Originally Posted by
slingshot
The Vanos can be rebuilt on your dining room table for "cheap" if it fails. The solenoids are ~$200 a piece.
An OEM-replacement clutch kit is ~$300, and no more difficult to replace than any other RWD clutch.
My only concerns with owning one of those would be insurance and gas.
I did my Vanos in a day, while you are there, you will replace your valve cover gasket. I have done O2 sensors, easy as well, cam positioning sensor another walk in the park. E39s are not bad to work with.
Insurance and gas is relative as well, I fil up once a week living in norfolk, going to oceana + bumming around, mine is an I6, V8s are better on gas,