[dakotap80]

Hi All,
I was changing the starter on my Dad's E90 330xi and noticed that once I got the intake manifold out there was something rattling around inside. I shook it out and this metal rod about 2-3 inches long fell out?...

Could this be a piece related to the DISA flap thing that can fail on the 330's? And in that case would my dad need to get a new intake manifold? He said there were no codes or power delivery issues before doing this job. Any help is appreciated, thanks!

[Dpc2u]

Originally Posted by dakotap80

Hi All,
I was changing the starter on my Dad's E90 330xi and noticed that once I got the intake manifold out there was something rattling around inside. I shook it out and this metal rod about 2-3 inches long fell out?...

Could this be a piece related to the DISA flap thing that can fail on the 330's? And in that case would my dad need to get a new intake manifold? He said there were no codes or power delivery issues before doing this job. Any help is appreciated, thanks!

Disa valve flap pin. The flap may be lodged in the intake as well. Remove the Disa valve and look for the flap. As long as you retrieve all the pieces, a new disa will do the trick.

[Bufalo]

You won't need to replace the whole manifold, but you will need to replace the disa adjuster valve and they're irrationally expensive for good ones.

[Dpc2u]

Originally Posted by Bufalo

You won't need to replace the whole manifold, but you will need to replace the disa adjuster valve and they're irrationally expensive for good ones.

+1, dont go the cheap knockoff route. A few years ago I found a rebuilt kit with an aluminum flap and upgraded pin for my e46 DD. 60k miles later, still no problems with it.

[desertman123]

Originally Posted by Dpc2u

+1, dont go the cheap knockoff route. A few fears ago I found a rebuilt kit with an aluminum flap and upgraded pin for my e46 DD. 60k miles later, still no problems with it.

There are rebuild kits for N52 DISAs but they only address half the issue - lots of DISAs are failing because of their electronics/motors.

[dakotap80]

Thanks everyone, that's definitely what it is! The large one is the one that came apart, the small one is in good shape. At 130,000 miles should I just replace both while I've got the manifold out or does the small one not fail as often?

[e90yyc]

Originally Posted by dakotap80

Thanks everyone, that's definitely what it is! The large one is the one that came apart, the small one is in good shape. At 130,000 miles should I just replace both while I've got the manifold out or does the small one not fail as often?

Do both.

[Bufalo]

The small one doesn't break apart in the way the large one does, but its motor will fail, causing it to not open or close as quickly as it should. You end up with something like in the video posted above.