Hi! First post... go easy on me.

My inlet manifold is caked with carbon and the swirl flaps are on thier way out. I was thinking of buying complete new inlet manifold as I get trade price on parts. 

My question is, is there brand of after market part I should look for or some to avoid? Prices vary from £175 to £500.

Thanks

Morning Jonathan

Welcome to the Forum

Swirl flaps are often removed (due to early failures that caused engine damage) the later system is more robust. If you aren't aware use www.realoem.com to get the correct part numbers just put the last 7 digits of your Vin in the search box. Would it not be cheaper to get the manifold chemically cleaned?

I have heard lots of people changing the exhaust manifold for a cast iron one (daft the cast one seems to be cheaper) due to the fabricated one cracking first time I have read someone changing the inlet 

Dave

 

Thanks Dave!

I have some quotes for a mobile chem clean which is suggested is an upgrade from the hydrogen clean. I wasnt sure if it really works or not, lots of people tell me no, you must get it manually cleaned or blasted. 

I wonder if I could have a go at removing the manifold and swirls myself and clean it at that point, I am pretty practical with tools but terrified of touching my car!

Morning

All the plastic covers and sensors tend to scare folks off. With a reasonable tool kit you can do probably 50% + of the jobs that may arise. If you are really into your car and DIY then with a few more specialist tools added to your kit you can do pretty much everything a dealer can do (sometimes more)

There are lots of "how to's" online (some good some not so good) plus you can get help and advice here

Dave

Thats it then... I am having a go myself! I did change the air filter myself recently so I am practically a BMW engineer 

Ha Ha at least up to Dealer standard

Take a look at BMW INPA/ISTA I have seen copies already mounted on a laptop for around £150 which is about 1/2 an hour at a dealer it will allow the same access to all the cars functions as a dealer. It will let you code and change functions as well as diagnose problems 

Good Luck 

Dave