VANOS is a variable valve timing system used by BMW on various automotive petrol engines since 1992. The name is an abbreviation of the German words for variable camshaft timing (German: variable Nockenwellensteuerung).

The acronym VANOS stands for a German-made engine part that was created to improve the effectiveness of BMW intake performance. By changing the location of the camshaft and drive gears and opening the intake valves more effectively, this technological advancement streamlines the timing of the engine.

VANOS, which stands for Variable Nockenwellen Steuerung in German (Variable Camshaft Timing in English), is a proprietary technology developed by BMW. It represents a significant advancement in camshaft control, which plays a pivotal role in an engine’s operation.

The German phrase “VAriable NOckenwellen Steuerung” is abbreviated as VANOS. It is BMW’s response to the variable valve timing unit in the engine. The VANOS system, first introduced in the 1990s, modifies the engine’s intake and exhaust valves so that they can both open and close dynamically as you drive, enhancing engine performance.

What is the VANOS? The so-called camshaft adjustment, is known at BMW under the name “ Variable Camshaft Adjustment (VANOS) “. The VANOS is used for flexible control of the valve opening times in an internal combustion engine (gasoline engines), enabling an increase in efficiency.