[Spin55]

Broke the vacuum nipple on my manifold so took it off and screwed a brass fitting in. while off took the time to clean my valves and boy was there buildup
07 335i 53k miles

[Spin55]

brass fitting

[VTECaddict]

Perks of direct injection...

[nukezero]

how about is that for horsepower loss? i mean, is it possible that buildup like that could eventually cause a clog?

[JamesM3M5]

It is most noticeable at high RPMs. I cleaned mine at 47k miles, and it was very, very thick. It helped over 5000RPM. The engine was practically lifeless over 6k, now it pulls well all the way up to redline. I don't typically take it that high, but it's noticeably better at the high revs. It also helps with smoothness and all-around driveability.

[Spin55]

yeah the first run at cleaning them i used a brass brush that looked like a toothbursh the huge amount of carbon that would foul up the brush was amazing. i have to say after spending two hours cleaning the first two valves i thought ugh 4 more to go but i got better at getting the gunk out.

[bumere90]

wow, what stuff did you use to clean the build up?

[Zebra99]

Do you think you could do a DIY?
I'm sure all the forum members would appreciate that, he'll I'd love to learn how to do that properly.
My warranty is done April and I doubt dealer will want to deal with this unless there is an actual issue.

[PINeely]

Originally Posted by Zebra99

Do you think you could do a DIY?
I'm sure all the forum members would appreciate that, he'll I'd love to learn how to do that properly.
My warranty is done April and I doubt dealer will want to deal with this unless there is an actual issue.

Here you go!
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=520922

I cleaned mine recently too.

[Spin55]

after pic not the best took after cranked over to get to next valve. i used b chem carb cleaner and bottle of gunk brake cleaner b chem seemed to work better. i found letting it sit for 20 mins was the key. went to guns and ammo store picked up some gun cleaning brushes. Buy the brass toothbrush was best to use on first run cleaning. (if use gun brush gums up the bristle so bad becomes can use again.) then scrubbed with gun cleaning brush then would take a small cloth to run around and clean rest then use air to blow out any bits

[Thumperx]

Spin,
Despite the bad pic, one can still tell that you did a great job cleaning the valves. I too am at 53K, and will be doing this procedure (not looking forward in doing this).

Is your car a auto or manual? If auto, how did you get the valves to be TDC?

[Spin55]

well the way i did it was not the rite way but it worked. i unplugged the coil packs and put key in my car and tapped the start button until one i wanted was closed helps if you have another person to help you. i have at too

[Thumperx]

Originally Posted by Spin55

well the way i did it was not the rite way but it worked. i unplugged the coil packs and put key in my car and tapped the start button until one i wanted was closed helps if you have another person to help you. i have at too

hmm, interesting techique.

[PINeely]

Originally Posted by Thumperx

Spin,
Despite the bad pic, one can still tell that you did a great job cleaning the valves. I too am at 53K, and will be doing this procedure (not looking forward in doing this).

Is your car a auto or manual? If auto, how did you get the valves to be TDC?

Turn the crank to get the valves TDC on an auto car. It's a 22mm socket and you will want to remove the radiator fan to get to it.

[Thumperx]

Originally Posted by PINeely

Turn the crank to get the valves TDC on an auto car. It's a 22mm socket and you will want to remove the radiator fan to get to it.

Much thanks PINeely!

[Ti335]

Originally Posted by Spin55

yeah the first run at cleaning them i used a brass brush that looked like a toothbursh

That wasn't such a great idea. If any of the bristles broke off, guess where they ended up?

[Spin55]

there were few brass bristles that broke up but used a magnetic pick up and air to make sure nothing was left behind.

[Blubaron79]

I don't trust myself at stuff like this. How much would an Indy shop charge to clean?

[Spin55]

ive heard like 350 to 400 but not sure. To be honest it wasnt that tough other then getting the three screws off the bottom of the intake manifold everything else was pretty easy.

[sy2767]

Originally Posted by Spin55

there were few brass bristles that broke up but used a magnetic pick up and air to make sure nothing was left behind.

I'm not sure about other parts of the world but here in Canada brass is not magnetic...... lol But i guess whatever works.

[Spin55]

no its not good pick up on that.

[Ti335]

Originally Posted by Spin55

there were few brass bristles that broke up but used a magnetic pick up and air to make sure nothing was left behind.

Brass is not magnetic...oops, I see sv2767 beat me to it.

For anyone else who's doing this, do not use any brushes with bristles (i.e. gun cleaning brushes, grill scrubbing brushes, etc.) Use a tornado brush or some kind of a pick instead.