failed intake adjuster unit / disa valve on M54 engine?

[Sephanite]

Just read this on another forum and would like to bring it to everyones attention. i dont know what its all about but we have the M54 engine in our 3.0L



Fanatics, I thought it was important to bring this to every1's attention who has an M54 engine in their car.

My intake adjuster unit / DISA valve has failed with catastrophic results, requiring a full head re-build on my car.

It appears that when the unit fails the little metal pin holding the valve in place can fall out ending up in your intake and then into the engine. It has just happened to my car today and has seriously damaged the causing cylinder 3 and 6 to lose compression because of bent valves and possible associated head and piston damage.

As this unit is not under any inspection routine in the service schedule I urge you all to regularly check the condition of your DISA unit and there is any play in the flap, replace the unit asap to avoid the problems I am experiencing now.

Steve & Linton (WORX) and I spent a few hours today locate the actual damage but there is no way to know without removing the head. (thanx boys)

A new head is 6500 bucks and a reco is 4 grand, the DISA vale adjuster unit can be bought from Tischer for $170 bucks. Don't take the chance if yours is not spot on.

 

[Mr Whippy]

I recently replaced mine as it was noisy and had a lot of movement.

I would have liked to have it replaced under warranty, but as is often the case, it seems insurers prefer to clean up the mess, rather than avoid it in the first place... ergo, most people spend THEIR money avoiding the problems the insurer would have to pay out for!


Good luck getting it fixed anyway. Hopefully it isn't too much damage!

A quick check that I found was a good indicator, was unplugging the DISA flap power feed at idle. Mine made a lot of noise when operating at idle and it also had a lot of play in the flat/shaft, so when unplugged it literally was a third as loud and ticky under the bonnet!

Dave

 

[Adam D]

This has been recent hot topic of discussion over in the problems area

Very quick and easy to check providing you have a basic socket set and some Torx sockets.

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12544

 

[Mr Whippy]

I reckon the rattle is the main give away. Unplug it and if it goes quiet, then it's worth a check.

My workmates 30,000 mile 03 model didn't change noise at all when I unplugged it, and nor does my new one now, so it's a good give away I think.


Considering it is capable of breaking the engine, and in theory (from my friends car) can last 6 years easily if low use, then it's not exactly a huge outlay to replace. Even if your putting a new one every 4 years and 50,000 miles it's not that bad imho.

 

[Shipkiller]

I think it's a roll of the dice. I figure that 90% will not fail at all but the ones that do.... I have 65K on my 03 right now....