http://www.bmwland.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=108090
BMW-Land:The date when the modified manifold was fitted is not clear cut... some cars are built early but registered later and fail, but people always refer to the reg date and not build date.
There are three levels of swirl flaps
1. Early 2001 to 2003 - thin spindles - very prone to failure
2. 2003 to 2005/6 - thicker spindles - less prone to failure
3. 2006 to Now - thicker spindles but also in jacket - less prone to failure and will not fall into engine unless parts have disintegrated rather than seperated
Only way to be absolutely sure is open and check - yes it may cost you in a garage (£150-200) but if it does need changing at least then you can get it deflapped
BMW -land (Motorblok vervangen door orignele BMW refurbished versie (door dealer)):
i bought the car recently which is on its second engine coz the flaps destroyed the first and yesterday had the swirl flaps removed from the second engine by pmw in essex. the first engine went at 93000 miles and its now on 107000, so not a great deal of mileage since the swap.
anyway, the guy brought out the flaps to show me how they were when they were removed and one was bent up and coming loose already!
i can't believe that they are failing at so few miles. just thought id let you know in case anyone was putting it off.
also he said the new e90's also have them (albeit a modified version) but they are also failing and he reccomends removal on these too.
En als laatste citaat van BMW Land:
Van een forum lid tegen een nieuw lid die net de Swirl flaps heeft aangepakt:
Welcome to the club of "diesel bmw drivers who sleep easy at night"
spread the word to other 120d, 320d, 330d, 530d and so on owners in your family and friends circle to do the same.
And im convinced that the removal of swirl flaps also helps with full load performance as a thin plate even flat against airflow disturbs the airflow into the engine.
THis might explain by 20hp/65Nm increase at full load over the standard quoted figures (had no "before" dyno run).
