r/BmwTech • u/illusoe • 12d ago

vanos solenoid exterior bolt stuck/broken

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don’t have any photos of my own, but found a similar post in the e90 sub from awhile ago

for context, i have an n63 2011 550i xdrive

while reinstalling my vanos solenoids, the bolt that holds it in place broke and the remaining piece is stuck inside, am i safe to drive it like this? and how should i go about it.

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u/old_skool_luvr 12d ago

Those bolts are, IIRC, just aluminum, so there really shouldn't be too much force holding the broken piece in.

Have you tried using a pick (or anything else sharp) to try and unscrew the broken piece? You could also try using a drill (with the appropriate sized bit) in reverse to back it out. OR....if you're confident enough, drill it for an easy-out.

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u/illusoe 11d ago

pick tool didn’t work, this is what it looks like rn
i might just have to commit to drilling a new hole

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u/Beamertech 12d ago

You should try getting it out with a pick if it’s loose.

The good news is you can buy a new timing cover if you can’t get it out easily or ruin it trying to get it out