BMW diesel engines M57TU and M47TU are renowned for their torque, reliability and longevity.
However, a small mechanical detail threatens this reputation: the inlet valves, also known as swirl flaps.
Ignored by the majority of drivers, they can nonetheless cause a serious accident. total engine destruction.
Understanding their role, their weaknesses and how to prevent them is essential for every BMW diesel owner.
What are intake valves used for?
Inlet valves have been designed by BMW to improve low-speed performance.
They are in the intake manifold and partially open or close to create a swirling air flow in the cylinders.
This vortex promotes better combustion of the air/fuel mixture, reducing pollutant emissions and fuel consumption.
In theory, it's a fine innovation.
In practice, it's a major source of engine failure.
Why intake valves become dangerous
Over time, the dampers become clogged with the mixture of soot and oil from the EGR valve.
This scale builds up on shutter axles and screws, making them difficult to clean. heavier and more fragile.
The screws can then be release, and, in the worst cases, the valve can fully detach and fall in the engine.
The consequences are catastrophic:
- bent or destroyed valves,
- damaged pistons,
- engine beyond repair in extreme cases.
This problem affects the majority of BMW diesel engines produced in the 2000s.
Which engines and models are affected?
The engines M57TU and M47TU are fitted on many BMW models:
- Series 3 E46 (320d, 330d, 330Cd, 330xd), E90/E91/E92 (320d, 325d, 330d, 335d)
- Series 5 E39 (525d, 530d), E60/E61 (520d, 525d, 530d, 535d)
- Series 7 E38, E65 (730d)
- SUV X3 (E83) and X5 (E53, E70)
Two valve sizes are available:
- 22 mm (mainly before 2004)
- 33 mm (from 2005)
⚠️ Please note: BMW mounted these sizes randomly according to series.
The only reliable method is to disassemble the manifold and measure shutter diameter before ordering a kit.
The solution: remove intake valves before it's too late
The best way to avoid engine failure is simple: replace valves with fixed plugs.
This is what we call a intake valve removal kit.
The kit Macote is specially designed for M57TU and M47TU engines.
Each cap is CNC-machined in aeronautical aluminum, This guarantees perfect heat resistance and total mechanical compatibility with the original manifold.
BMW M57TU & M47TU intake valve suppression kit - Pack 4 or 6 plugs 22 mm or 33 mm
Protect your BMW diesel engine (M57TU / M47TU) against breakage due to defective intake flaps with this complete flap removal kit. Easily installed, compatible with 22 mm or 33 mm, it offers reliability and durability.
What the kit contains :
- 4 or 6 aluminium plugs depending on engine version,
- suitable inlet seals,
- large O-ring for EGR valve (EGR suppression option).
Concrete benefits :
- ✅ Eliminates the risk of engine failure
- ✅ Reduces clogging and scale formation
- ✅ Improves idle stability and responsiveness
- ✅ No ECU reprogramming required
- ✅ Simple installation, achievable with basic tooling
Why act now
Many owners discover this problem too late - often after an engine breakdown.
Removing the dampers has no negative impact on performance, On the contrary: the air flow becomes more homogeneous and the engine breathes more easily.
Acting preventively means avoiding thousands of euros in repairs, for a service that costs less than a simple oil change at BMW.
In a nutshell
Visit inlet valves are a well-known weakness of BMW engines M57TU and M47TU.
If they come loose, the consequences are often irreversible.
Install a removal kit is a simple, sustainable and effective solution for preserve your engine and optimize long-term reliability.
Don't let a few grams destroy an exceptional six-cylinder.
Protect your engine today.
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