discussion N47 Swirl Flaps: A Necessary Evil?

[///Herbie]

So I recently had the dreaded experience of ( no not what you think) having to replace a battery as well as repair the FRM module.

My car is a 2010 E90 320d LCI Msport Auto.
No battery low warning light.

I noticed that since I haven't used my car much this December holidays when I did occasionally drive it, it would crank slower sometimes - perhaps this should have been indication enough.

In classic Januworry style, as the work week started for me last week, my car decided to die at work. Needing to get home, I had no choice but to jump-start the car (using the terminal under the hood) and face the inevitability of receiving the error codes that come with jump-starting a BMW people have talked so much about
The red inspection sign, as well as a door open signal, was a constant reminder of what was about to plunge me further into the worryingness-worriess of Januworry.

Anyway, I found a chap who happens to be a BMW technician (currently works at a dealer) who could diagnose and carry out work on my car.

While looking at my car and chatting he noticed a slight oil sweat coming from my intake.
So apparently the gasket and swirl flap are one part and being that my swirl flaps were removed, this might be the cause. He recommended I get a replacement and fit them back into the intake. 😶

So this begs the question; are the guys doing a swirl flap delete messing with the efficiency/longevity of the engine? 🙃
According to the mechie, the swirl flaps are an integral part of the engine and shouldn't be removed but replaced instead when showing signs.

Now the reason I removed my swirl flaps is because of all the things I read about and obviously, I didn't want the same thing happening to me, so delete and SW we go! After all, the place that does thousands of these jobs recommended it to be done and assures it's safe for the engine.

So my question is, do we keep the swirl flaps in place and just replace them all the time?

Some more feedback would be appreciated.

 

[Swiegie]

Good Afternoon

I went through the same exercise a while ago. I opted to replace the intake Manifold with a new OEM unit.
At the same time I also replaced the glow-plugs and control unit as well as the FRM module as the dealer indicated that it is starting to store errors.
I had everything done at the agents, due to the warranty they offer on repairs done.

My car is bone stock standard as it left the factory.

From what I have read online the swirl flaps helps with low down torque, etc. I could not find anything that indicates that it will damage the engine if removed. Go and google N47 swirl flaps on Youtube, plenty info.

All the best.

T

 

[Solo Man]

I took out the swirl flaps on my 2012 F30 N47 2l diesel engine. They formed part of the gasket as well but i removed them and put the used gasket back. I have decided to live without the swirl flaps and not rather not worry about one breaking off and entering the engine. Just my 2c's. Btw., did a swirl flap delete on a 2006 3l diesel X3 last week and there was no smoke after the delete. My car on 210k kms does not smoke either. Go ahead, remove the swirlies!