[Tambohamilton]

I've also posted this in the UK section, but I figure this section should have more relevant experience.......

My M57 330d could really use new swirl flaps, and no harm in having a clean manifold, too. Mileage is 140000. I'm not interested in losing the swirl flaps (non-negotiable), so I need to find either very good used units/complete manifold, or whole new manifold...

My pockets are not deep enough for a new genuine item. I've seen a number of aftermarket ones on offer from various manufacturers, but none that I especially recognise or trust:
https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/...%2011617800585
Prices are roughy £175 - 300.

But then how much worse could eBay's cheapest offering really be? It's £35, delivered.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Standard-...53.m1438.l2649

So, does anyone have any experience with any of the aftermarket manifolds, especially cheap ones from eBay? I fully understand that if the flaps disintegrate and fall into the engine, the repair bill will be much higher than the £600ish for a new OE item...but at the same time £600 is a lot more than £35, if the £35 one is good enough! I can always just transplant only the swirl flaps themselves into my current manifold, and keep my current actuator etc....

Any leads/advice appreciated

[wcs531]

I believe the main reason people delete the swirl flaps is to make sure they don't fall apart and get sucked into the engine, knowing the delete could cause some loss in power or efficieny. If OEM swirl flaps can fail and grenade an engine, I wouldn't risk it on ebay swirl flaps.

[Mistercamp]

Not sure about the aftermarket ones, but I had to buy a replacement. They were something like $600 used in the US. I found a genuine one from the UK for $90 shipped. No issues. I will note however the ones you linked have the vacuum control for the flaps, not the electronic actuator that my 2010 US spec E70 has (had). The one I purchased was made for the vacuum actuator and if I recall correctly the mounting screw hole is different, but the tabs where the actuator slides in is the same. Nothing a dab of epoxy couldn't solve. Just be aware - that is if my memory is correct. GL.

[Tambohamilton]

Thanks for the replies.

Good to know you had good luck with the used part. So many if them on eBay look so haggard, and half of them already have the flaps removed! I'll just keep an eye out.

Mine needs the vac actuated flaps, so should be all good.

Anyone know the difference between 11617800585 and 11617790701? All the UK items seem to be 11617790701, though according to realoem it was superseded by 11617800585 in 06/2005... Maybe 11617800585 is electronic control, and 11617790701 is vacuum (realoem possibly just referring to US spec by default?)?

[apexit4]

A complete intake manifold for less than $50? I'd stay away as I cant imagine its of decent quality. Quality gaskets alone will cost you at least half of what they want for that intake.

Considering that if anything breaks off and falls into the combustion chamber could be catastrophic, I wouldn't risk it.

[Mistercamp]

The one I purchased was 11617790701. According to 'Global Parts' (eBay seller) 11617790701 replaces 11617800585. The pn realoem shows for my e70 is 11618519140. Mine did come with the flaps, but I would have grabbed one without if I had found it cheaper at the time.

[Tambohamilton]

Weird, realoem definitely shows 11617800585 as the most recent/current item, not the other way around...oh well! My car (late 2007) definitely has 11617790701 fitted, and that doesn't agree with realoem, though it could have been replaced prior to my ownership.

Thanks for all the replies