swirl flaps

[HenriettaH]

Hi I have a 2010 (2010-2013 model) 330d auto. On start up the revs fluctuate for a few mins. A BMW specialist (but independent of BMW) said this may be swirl flaps. He advised they might clean up but may not solve, otherwise could take breather pipe off to disengage them. He did not warn this could cause serious damage if they fail. Bit miffed as he didn’t come across as I needed to do something quick, and have been driving about three months with this. Finally got round to googling them. OMG! However web search shows swirl flaps only up to 2008. Does anyone know - do I or don’t I have swirl flaps? Appreciate any responses. TIA.

[Rrh8]

I can’t help with 100% certainty but mine is an Lci (late 2012). I was told I don’t have them either.
Would be good to get a definitive answer.

[Billyray911]

May be worth giving these guys a call https://www.pmwltd.co.uk/

[HenriettaH]

Thanks, might give them a try.

[Elliot2000]

You definitely have the flaps, but they Don’t fail like they did on earlier cars. I don’t think it would cause ur issue either- u might be looking more at coked up valves or egr problem.

[thatdude]

My wifes 2005 120d has swirl flaps, and she encountered an issue of poor idling which was traced back to deposits on the swirl flaps preventing them from shutting properly; the poor idle symptoms were similar to that of a serious air leak, which I guess this was in a roundabout sort of way.

Firstly, make sure the injector performance is fine - this can be done via diagnostic software. Check for air leaks in any vacum hoses and other areas of the intake system. Sometimes poor idle performance can be caused by issues at the exhaust headers. Check the inlet manifold as well which will contain the swirl flaps. With the EGR, deposits can start to settle on the swirl flaps.

[HenriettaH]

Thanks, I’ve got a few areas to look into here.