BMW’s Vanos

Vanos is BMW‘s approach to VVT. For the first time it was used for the M50 engine for 5th series in the 90s of the last century, Vanos regulates cams using the gear inside the gear chamber that moves to or back to the camshaft altering the angle of the shoulders. The activation is done by using special electronics (DME) applying further pressure to the oil in order to move the gear in and out.

Similar to the other systems, the helical gear is moving inwards in order to open the valves to earlier. By increasing the amount of air entering the cylinders the power increases. Initially the company introduced a single Vanos system, changing the flow of air through a predefined speed. The Germans later released a double Vanos for more advanced work and affecting both the intake and exhaust valves to the position of the throttle. Double VANOS debuted with the S50B32 engine used in the BMW E36 M3, as well as the great Z3 M Coupe.

Almost every company invents a different name on the VVT system – Rover dubbed it VVC, Nissan has VVL, and Ford – VCT. However, they operate with the same principle, but their main goal is to maximize fuel efficiency and emissions from the engine, allowing maximum power when needed.

With the great potential of the pneumatic valve control, it’s no wonder if the role of the camshaft starts to decline in the coming years. But until then technology such as Vanos, V-TEC and VVT-i will continue to please all the car fans.