VAICO DISA valve failure.

6Inarowmakesitgo! · 08-07-2019, 09:38 PM

Hello!

So I recently had a nightmare of an experience with my DISA valve completely failing, the flap splitting into two halves, and ended up stuck in the #6 cylinder intake port!!! It was just ever so close to being smashed in between the valve and seat!

Lucky me I had purchased both DISA valves and installed them. Car ran so much better and cold starts were very smooth etc.

So, last week, I arrive home from work, shut the car off and I hear a very distinct whirring noise, in short pulses, about 10 or seconds apart. I opened the hood, and sure enough, it is the small DISA making this noise, WTF.

I grab my foxwell scanner and I get 2AAC, variable suction unit, not present. I try the live test, and it makes the same whirring sound. The large one makes an audible 'click' as it goes from closed to open.

Well, damn. That sucks. Just a heads up for anyone looking to replace their DISA valves, do not buy the Vaico units. It failed under 4000 miles and now I have to remove the entire intake manifold again.

Rmtt · 08-08-2019, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6Inarowmakesitgo!

Hello!

So I recently had a nightmare of an experience with my DISA valve completely failing, the flap splitting into two halves, and ended up stuck in the #6 cylinder intake port!!! It was just ever so close to being smashed in between the valve and seat!

Lucky me I had purchased both DISA valves and installed them. Car ran so much better and cold starts were very smooth etc.

So, last week, I arrive home from work, shut the car off and I hear a very distinct whirring noise, in short pulses, about 10 or seconds apart. I opened the hood, and sure enough, it is the small DISA making this noise, WTF.

I grab my foxwell scanner and I get 2AAC, variable suction unit, not present. I try the live test, and it makes the same whirring sound. The large one makes an audible 'click' as it goes from closed to open.

Well, damn. That sucks. Just a heads up for anyone looking to replace their DISA valves, do not buy the Vaico units. It failed under 4000 miles and now I have to remove the entire intake manifold again.

I went with OEM Disa's from FCP when I installed my 3SI as they had a lifetime warranty. Pricey but worth the added insurance IMO.

desertman123 · 08-08-2019, 10:46 AM

Not the first I've heard of premature DISA failure from an aftermarket brand. Thanks for the data point.

freakystyly · 08-08-2019, 11:47 AM

Also had a Vaico outer fail, just the motor thankfully. Then there was an ebay inner with pins that are too big to fit the connector. Driving without DISAs sucked for a while.

FCP for OEMs is pricey agreed but best bet.

lookalikehuuh · 08-08-2019, 11:33 PM

yeah with everyone else here... FCP Euro and never have to worry about it. Honestly FCP has always been absolutely amazing and always ship everything fast.

6Inarowmakesitgo! · 08-11-2019, 02:13 AM

I am a little miffed that I have to take the manifold back off again.
Guess it’s time to do the starter as well as mine is original and I am at 183,000 miles. Oh well. And there is a very noticeable difference when DISA does not function correctly, it’s rather annoying, but a riot to drive when both flaps are working properly.

08-07-2019, 09:38 PM	#1
6Inarowmakesitgo! Private First Class 22 Rep 111 Posts Drives: 2006 330xi Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	VAICO DISA valve failure. Hello! So I recently had a nightmare of an experience with my DISA valve completely failing, the flap splitting into two halves, and ended up stuck in the #6 cylinder intake port!!! It was just ever so close to being smashed in between the valve and seat! Lucky me I had purchased both DISA valves and installed them. Car ran so much better and cold starts were very smooth etc. So, last week, I arrive home from work, shut the car off and I hear a very distinct whirring noise, in short pulses, about 10 or seconds apart. I opened the hood, and sure enough, it is the small DISA making this noise, WTF. I grab my foxwell scanner and I get 2AAC, variable suction unit, not present. I try the live test, and it makes the same whirring sound. The large one makes an audible 'click' as it goes from closed to open. Well, damn. That sucks. Just a heads up for anyone looking to replace their DISA valves, do not buy the Vaico units. It failed under 4000 miles and now I have to remove the entire intake manifold again. __________________ Buckle up, Its the ride of your life.
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08-08-2019, 10:46 AM	#3
desertman123 E82 Mudflap Ambassador 2214 Rep 2,219 Posts Drives: '08 128i Join Date: May 2016 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 1992 Honda Beat [9.50] 2008 BMW 128i [10.00] 2014 BMW 528i [10.00]	Not the first I've heard of premature DISA failure from an aftermarket brand. Thanks for the data point.
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08-08-2019, 11:47 AM	#4
freakystyly Lieutenant Colonel 2994 Rep 1,798 Posts Drives: F22 B58 6MT Join Date: May 2016 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	Also had a Vaico outer fail, just the motor thankfully. Then there was an ebay inner with pins that are too big to fit the connector. Driving without DISAs sucked for a while. FCP for OEMs is pricey agreed but best bet.
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08-08-2019, 11:33 PM	#5
lookalikehuuh Major 700 Rep 1,227 Posts Drives: 2006 330i, 2007 335i Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0)	yeah with everyone else here... FCP Euro and never have to worry about it. Honestly FCP has always been absolutely amazing and always ship everything fast.
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08-11-2019, 02:13 AM	#6
6Inarowmakesitgo! Private First Class 22 Rep 111 Posts Drives: 2006 330xi Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	I am a little miffed that I have to take the manifold back off again. Guess it’s time to do the starter as well as mine is original and I am at 183,000 miles. Oh well. And there is a very noticeable difference when DISA does not function correctly, it’s rather annoying, but a riot to drive when both flaps are working properly.
	Appreciate 0 Quote