What are swirl flaps and can they cause problems on my BMW?
A friend has sent me an article suggesting that ‘swirl flaps’ can fail on post-2003 BMW 530d models and cause serious damage. What are swirl flaps? Does this apply to my 2010 F10 model and, if so, should I be concerned and what should I do about it? What is BMW's attitude?
Asked on 22 September 2012 by GL, Overton,
Answered by
Honest John
It was a problem on E39 and early E60 530d engines. Swirl flaps are electric 'stirrers' in the inlet manifold used to optimise the mixture reaching the combustion chambers, but if they break off and get ingested they can destroy the engine. No problems reported on F10s.
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