Lindemann

Hello,

I'm in a big dilemma...
I want to remove the Swirl Flap by setting blanki plates.
I've an e60 530d with the M57N2 engine, with the renforced flaps. But i noticed an oil leak at the top of the engine.
It is localised exactly on the flaps....

I've seen that it is possible to change the flap by alu plate but a friend said me that if i set blank plates, the diesel particul filter (DPF) will be clogged quickly...

What i've to do ?
What is the better solution ?

The flaps are closed at low engine speeds and low injection volumes (map-controlled)
The swirl flaps generally open when:
• the coolant temperature < 14 °C OR
• the amount of fuel > 24 mg OR
• engine speed > 2250 rpm OR
• the intake temperature < -5 °C.

So i deduct that at high rpm there is no consequence, but under 2250rpm it is...

Theo

Hello Lindemann,

Your info on the flap parameters seems correct.

The presence of an oil leak around the flaps is common and usually indicates that they've become loose in their assemblies due to wear/deterioration and should be considered a warning sign of possible failure.

The notion of your friend that 'the DPF will clog quickly' is highly, highly doubtful. The main effect of operating swirl flaps is emissions related and although theoretically it's possible that them not operating will cause less optimal burn and results in more soot to pile up in the filter this is all academic.

The clogging of the DPF is mainly related to how the car is driven, if it pulls a lot of highway duty and you make sure not to run it on repeated short, cold trips the DPF can remain operational well beyond the 200K kilometers prescribed by BMW.

And finally, you're able to monitor the status of your DPF (readout of last regeneration etc.) and clean it before replacing it when necessary. On the other hand if your swirl flaps fail it's all over...

Virtual no-brainer as far as I'm concerned.