DISA Unit

Woody100

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Just ordered mine off eBay offered £45 and accepted M52 and M54 apparently use the same unit.
 

jonco

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I just looked on YouTube and its fairly easy to replace (two torx bolts and one electrical connection). Simples !!
Is it worth taking it out to inspect if it's that easy - or do you risk damaging it ?:confused:
 

Woody100

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Looks fairly easy to remove, I'm going to take mine out tonight so will let you know later.
 

Woody100

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I thought I would take my DISA valve out this afternoon in preparation for the new upgrade replacement parts i bought this morning off eBay

Really easy, this is where it is to the left of the dipstick


Two torx bolts hold it in place and there is an electrical connection on the top which just unplugs


I used a bendy extension (first time I've used that for a while !!!) to get to the bolts

You will need to undo the large inlet hose to be able to get the valve out

This is what it looks like when its out (that don't sound right either!).


Fortunately my valve is all good with no lose bits at all which is pretty much what my doctor said on my last visit !

Total time 20 minutes, got to be worth checking your own valves or even check a friends !!

Hope this is useful
 

Woody100

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Yep sure did M, there was a little service Splodge which wiped off easily

As I have already bought the replacement I will fit it when it arrives but I couldn't see much wrong with this one.
 

weedram

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don't know if this question has already been asked but is this a common problem or was it just a one off? anyone any ideas on this
 

GazHyde

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Have a look on . z4forum;)
Was going to mention that as well Mozza. There seems too be occasional flare ups of panic about DISA units, amongst other things, on several BMW forums I frequent.

Its just another one of those potential failures that happens from time to time with spectacular results. I'm sure it won't be long till there is another panic flare up about Vanos units. Just as well the DISA unit is a straight forward easy swap.
 

Brian H

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Below is a link to a DISA Rebuild Instructions site for reference

Clicky Link

HTH
 

Woody100

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This is an excellent link and should make the job so much easier.

Thanks for sharing
 

micklaw

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just changed ours on an m43 engine.
developed a dry bearing type rattle in the induction unit.
took a while to sus out but put a new unit on and wow what a difference.
not only has the noise gone the car has new life far more responsive :cool:
 

MAURICE THE MARTIAN

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Did mine about 6 weeks ago even tho it was queite.however since doing it the fuel consumtions gone down by about 10% .in real terms saving a gallon per tank.
M
 

t-tony

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Having read these comments today I was loitering in the garage tonight, as you do, listening to the engine idling and I can detect a "bearing" type noise from the DISA unit is this something I should worry about? It's not excessive and the motor runs fine.:)
 
Z

zedonist

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I would worry more if you could not hear a mechanical sound from the engine!
 

Kev Bennett

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So are you going to change it Tony,I am not sure if I should change mine just as a precaution,although it sounds ok to me ??
 

t-tony

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I think I'll take it off, look at it and then put it back.:)

Just to clarify my comment, I didn't know up to later info what I was looking at if I took it off, I'm better informed now.

Sorry if you took offence, none intended.
 
Last edited:
Z

zedonist

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The Disa is either open or closed guys. A rattling would suggest it is coming loose, but there is no continuous bearing noise due to its static nature.
 

Kev Bennett

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What should I be looking for when I remove it from the car ?? Is it just the pin in the end I need to check,that it has not come loose ??
 

t-tony

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Thanks for that, I couldn't see anything which would give the noise I'm hearing in the DISA and we've changed quite a few manifold flaps on various makes at work and I thought that this is what the DISA is. I'll look further at the weekend.
 
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