Slonik Vanos Hub Covers replacement

[wootloops]

Originally Posted by MaximusB

Looks like price is now at $600usd.

Kind of a bummer how expensive these are. I get it that they are a nice solution and require a lot less labor to install but still seems like a lot. And yes, I know it's a lot less money than replacing an engine. It's something I was going to do as preventative maintenance but the price tag is a hard pill to swallow.

[MaximusB]

Originally Posted by wootloops

Kind of a bummer how expensive these are. I get it that they are a nice solution and require a lot less labor to install but still seems like a lot. And yes, I know it's a lot less money than replacing an engine. It's something I was going to do as preventative maintenance but the price tag is a hard pill to swallow.

But like you said… there are cheaper alternates, but comes with higher install cost. DIY install vs paying a shop (unless you have all the tools to do timing)

[Move Over]

Good evening everyone, I am organizing a "group buy" but the payment will go through me as I am fronting the money for 10 kits. I say group buy in quotes since I will be the one brokering the transaction/product. 1 spot is already taken (by me). The current cost if you were to order it yourself is around $600 + postage.

I am still working out the details, but it looks like I will be paying him a lump sum and he will ship to me, then I will ship to you all. Kits will be $525 shipped (add 3% if you are using paypal) from me, he explained to me the 4 kits for $450 were simply just ones he had around and were pre-production to gauge interest. I will take a 50% deposit and the rest payable once the units have arrived to me. It's not a huge discount, but I know how much of a pain something like this is for Mikhail to produce, and he's been great to work with on the DCT pan group buys I've done with him.

Please send me a PM if you are interested. As far as timelines go, you should see your kit by the beginning of December, but no promises with how shipping globally has been going.

[M43S7RO]

Pm sent

Originally Posted by Move Over

Good evening everyone, I am organizing a "group buy" but the payment will go through me as I am fronting the money for 10 kits. I say group buy in quotes since I will be the one brokering the transaction/product. 1 spot is already taken (by me). The current cost if you were to order it yourself is around $600 + postage.

I am still working out the details, but it looks like I will be paying him a lump sum and he will ship to me, then I will ship to you all. Kits will be $525 shipped (add 3% if you are using paypal) from me, he explained to me the 4 kits for $450 were simply just ones he had around and were pre-production to gauge interest. I will take a 50% deposit and the rest payable once the units have arrived to me. It's not a huge discount, but I know how much of a pain something like this is for Mikhail to produce, and he's been great to work with on the DCT pan group buys I've done with him.

Please send me a PM if you are interested. As far as timelines go, you should see your kit by the beginning of December, but no promises with how shipping globally has been going.

[drwankel]

So I actually double dipped on this. Have the slonik solution on order (got in at the $450) price point, and have the carbahn plates on order as well. Need to have them by the 10th, so hopefully one of them shows up on time. I'll sell whatever solution I dont end up using.

For those that got in on the initial order of the slonik solution, has anybody gotten a shipping notification yet? I was told they would take 1-2 days to ship, but haven't seen anything yet.

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by drwankel

So I actually double dipped on this. Have the slonik solution on order (got in at the $450) price point, and have the carbahn plates on order as well. Need to have them by the 10th, so hopefully one of them shows up on time. I'll sell whatever solution I dont end up using.

For those that got in on the initial order of the slonik solution, has anybody gotten a shipping notification yet? I was told they would take 1-2 days to ship, but haven't seen anything yet.

Placed the PO on the 14th, confirmed on the 15th. According to Russian Post tracking it has arrived to local customs (Sweden), so looking prompt and good so far.
Mean while ordered gaskets, bolts and grommits for more money than the actual VANOS covers...

Cheers

[Move Over]

We'll call this one a bulk buy, as everything is coming through me. But it has been started and I plan to pay Mikhail by the end of the week.

So far I have 9 total inquires including myself but I am requiring full payment for ease of transaction, only a couple have paid. I have a spreadsheet going, so hop on while ya can.

[Move Over]

We are up to 9 commits, with only a couple of payments. The first 10 guys (well 9) to send payment will be included on the Bulk Buy. I am trying to pay Mikhail by the end of the week as soon as he says go, so please be prompt with your payments. Thanks!

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by Audioslave686

Well, when I removed 7yo ones, I understood why they needed to be replaced.
The rubber washers were all f'ed. and you cannot get them separately.

But if the bolts are pretty much new, there shouldn't be any concerns.

By the way, you go with BMW 6nm bolt spec or the 10nm like "everybody else" seems to go with? I guess the light 6nm is to actually spare the rubber grommet, but if its proven to not be enought...?

Cheers

[Audioslave686]

i would stick to BMW reco
i went with 7nm purely because of my torque wrench limitations

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by Audioslave686

i would stick to BMW reco
i went with 7nm purely because of my torque wrench limitations

Go it, my thinking too.

Thanks

[drwankel]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

Placed the PO on the 14th, confirmed on the 15th. According to Russian Post tracking it has arrived to local customs (Sweden), so looking prompt and good so far.
Mean while ordered gaskets, bolts and grommits for more money than the actual VANOS covers...

Cheers

Hmm, odd, I paid on the 15th and I haven't seen anything ship out yet.

I'll e-mail him and see whats going on.

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by drwankel

Hmm, odd, I paid on the 15th and I haven't seen anything ship out yet.

I'll e-mail him and see whats going on.

Haha, tracking says "retained by customs" so let's see when they actually turn up...

Would assume the Slonik guys are busy, guess I was just lucky to gaught them when they hade an immediate moment over.

[rantarM3]

Originally Posted by drwankel

Hmm, odd, I paid on the 15th and I haven't seen anything ship out yet.

I'll e-mail him and see whats going on.

I ordered a set also on the 15th and have not heard anything. My suspicion is that he sold more than he had on hand, and has to get them made. But it’s just my suspicion.

We’ll see what gets communicated to you.

[e92zero]

I got my shipping. And I used 10Nm for the valve cover also.

[drwankel]

They replied back with my shipping info. About to exit Russia.

[Move Over]

One spot remaining on the group buy bulk buy. Currently have 9 confirmed and paid:

Move Over
CBautista (sorry chris i dont think i know your M3P name)
Lienrocs
andrewmega
Ximian
BP709
M43S7RO
Icecreamfoo
DanMpower

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by Audioslave686

After sharing it with my friends, I found out that slonik was working on some covers prototypes. He did not have any sets available, but he was willing to fabricate the set for me.
3-4 week of patiently waiting and I finally got it.
I was beyond impressed by the craftsmanship.

It is made of aluminum. Super light, super sturdy.
It’s just clicks in instead of OEM and you are good to go. No messing with vanos bolts, timing tool etc.

The fitment is perfect. All four covers had zero play after installation.
I will not go too deep into DIY details. All the steps are pretty much the same as valve cover gasket replacement. (The DIY could be found here: https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1839655)
On top of that, you will need to remove 4 bolts of the front vanoses cover.
(do not forget to order the new gasket)

By the way OP, as I undertand you got the first/prototype covers, did you by any chance discuss how they are tested/validated i.e. do you know if Slonik have had them on and checked they stay in place/keep the spring in place?

Thanks

[Audioslave686]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

By the way OP, as I undertand you got the first/prototype covers, did you by any chance discuss how they are tested/validated i.e. do you know if Slonik have had them on and checked they stay in place/keep the spring in place?

Thanks

I know he tested them in the past on some other car.
We did not discuss any test details.

I'm pretty sure you will have zero doubts once you install them.
Cover sits firmly in place, way better than OEM covers.
I don't see how it can come off

[jpres927]

Originally Posted by Move Over

One spot remaining on the group buy bulk buy. Currently have 9 confirmed and paid:

Move Over
CBautista (sorry chris i dont think i know your M3P name)
Lienrocs
andrewmega
Ximian
BP709
M43S7RO
Icecreamfoo
DanMpower

Would love to get in on this, my noob status will not let me PM you.

[Move Over]

Originally Posted by jpres927

Would love to get in on this, my noob status will not let me PM you.

Hey sorry we already have 10! If anyone bails, I will put you on the "waiting list"

[serranot]

Originally Posted by Move Over

Hey sorry we already have 10! If anyone bails, I will put you on the "waiting list"

Crap. Add me. Was just gonna Venmo you.