[pumaboy2000]

Hi there,
Just watched Fifth Gear on Channel 5, and it has scared me. The programme warned of swirl flap failure being a common issue, albeit on early X5 models, saying that a tell-tell sign of failure is a wavering tacho needle at idle. My 55 plate 320d has a slightly wavering needle at idle. It's not much but evident when you look close and happens when the engine is both hot and cold. The car drives fine and only has 24500 miles on it.
I gather that this was a problem on the E46 but should I be concerned??
Thanks,

Craig.

[JaySTee]

Not sure about the early E9* 320d this thread may (or may not!) help LINK

[Giff]

Originally Posted by JaySTee

Not sure about the early E9* 320d this thread may (or may not!) help LINK

That should score points for the thread with the most bullshit.

The only evidence for swirl flaps failing on the E9x is a statement by the company who make the blanking plates.

Theres even someone going on about the old E46 Vortex breather ffs.

[ZimmerZimmer]

I had mine done on my previous 320D m sport 2007.
I have the flaps at home an they look a little worn but not dangerous.
I did come across one forum member who had his engine repaired due to swirl flap failure on a 2006 320D.
"Giff" is right though, one company not mentioning names do push the problem on the E90, the flaps have definatly been re designed on the E90 but for the sake of £20.00 Blanking plugs and £120.00 labour by my local indy, I wasn't going to take the risk!
It's a small amount to pay for peace of mind to be honest, things go wrong big bucks to pay!!!
I started a thread on this not to long ago and got some good replies with some great knowledgable info.
My 330D doesn't have swirl flaps, so I've been told so I'm ok with
My new motor.

[dxb335d]

Originally Posted by Giff

That should score points for the thread with the most bullshit.

The only evidence for swirl flaps failing on the E9x is a statement by the company who make the blanking plates.

Theres even someone going on about the old E46 Vortex breather ffs.

+1

[666devil]

@ ZimmerZimmer what year is your car, and what engine M57N2?

[Frobius]

I used to have an E46 320d - prime target for swirl flap failure. I did a LOT of research into the flaps so that when the warranty ran out I knew what I was doing when removing them. Never did I hear anything about a wavering tacho being a symptom of failing flaps.

The failure of swirl flaps happens when the spindle that the flap is mounted on breaks and the flap and parts thereof are ingested through the intake manifold, through the valves potentially, into the cylinder, ruining everything in their path! Until this happens, you're not going to know about it. I can't think of why you'd have a wavering tacho and in fact, there are probably 50 other reasons why a rev counter might blip rather than an impending swirl flap failure.

Incidentally, I have never hear of a swirl flap failure on an E9x.

[onetwentie]

Originally Posted by 666devil

@ ZimmerZimmer what year is your car, and what engine M57N2?

+1

I have a 330d 2006 and would be interested to know if truly this the case.

Prior to purchasing it. Was set on buying an E46 and had done loads of reading on The swirl flap issue.. Was considering getting it done or even doing it myself.

[666devil]

I have 08.2005 330XD e90 last weak i was checking engine, and i found vapor oil leak on my engine. So I checked it out it coms under the swirl flas (E90 330D has it), chged orange gaskets, it solved the problem. But I was wondering, anyone had an issue with swirl flaps on E90, because if I change it with metals it would triger MIL and maybe affect DPF??? Anyone tryed.