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Carbon cleaning

BMW intake cleaning: walnut blasting

BMW intake cleaning: Loss of power, excessive fuel consumption, hesitation, uneven idle, engine warning light: on BMW diesels, these symptoms often come from a clogged intake.

from
€450incl. VAT
Time required
1 day
Prices

Intake cleaning price

  • Intake cleaning (carbon removal)

    Walnut shell blasting · B37, B47, B57, N47 and N57 engines · New gaskets on reassembly

    from€450incl. VAT
All our prices
Symptoms

Signs of a clogged intake

Our Ostwald workshop cleans it mechanically with walnut shells, using the manufacturer's recommended method. When the intake becomes blocked, the engine no longer receives enough air, or an even distribution to the combustion chambers: combustion becomes less efficient.

  1. Loss of power

    Restricted engine, less responsive, less smooth running.

  2. Excessive fuel consumption

    Increased fuel consumption due to impaired combustion.

  3. Hesitation under acceleration

    Uneven pedal response and flat spots.

  4. Uneven idle

    Unstable idle and vibrations caused by uneven combustion.

  5. Engine warning light on

    Faults recorded in the control unit, often related to the intake or EGR.

  6. DPF clogging

    Over time, the particulate filter clogs more quickly, and replacing it is costly.

Our method

Inlet manifold cleaning and walnut blasting

Carbon cleaning by machine or injected products generally has a limited, temporary effect, and loosened deposits can be drawn into the engine. We blast walnut shells, a more effective and safer method.

  1. Manifold removal

    Full access to the areas of intake deposits.

  2. Cleaning the ports and cylinder head

    Blasting walnut shells into the manifold and intake ports.

  3. EGR system checks

    Cleaning or checking the valve and its passages.

  4. New seals and reassembly

    All removed seals replaced, followed by reassembly and final checks.

Vehicle downtime: one day.

Affected engines

BMW diesel engines covered

Intake cleaning mainly concerns the most common BMW diesel engines.

3-cylinder diesel
  • B37
4-cylinder diesel
  • B47
  • N47
6-cylinder diesel
  • B57
  • N57
When to act

Preventively at around 80,000 to 120,000 km depending on use and journeys, or at the first symptoms.

BMW intake cleaning: why diesel intakes become clogged

To reduce emissions, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system feeds some exhaust gases back into the intake. Laden with soot, they mix with engine oil vapour and small amounts of oil coming from the turbocharger. Over time, this mixture deposits carbon in the intake manifold, cylinder head ports, EGR valve and around the swirl flaps.

Eventually, the deposits can make the manifold itself unusable, particularly through wear of the flaps and their mechanisms. On B47 and B57 engines, aftermarket manifolds often work poorly and regularly cause faults: replacement then becomes particularly expensive.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions, our answers

Another question? Call the workshop on +33 9 88 04 88 11.

Induction cleaning: when should a BMW diesel intake be cleaned?

Preventive cleaning is generally advised at around 80,000 to 120,000 km, depending on use, journey types and servicing. It is recommended at the first symptoms: loss of power, hesitation, uneven idle, excessive consumption or an engine warning light related to the intake or EGR.

Why avoid chemical carbon cleaning?

Carbon cleaning by machine or injected products generally has a limited, temporary effect, and loosened residue can be drawn into the engine. Mechanical walnut shell cleaning, after dismantling, treats the deposits themselves.

Why does the intake become clogged?

The EGR valve recirculates soot-laden exhaust gases into the intake. Mixed with oil vapour and small amounts of oil coming from the turbo, this soot forms carbon deposits.

Will cleaning resolve the engine warning light?

If the fault comes from intake or EGR deposits, cleaning addresses its cause. Electronic diagnostics first confirm the reason for the warning light.

See also

Related services

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or call +33 9 88 04 88 11

Mon–Fri 8am–12pm · 2pm–6pm · Sat 8am–12pm

9 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 67540 Ostwald

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