Manifold and machine in perfect harmony

I remember you warning prospective buyers of BMW530D models of swirl flap problems on this otherwise excellent car. A family member is at the moment looking to buy a late 2003 BMW 530D Auto, a peach of a car with a replacement engine that has been fitted in 2009 by a BMW main dealer. Can you tell me is it true that when the swirl flaps break up on an engine it also wrecks the turbo as well? Are the replacement engines free of swirl flap problems? And up to what year did BMW suffer with this problem.

Asked on 15 January 2010 by SS, Surrey.

Answered by Honest John

The problem was cured from late 2004. BWW has been generous about this, fitting engines that would have otherwise cost £9,000. If the bits and pieces of swirl flap fly into the engine via the inlet valves then fly out of the engine via the exhaust valves they would damage the turbo blades in the exhaust manifold.

Tags: swirl flaps

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