[tlow98]

Originally Posted by Punisher3.0si

Word to the wise: Don't believe what people say about miles on used motors. I got screwed over once and had to do an engine twice with the second go around being free.

Eesh. R&R a motor twice would of f'ing suck.

[tclippinger]

Sorry, to jump into the middle of this discussion but can someone clarify for me that my 2006 (born date Dec/2005) 325XI N52 DOES NOT have DISA valves, Adjuster Unit... or why are they greyed-out in the RealOEM http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=11_3756 I originally used my VIN to navigate to the proper realoem diagrams. Guidance greatly appreciated.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by tclippinger

Sorry, to jump into the middle of this discussion but can someone clarify for me that my 2006 (born date Dec/2005) 325XI N52 DOES NOT have DISA valves, Adjuster Unit... or why are they greyed-out in the RealOEM http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=11_3756 I originally used my VIN to navigate to the proper realoem diagrams. Guidance greatly appreciated.

You have no DISAs

[tclippinger]

Originally Posted by tlow98

You have no DISAs

Thank you for confirming, tlow98. Off to deal with my CCV system.

[chopstik]

Any update to this? I just recently purchased another forum members car who looked to have done the manifold upgrade in from turner back in november....I'm assuming I should be ok for a few years until the fix is released if there is one

[330iE90]

I have the so called rattle, but it sounds like it is coming from underneath the car around the clutch flywheel area. When I rev the car when it is standing up to about 2.5k RPM i get the rattle when the RPM come down. You think its the DISA or this horrible dual mass flywheel? About 117k miles stock clutch and flywheel.

[BurrNinja]

Can they install a screen to the intake still allowing air flow, but to catch the part if you have no symptoms and it just fly's off? For the time being to save your engine.

[hassmaschine]

Is the sky still falling?

Honestly I wouldn't worry too much about it. This still hasn't been shown to be a common occurrence, although it can happen - it's like worrying about getting struck by lightning or getting in a plane crash, when you are more likely to die of a heart attack (failed WP, sludge from improper maintenance, etc).

I just replaced mine at 165k miles,

It was so tight when I pulled it out, I damaged the o ring type seal in a couple of places from it sticking and tearing as it came out.

I noticed the gasket that seals against the flap had a small chunk missing on the top, but otherwise the flap was tight.

I probably could have left it alone for another 50k miles, I didn't notice any difference with the new one.

[STR8-6IX]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

Problem:

It looks like BMW didn't really learn their lesson from the DISA failures of the M54. I've seen this rumored elsewhere, but this is pretty definitive proof.




Solution:

Short term, anyone running a DISA unit from '06-'07( can just replace the unit. Safest bet would be something in the neighborhood of 6 year intervals, but frankly, I think this solution is expensive and has the nagging issue of not actually fixing the problem. It should also be noted, this design was never improved by BMW during the course of the N52. I just picked 06'-'07 as they are the oldest and most likely to fail first.

Long term, I want German Auto Solutions(G.A.S.) to make use the same DISA upgrade lockdown kit that they make for the M54 DISA unit. It is a solid metal flap that will not degrade over time like the stock plastic unit, which will prevent it from going into the engine. I'm not aware of anyone having a failure after upgrading to that unit.

To that end, it would be great if everyone would fire them an email using their contact page to express interest in having a part made:

http://www.germanautosolutions.com/contact.php

I doubt we are all going to get as lucky as the guy I quoted did. This is a very serious problem that can cause complete engine failure. Lets be proactive about it.

what about newer model years? my 2011 528i has a 2 or 3 stage manifold for the N52.

just making sure because I know that people say only early model n52's had HVA tick but mine does it as well on cold mornings if the oil is old.

The part has been revised several times, my 330i was plastic on top, on the new one it had a stainless pin visible from the top.

[hassmaschine]

Originally Posted by 6IX-F10-N52

what about newer model years? my 2011 528i has a 2 or 3 stage manifold for the N52.

just making sure because I know that people say only early model n52's had HVA tick but mine does it as well on cold mornings if the oil is old.

Maybe it's the non LL-01 oil you are using and ignoring BMWs recommendations for oil weight and change intervals?

What's interesting is you hate on Mobil 1, yet you have the lifter tick and I do not on two cars that technically are likely to have it and are "high miles". And i don't even remember the last oil change I did on my 330i (CBS says I have 10k left, OMG). Zero oil burnt in 3 years either.. Must be the shitty oil.

[STR8-6IX]

Originally Posted by hassmaschine

Maybe it's the non LL-01 oil you are using and ignoring BMWs recommendations for oil weight and change intervals?

What's interesting is you hate on Mobil 1, yet you have the lifter tick and I do not on two cars that technically are likely to have it and are "high miles". And i don't even remember the last oil change I did on my 330i (CBS says I have 10k left, OMG). Zero oil burnt in 3 years either.. Must be the shitty oil.

there isnt a single negative to changing your oil on time. when I was using castrol, the lifters would get noisy closer to 5000 miles, this is why I change on time.

[lab_rat]

Originally Posted by 330iE90

I have the so called rattle, but it sounds like it is coming from underneath the car around the clutch flywheel area. When I rev the car when it is standing up to about 2.5k RPM i get the rattle when the RPM come down. You think its the DISA or this horrible dual mass flywheel? About 117k miles stock clutch and flywheel.

Sounds very much like the characteristics of the flywheel/clutch "chatter".

As far as the rest of the thread, I think *for the most part* I wouldn't worry about the DISA valves that much...I think statistically the odds of the valves failing are very low, and oftentimes we on the forums tend to magnify things like this and make it seem much bigger than it really is.

Are there failures? Of course. I'm not saying there isn't, or brushing over the real world examples shown...but for the most part, perhaps it's just a bit overblown?
:

I'm not flaming anyone or knocking any attempt of bettering the design. I hope no one takes it that way.

[bsmoov]

Sooooooooooooo...

I scanned my car for codes just to see if there were any faults (even though there is no errors on the dash and the car runs fine with no problems)...AND I get the dreaded 002AAC error for the intake manifold actuator 2, which I believe is the small DISA, right?

How hard is it to change the small DISA, I know you have to take the 3IM off, but once it's off is it as easy as the large DISA?

It's my daily and I'm still driving it. It should be ok for the next week or so right until the part comes in? I want to do the starter as preventive maintenance at the same time since the intake manifold will be off.

[ktm137]

I've had the 2AAC code for a good while (sigh). That is the small DISA.

I have the repair kit, but am still considering just replacing it.

I have the replacement IM gaskets, etc... Just need the time.

If you get this done, post back how it was.

Kevin M.
'06 330i

Originally Posted by bsmoov

Sooooooooooooo...

I scanned my car for codes just to see if there were any faults (even though there is no errors on the dash and the car runs fine with no problems)...AND I get the dreaded 002AAC error for the intake manifold actuator 2, which I believe is the small DISA, right?

How hard is it to change the small DISA, I know you have to take the 3IM off, but once it's off is it as easy as the large DISA?

It's my daily and I'm still driving it. It should be ok for the next week or so right until the part comes in? I want to do the starter as preventive maintenance at the same time since the intake manifold will be off.

[bsmoov]

Originally Posted by ktm137

I've had the 2AAC code for a good while (sigh). That is the small DISA.

I have the repair kit, but am still considering just replacing it.

I have the replacement IM gaskets, etc... Just need the time.

If you get this done, post back how it was.

Kevin M.
'06 330i

My car is fine. Sometimes the code doesn't even show up, but once in a while it does.

I have ZERO symptoms. Car pulls strong as hell.

I was thinking about the rebuild kit too, but I didn't want to mess with the "formic acid."

I was also thinking about buying a used DISA, but what for? It's going to fail anyway right? Plus for a little bit more money I can buy a brand new one.

Here's where I bought mine: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-vaico-pa...fSlhoCP8_w_wcB

$189 shipped. Can't beat that when used ones cost about that much and some sellers trying to sell used ones for more that that (they're smoking that good stuff).

I'll install it when I do my vcg and my starter (3 birds with 1 stone). I have the intake mani gasket set and new ccv breather hose too just to top it off.

[bsmoov]

Originally Posted by BimmerGeeks

When it comes to that inner Disa, if your throwing a code, it's not quite a simple to check as the outer Disa.

It won't give you a 100% definitive answer, but you can place your finger on the Disa, actuate with software & you'll be able to feel the flap moving.

If your not sure what it should feel like, place your finger on the other Disa and actuate it. There is a distinct sound when it fully closes.

May save you 90min of pulling a manifold off just to see it's fine. I too throw "Disa 2: self test" codes every once and a while, and have verified its fully functioning.

I have the same issue. It comes on only every once in a while. Car runs great and there are no symptoms. Too late though, as I bought the small Disa earlier today...

[ktm137]

My car has had the code every time I've scanned (and reset, of course).

My car feels low on power/torque below about 3500, upon which it kicks in. I do have the AA tune, if that affects that.

I went ahead and ordered the valve below, just to make life easier.

Now to actually do the work!

Originally Posted by bsmoov

My car is fine. Sometimes the code doesn't even show up, but once in a while it does.

I have ZERO symptoms. Car pulls strong as hell.

I was thinking about the rebuild kit too, but I didn't want to mess with the "formic acid."

I was also thinking about buying a used DISA, but what for? It's going to fail anyway right? Plus for a little bit more money I can buy a brand new one.

Here's where I bought mine: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-vaico-pa...fSlhoCP8_w_wcB

$189 shipped. Can't beat that when used ones cost about that much and some sellers trying to sell used ones for more that that (they're smoking that good stuff).

I'll install it when I do my vcg and my starter (3 birds with 1 stone). I have the intake mani gasket set and new ccv breather hose too just to top it off.

[ktm137]

I missed this post.

A good idea - when I tested/cycled it before, the motor whirred, but it didn't sound like it was actually doing anything. I should go back and revisit this, and test with the large DISA to make sure I know what to listen for.

I too have ordered a replacement, but can always hold onto it if need be.

Thanks!
Kevin

Originally Posted by BimmerGeeks

When it comes to that inner Disa, if your throwing a code, it's not quite a simple to check as the outer Disa.

It won't give you a 100% definitive answer, but you can place your finger on the Disa, actuate with software & you'll be able to feel the flap moving.

If your not sure what it should feel like, place your finger on the other Disa and actuate it. There is a distinct sound when it fully closes.

May save you 90min of pulling a manifold off just to see it's fine. I too throw "Disa 2: self test" codes every once and a while, and have verified its fully functioning.

[doru]

Did anyone actually used the vanos-bmw.com repair kit? This one?

if yes, any feedback? Looks like the cost for 2 is 73.9 x 2 = 147.8 $ vs 500+ for 2 new units.
Also, it seems that the majority of issues stem from the big disa unit? Haven't seen issues with the small unit. Can anyone confirm?

Big disa repair kit:



Small disa repair kit:



P.S.: after how many miles did your your disa bit the dust? My X3 e83 3si has around 97 k miles.

thanks

[Pohsib]

Originally Posted by Three_thirty_I

...and don't forget the green throttle body gasket.

Thank you for this reminder. I was gearing up to remove the intake manifold and probably rebuild my DISAs. I bought the intake gaskets and crankcase breather pipe, vent, and other tubing just in case I break something. This is the first I’m hearing about this gasket. I ordered the gasket through FCP and opted for three day delivery.