What is best? Replace or Repair the DISA valves in N52

[mariocaz]

My E85 N52 2007 is almost 100k kms (61k miles) and I am worried reading a lot of DISA threads.

My Car is perfect for the moment but I know is recommended to change the DISA valve at the 60k miles and of course I want to prevent a big problem

So the big question is do I change it for a new one?, what brand or OEM?

Or do the Repair kit (I saw one of aluminum)

Which of the 2 valves (small and large) or the 2?

Thank you so much for all ur nice help!!

[westunion2007]

interested in this as well!

[Sterling Roadster]

Realistically the original valves have gone 200,000+ miles in many M54 and N52 engines. And I suspect the amount of disa valves that have actually killed any motor are incredibly low if any.

Having said that all together new valves go for about 600 usd for your n52 while many of the rebuilt kits go for much less than that. If money were not an issue I would probably go for new valves knowing they are factory and not re engineered by a third party or reassembled by myself. Ultimately the body of the disa valve will still be old high mileage plastic even with the rebuild.

So basically if cost is not an issue I would go new, otherwise I would do a rebuild or have a specialist rebuilt it. Either way you're doing a good thing for the motor. I think the whole disa thing is definitely played up more than reality. It's not like S54 rod bearings which we know destroy motors. Just my 2 cents.

[belcom]

at 90,000kms I've tested mine with INPA they worked perfect and have shown no signs of being loose. Based on that and desire to eliminate any potential failure of the plastic parts I've rebuilt both with steel/aluminum rebuild kit. Mine were dry inside. No oil sludge or anything. The biggest thing is to find that acid that you need to put them back together.

[Roadroach]

One thing I'm curious about - are the DISA valves more of a problem with the M54 engine or with the N52 engine? I was under the impression (perhaps erroneously) that these were more of an issue with the earlier M54 motors but not so much with the later N52 motors.

I'm currently at 150k miles on my N52 with no DISA issues (for whatever that's worth).

[mariocaz]

Originally Posted by Sterling Roadster

Realistically the original valves have gone 200,000+ miles in many M54 and N52 engines. And I suspect the amount of disa valves that have actually killed any motor are incredibly low if any.

Having said that all together new valves go for about 600 usd for your n52 while many of the rebuilt kits go for much less than that. If money were not an issue I would probably go for new valves knowing they are factory and not re engineered by a third party or reassembled by myself. Ultimately the body of the disa valve will still be old high mileage plastic even with the rebuild.

So basically if cost is not an issue I would go new, otherwise I would do a rebuild or have a specialist rebuilt it. Either way you're doing a good thing for the motor. I think the whole disa thing is definitely played up more than reality. It's not like S54 rod bearings which we know destroy motors. Just my 2 cents.

Thank you sir!!!

[mariocaz]

Originally Posted by belcom

at 90,000kms I've tested mine with INPA they worked perfect and have shown no signs of being loose. Based on that and desire to eliminate any potential failure of the plastic parts I've rebuilt both with steel/aluminum rebuild kit. Mine were dry inside. No oil sludge or anything. The biggest thing is to find that acid that you need to put them back together.

Yes I saw the acid is the difficult part, maybe I will try to find it here in Mexico

[T-Bears]

Mine broke at about 120k on my 2.5. Signs are rough idle, lean code, and loss of performance. I got Rein brand and after 20k it's still good. I'm planning on rebuilding the old one.

[mariocaz]

Originally Posted by T-Bears

Mine broke at about 120k on my 2.5. Signs are rough idle, lean code, and loss of performance. I got Rein brand and after 20k it's still good. I'm planning on rebuilding the old one.

But no damage in the motor ? or you were lucky ?

So do u recommend me to change it at 100k ?

[T-Bears]

Originally Posted by mariocaz

But no damage in the motor ? or you were lucky ?

So do u recommend me to change it at 100k ?

No damage on the motor, I was able to diagnose and figure it out within a week on my breaks during work. Having a nice diagnostic scanner really helps and not just a code reader. Sucked for me at the time because my Dad had my $700 (Autel Scanner) I only had a basic code reader so I kind of used process of elimination to figure it out.

If you have the money I would definitely recommend that you replace it. Running lean for a few days may not end a motor but eventually it will.

You can remove the DISA valve on your intake manifold and check to see if the flaps are still intact with the shaft. Also, check if the actuator on the DISA works as well because if it's broken you have to buy the whole unit.

[mariocaz]

Originally Posted by T-Bears

No damage on the motor, I was able to diagnose and figure it out within a week on my breaks during work. Having a nice diagnostic scanner really helps and not just a code reader. Sucked for me at the time because my Dad had my $700 (Autel Scanner) I only had a basic code reader so I kind of used process of elimination to figure it out.

If you have the money I would definitely recommend that you replace it. Running lean for a few days may not end a motor but eventually it will.

You can remove the DISA valve on your intake manifold and check to see if the flaps are still intact with the shaft. Also, check if the actuator on the DISA works as well because if it's broken you have to buy the whole unit.

And I see we have 2 DISA valves in the motor ? or I am wrong ?

And if yes which one u replace it ?

[T-Bears]

Originally Posted by mariocaz

And I see we have 2 DISA valves in the motor ? or I am wrong ?

And if yes which one u replace it ?

I have the 04 2.5I and I only have 1 so you should have 1 unit as well. The Disa unit should be bolted on your intake manifold.

People say it's mostly an issue with the older M54 engines but the DISA unit on the newer models are still made of plastic. Even if the flaps are still functioning the rubber seal ring might not be sealing all the way and that can still pull a lean code.

[Gamb1t]

IIRC there are tell tale signs of failing DISA valve... rattling, bad mileage, loss of power and codes (?).
I too believe it is more of an issue with older M54 than N52.

[Piper1]

Originally Posted by T-Bears

I have the 04 2.5I and I only have 1 so you should have 1 unit as well. The Disa unit should be bolted on your intake manifold.

People say it's mostly an issue with the older M54 engines but the DISA unit on the newer models are still made of plastic. Even if the flaps are still functioning the rubber seal ring might not be sealing all the way and that can still pull a lean code.

His is a 07 with N52 so it does have 2, prefacelifts with M54 have 1

[T-Bears]

Originally Posted by Piper1

His is a 07 with N52 so it does have 2, prefacelifts with M54 have 1

That's right I forgot he had the newer N52

[Mantraxalos]

Originally Posted by Piper1

His is a 07 with N52 so it does have 2, prefacelifts with M54 have 1

Assuming he has the 3.0si with two DISA valves. The 3.0i has none.