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E36 3-Series

1990-2000 / Sedan / Coupe / Convertible / Estate / Germany

All E36 3-Series problems All workshop issues
Common Engine, S50 (M3)

VANOS Failure (Single and Double VANOS)

Symptoms

Same symptoms as the M50/M52 VANOS failure, cold-start rattle, loss of low-end torque, but more pronounced on the M3. The S50B32 (3.2L) uses double-VANOS (variable timing on both intake and exhaust cams), which doubles the number of seals that can fail.

Cause

Same cause, rubber O-ring seals degrade with age.

Fix

Rebuild the VANOS unit(s).

Single-VANOS rebuild: same process as M50/M52.

Double-VANOS rebuild is more involved, both cam gears must be removed and the exhaust VANOS unit is accessed from a different angle.

Kits: $80-150 for double-VANOS.

Labour: 4-6 hours DIY, $400-800 at a specialist.

Cost mentioned in fix
$80-150 for double$400-800

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Other known issues

Common Engine, S50 (M3)

Valve Clearance (S50B30, 3.0L M3 Only)

Hard starting, reduced power, and eventually exhaust valve recession (the valve sinks into the seat and doesn't seal properly). May also cause a tapping noise from the head.
Common Engine, M50/M52 (320i, 325i, 328i)

VANOS Seal Failure

Rattling or clattering noise from the front of the engine on cold start, lasting 10-30 seconds before fading as oil pressure builds. Loss of low-end torque, the engine feels flat below 3,000 rpm and only comes alive higher in the rev range. In severe cases, rough idle and a general feeling that the engine is "lazy" at low speeds.
Critical Engine, M50/M52 (320i, 325i, 328i)

Cooling System Failure, Expansion Tank

The plastic expansion tank cracks, often along a moulding seam or at the neck where the cap seals. Coolant pours out rapidly. The engine overheats within minutes if the driver doesn't notice the temperature gauge climbing.
Critical Engine, M50/M52 (320i, 325i, 328i)

Cooling System Failure, Water Pump

Engine temperature gradually rises above normal, or suddenly overheats. Coolant leak from the water pump area. In some cases, no external symptoms, the plastic impeller simply disintegrates inside the pump housing, and broken plastic fragments circulate through the cooling system, blocking the heater core and radiator passages.
Common Engine, M50/M52 (320i, 325i, 328i)

Cooling System Failure, Thermostat Housing

Coolant leak from the thermostat housing area. The leak may be slow (seeping at the gasket) or sudden (the plastic housing cracks).
Critical Engine, M50/M52 (320i, 325i, 328i)

Oil Leaks

Oil weeping or dripping from the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, oil pan gasket, VANOS oil line seals, and front crank seal. A high-mileage M50 or M52 will have oil residue on most external surfaces.
View all 18 E36 3-Series problems