BMW M50TU / M52 Single VANOS Rebuild Kit — Stage 2

Restore VANOS performance and address the infamous VANOS rattle with our Stage 2 Single VANOS Rebuild Kit, designed for BMW M50TU, M52, and US-spec S52 engines.

BMW introduced VANOS variable valve timing in the early 1990s to improve low-end torque, drivability, and engine efficiency. After decades of mileage and heat cycles, the original VANOS piston seals begin to harden and wear, reducing the unit's ability to properly control camshaft timing. At the same time, wear inside the VANOS bearing assembly can create the distinctive metallic rattle these engines are known for.

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, oil leakage, and VANOS rattle.

If the front of your engine sounds like there are marbles or rocks rolling around inside it, there's a good chance you're hearing VANOS rattle.

Our Stage 2 kit takes the rebuild one step further than Stage 1 by including both the upgraded piston seals and our anti-rattle bushing set, allowing you to address the two most common wear areas while the VANOS unit is apart.

Stage 2 Kit Includes:

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

Why Choose Stage 2?

Stage 1 replaces the internal VANOS piston seals. Stage 2 adds the components needed to address VANOS bearing wear and rattle.

If you're already removing and rebuilding your VANOS unit, Stage 2 is an excellent choice for a more complete rebuild—especially on higher-mileage engines or vehicles already exhibiting VANOS noise.

Don't Be Fooled by Cheap VANOS Kits

Not all VANOS rebuild kits are created equal. There are cheaper kits available online, but the quality of the seals, bearings, 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 and production date 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 2: Seals + Rattle Repair

Choose Stage 2 if you want to restore the VANOS piston seals and address the common mechanical rattle caused by wear within the VANOS bearing assembly. It's our more complete solution for rebuilding an aging M50TU/M52/S52 Single VANOS unit.