on sound, that's my guess. But I'm not 100% sure.

Is anybody familiar with the differences?

[ELCID86]

I would think you'd be able to tell with your head under the hood (and localize it), but I can't be sure. Can someone confirm if you can feel the vanos rattle if present?

[328ioc]

Not sure if you can feel it, but my suggestion would be get a mechanics stethoscope and have a listen while someone revs the motor.

That should make it obvious.

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[gmurphy]

Probably vanos


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[stephenkirsh]

Probably vanos


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What makes you lean that way?

[gmurphy]

What makes you lean that way?

I've never heard of the disa actually rattling but I could be mistaken. My car has incredible VANOS rattle at about the same rpm. Have you installed new seals or an anti rattle kit yet? I plan to have mine installed soon.


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[stephenkirsh]

No vanos is 100% original.

[Avetiso]

No vanos is 100% original.
Do that pronto.

[kayger12]

Pop the hood and have someone hold the RPMs where it happens. Vanos rattle will be clearly audible coming from the front of the valve cover.

The only thing that would have me leaning DISA is that VANOS rattles typically don't develop over time. Usually, you either have it or you don't.

[ELCID86]

HI Keith!:hi

[kayger12]

HI Keith!:hi

:) :hi

That's my post for July :biggrin

[stephenkirsh]

Pop the hood and have someone hold the RPMs where it happens. Vanos rattle will be clearly audible coming from the front of the valve cover.

The only thing that would have me leaning DISA is that VANOS rattles typically don't develop over time. Usually, you either have it or you don't.

1.) my DISA is brand new
2.) this is the first I've ever heard the rattle. And it's really loud.

[kayger12]

1.) my DISA is brand new
2.) this is the first I've ever heard the rattle. And it's really loud.

Understood.

Let us know when you narrow down the general area of the engine bay the sound is coming from.



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[stephenkirsh]

Will do. I plan on doing it tonight

[stephenkirsh]

Updates. Driving around today I couldn't hear anything while sitting in my car with the windows down. Yesterday I could hear it while driving and while parked (windows down both times).

Had my fiancé help me out and got this video. The video makes the rattle sound a lot louder than everything else, comparatively. Looks like it's the VANOS… but I'm just confused about that very loud sound from yesterday.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sob8GwoPuyw

[ELCID86]

I think that's the wrong video. Otherwise it sounds like it's purring to me! :rofl


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[stephenkirsh]

ROFL crap

[stephenkirsh]

ok fixed haha

[330i ZHP]

ZHP rattle - almost always VANOS

[gmurphy]

Vanos


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[ELCID86]

My bet too. I used Dr. Vanos. I previously used Besien for Vanos repair but didn't have a vice, etc. to do the anti-rattle kit.

(Btw, he had a cat video posted! --typical internet junkie ;-)


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[kayger12]

Updates. Driving around today I couldn't hear anything while sitting in my car with the windows down. Yesterday I could hear it while driving and while parked (windows down both times).

Had my fiancé help me out and got this video. The video makes the rattle sound a lot louder than everything else, comparatively. Looks like it's the VANOS… but I'm just confused about that very loud sound from yesterday.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sob8GwoPuyw

100% vanos. Exactly what mine sounded like. Mine was always louder when the car was nice and hot after driving for a while. It was less noticeable on a cold motor.

[stephenkirsh]

My bet too. I used Dr. Vanos. I previously used Besien for Vanos repair but didn't have a vice, etc. to do the anti-rattle kit.

(Btw, he had a cat video posted! --typical internet junkie ;-)


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Actually it was my own cat :)

[stephenkirsh]

100% vanos. Exactly what mine sounded like. Mine was always louder when the car was nice and hot after driving for a while. It was less noticeable on a cold motor.

Good tip on the heat. When I heard it on Sunday, it was after about an hour or so of spirited driving with an e39 dinan m5 I came across. Yesterday I was doing my 2.5 mile commute to work.

[ELCID86]

Actually it was my own cat :)
Sure! :biggrin