e46 330i Disa Valve

[matthias73]

Hi gents.

I have a lovely e46 330i vert that I've been pouring copious money and love into.

I recently noticed that at higher revs I can hear a rattling noise from around the glovebox area. It sounds like a poorly attached aluminium heatshield rattling around, for want of a better explanation.

The only thing I can think of is the disa valve. Certainly it's in that part of the car.

Has anyone had any experience with these things going wrong and how they rectified it?

[Longnose]

I've got a lovely E46 330ci convertible as well. DISA valves seem to be a regular replacement item once the mileage gets a bit high. I have read that you should replace it before it fails as bits can get into the engine and cause a lot of damage. They don't seem to be particularly expensive and are quite easy to fit. I haven't had to do mine yet but I'm sure it will need to be done eventually.

[G600]

Apparently you can unplug the disa to see if the noise stops, there are rebuild kits available that have upgraded parts so it shouldn't break again.

[WilsonWilson]

I'd be surprised if you could hear the disa in the cabin.

Might be a heat shield or the exhaust hanger (part 7 more common to go then part 14) which can snap and then make an annoying pinging sound. Get under the car when the exhaust is cold and give it a good shake to rule it out.

EDIT
Looks like the convertible has a different hanger arrangement but could be worth a look http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BS53-...

Edited by WilsonWilson on Thursday 5th October 19:20