Noob question: i just got a 97 1.9 dohc z3 and im wondering if it has vanos. I googled it but what i found was a confusing mix of yes and no.

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Anonymous

After a search on Google, it looks like the 4 cylinder engines did not have vanos. I found the same as you though at first with mixed opinions so I’m not completely sure. Do you have any good pictures of your car to share on here?

06/06/2015 - 09:21 |
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The Stan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

I have pics of the car but not good ones lol. The thing is, I was driving it and I notice some kind of “VTEC” thing at 3k rpm (sry for honda reference, i did own a civic before getting this car). It is a very significant and consistent change of engine sound. What is going on?

06/06/2015 - 09:26 |
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Knightophonix

You can tell by looking under the hood. If it has that little bulge on the timing belt cover, it has VANOS.

06/06/2015 - 10:14 |
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Nope I dont have that buldge. No VANOS for me then. Thanks for the help! But what was that change of engine sound at 3k rpm?

06/06/2015 - 10:56 |
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Elijahwon24

The 1.9 Z3 has the M44 engine which did not have vanos. It did have Dual length intake manifold or DISA in BMW terms. It has a long intake manifold during low rpms for low end torque and around mid rpms the intake becomes shorter, probably the cause of you hearing a different sound form your engine, to produce top end power. Hope this helps since its very early in the morning still cant sleep and since i love BMWs i had to help an owner out

06/06/2015 - 10:47 |
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Oh so that’s what it was. At low rpms my engine sounds like its bored but at exactly 3k rpm it changes into a very distinct higher pitch. For a moment there I thought I bought a Z3 with a hidden honda engine lol. I shall read more about this DISA on the internet. Thank you very much for the info… really helpful!

06/06/2015 - 11:04 |
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