BMW M50TU / M52 Single VANOS Rebuild Kit — Stage 1

Restore proper VANOS operation with our Stage 1 Single VANOS Rebuild Kit, designed for BMW M50TU and M52 engines.

BMW introduced VANOS variable valve timing in the early 1990s to improve torque, drivability, and engine efficiency throughout the RPM range. After decades of heat cycles and mileage, the original VANOS piston seals begin to harden and wear, reducing the unit's ability to properly control camshaft timing.

Common symptoms of a worn Single VANOS unit can include loss of low-end torque, sluggish throttle response, inconsistent power delivery, VANOS-related fault codes, and oil leakage.

Our Stage 1 kit replaces the critical internal piston seals with high-quality materials designed to withstand the heat, oil, and operating conditions found inside the VANOS system.

Stage 1 Kit Includes:

• 1 PTFE (Teflon) Piston Ring Seal
• 1 FKM (Viton) O-Ring Seal
• 2 Copper VANOS Oil Line Sealing Washers

Don't Be Fooled by Cheap VANOS Kits

Not all rebuild kits are created equal. There are cheaper kits available online, but the quality of the seals and materials is not the same. There's a reason some kits sell for less than half the price.

We source quality components specifically for this application so you can rebuild your VANOS with confidence and avoid doing the job twice.

Special Tool Required

A modified 18mm socket is required to disassemble most M50TU/M52 Single VANOS units. We offer the properly modified socket separately at a small additional cost to make the rebuild easier.

Important: Some 1993 Single VANOS units require a modified 17mm socket instead of the 18mm version. Verify your VANOS unit before ordering your tool.

Fitment Guide

This kit is designed for BMW models equipped with M50TU, M52, and US-spec S52 Single VANOS engines. Fitment varies by market and production date.

Note: Production dates and engine configurations can vary by market. BMW transitioned several models from Single VANOS M52 engines to Dual VANOS M52TU engines around the 1998–1999 model years. Verify your engine before ordering.

European Z3 M Note: European-market Z3 M models use the S50B32 engine, which has a different Double VANOS system and does not use this M50TU/M52 Single VANOS rebuild kit.

Stage 1 is our seal-focused rebuild kit. If your VANOS also has the familiar metallic "marbles in a can" rattle from the front of the engine, consider one of our higher-stage kits that includes the components required to address VANOS bearing wear and rattle.