Swirl Flaps Leaking Oil at only 78k kms
 

Hey guys so I bought the BMW from my previous post. Took it to BMW and they said everything is fine, except that the swirl flaps are leaking and would need a whole new manifold, which would cost $3000 :o.

I thought about it and did a little more research on it and turns out its pretty common on diesel e60 (its a 530D LCI 2007 btw). So I thought if I could get a better price from the dealership than I could possibly fix it for cheaper than $3000 at BMW specialised workshop or perhaps get it removed and sealed like a lot of other people have done.

Talked to the dealership, and managed to get a price so low I couldnt resist on 78,000 km car in great condition with lots of options.

So the question is should I spend the money saved on getting a cheaper price on buying a whole new manifold and fixing the problem. Or spend a little and remove the swirl flaps and seal them up. If the second option than what effects does removing the swirl flaps actually do?

Would be great to hear from others who have had them removed on the effects and if they were noticeable, plus if it would bring in any difficulties in the future when I would remap the ECU.

Cheers guys

Remove the swirl flaps, you can buy blanking plates that have new o-rings which will solve the leaking.

This set also comes with new seals for the manifold. You can buy blanks without manifold seals, also from Ebay.

6 x 33 mm BMW SWIRL FLAP REPLACEMENTS REMOVAL BLANKS BUNGS AND MANIFOLD GASKETS | eBay

I removed mine within days of buying the car. There is a slight difference to low rpm (below 1600) power delivery. The difference being so slight that some people can't tell a difference at all. The peace of mind knowing they can no longer fail and wind up damaging pistons is worth it.

Removing swirl flaps won't have any effect on remapping.

OK thats great to hear that the difference is going to be slight, hopefully I won't feel a difference.

Would that ebay part fit the 530D LCI? I've heard there a quite a number of different versions some being larger.

I have been calling around but getting quoted huge amount $600, $800 with is just stupid for this kind of work. How much would a reasonable price be?

I don't know Australian labour rates, but for an experienced mechanic, it shouldn't be more than 2 hours work.I am not a mechanic, but I have had manifolds off twice and could do it within that time.

The smaller sized swirl flaps were phased out in 2004-2005. My car is a 2006 and has the larger ones as would your car being even newer. There is a completely different type on the much newer N47 2.0 diesel engine, but that obviously isn't what you have.

Don't forget to check your coolant temp. Thermostats are notorious for failing on the diesel engines and low coolant temp can affect MPG and *will* affect DPF regeneration. Check youtube for tutorials on how to access the hidden coolant temp.

OK so after looking around found a good mechanic with knowledge of the problem and he said hes done this kind of job before. He just told me to bring the parts need (blanks) and he'll do the rest for a very cheap price.

Good stuff, don't forget to check your coolant temp. You should be hitting 88c within 15 mins of driving, If not, change your main thermostat and EGR thermostat. Be sure to only use original parts. The cheap pattern parts are notorious for failing within months.