Do you have an engine gas recirculation (EGR) valve on your BMW? In order to lower our greenhouse gas emissions, notably nitrogen emissions, these valves are beneficial improvements to vehicles. They also aid in keeping an engine component cool. But a lot of BMW owners discover that their EGR valves need to be replaced. EGR valves have been the subject of at least one recall by BMW, and other models’ valves have also been known to malfunction. If you drive a BMW, you might want to become familiar with the symptoms of a faulty EGR valve so you can determine whether you need to repair the valve.
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BMW suppliers are experiencing extraordinary demand, which has left some BMW customers without automobiles while waiting for EGR repairs for months.
As the German automaker fails to procure replacement components in a timely manner, owners of BMWs that were recalled for an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve leak are being left without their cars for up to eight weeks.
268,000 UK vehicles, including models of the 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, X3, X4, and X6 are included in the recall, which was announced in October.
According to the recall, four- and six-cylinder diesel engines’ exhaust gas recirculation coolers may leak glycol liquid.
BMW informed owners more than four months ago that, in “extreme” scenarios, the leak may react with soot at high temperatures and result in the intake manifold melting, which could then spark a fire.
Six-cylinder vehicles made between July 2012 and June 2015 are also included in the recall, as are four-cylinder vehicles manufactured between December 2014 and August 2016.
What does the EGR valve (exhaust gas recirculation) do?
Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve aids in reducing vehicle exhaust emissions (gases from the tailpipe). By placing a portion of the gasses leaving the engine back into the intake manifold, where the engine may burn it again, it recirculates the gasses and lowers the emissions.
The engine compartment houses the EGR valve (underneath the hood). To meet emissions rules, the majority of engines need to circulate their exhaust gas. The car won’t pass emissions tests if the EGR valve has failed.
18V755000 is the NHTSA Recall ID.
Some BMW models have an inbuilt cooler as part of the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system for cooling exhaust gases that are recirculated back into the engine to lower emissions. However, if the cooler develops an internal leak, diesel engine soot may mix with the glycol coolant.
Diesel soot particles can instantly melt the engine intake manifold when paired with high temperatures. Sometimes these particles can even catch fire and smolder. Ignoring this recall could lead to performance and drivability problems as well as a simple increase in the chance of an engine fire.
The EGR cooler will be examined by your local BMW dealer, who will also replace the problematic part if required. Your dealer will also completely replace the engine intake manifold at no cost if there are any indications of an EGR cooler leak.
installation only while powered on
In order to avoid damage during installation, the electromotive EGR valve 7.04493.17.0 must only be fitted in an energized state.
- Connect the electrical connection’s plug-in connection to the housing plug (1) on the EGR valve before mounting.
- Connect the car to an appropriate engine tester.
- Select the service option “Replace EGR valve.” The EGR valve is then powered on after that. The valve head (3) being slightly pulled into the valve chamber (2) will make this obvious.
- The EGR valve cannot yet be fitted into the EGR cooler module.
The EGR valve’s transmission gearing is at its final position when de-energized. The transmission gearing may be harmed if a force is placed across the valve head (3), as occurs during installation.
* The reference numbers provided are solely to be used for comparison and not to be used on consumer invoices.
Does My BMW’s EGR Valve Need to Be Replaced?
A portion of the exhaust gas that would typically pass through your BMW’s exhaust system is recirculated by the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve and combined with the fresh air inside the intake manifold. As they undergo another round of burning, these gases are subsequently expelled.
The majority of current BMW models include either an internal or exterior EGR valve, which helps the environment by reducing the amount of pollutants that pass through an exhaust system and extends the life of a catalytic converter.
The engine’s EGR valve is a vacuum- or electric-controlled component. Exhaust gases enter the EGR at one port and leave through a different port into the intake manifold.
Several techniques are used on internal EGRs to recirculate exhaust gases so they may be used in the combustion process.
An EGR valve can malfunction when the vacuum is lost, the diaphragm is torn, it is clogged with debris, or the valve becomes stuck open. The EGR valve will need to be replaced if this occurs. The wiring could be the source of the difficulty with electric EGR valves.
Symptoms of a bad EGR include:
- Scanner displays an EGR problem code.
- on the service engine light
- Engine fires up
- engine rumbling
The check engine warning light will typically activate on the dash when your EGR valve breaks, and your BMW may perform poorly. Depending on the cause of the valve failure, the engine may run lean or rich.
A broken EGR valve can permanently harm an engine if it is not repaired in a timely manner. It’s best to get it changed as soon as you can to prevent more issues and costs.
Additionally, you might want to think about routinely cleaning the EGR valve’s carbon. It needs to be replaced if cleaning is not a possibility.
If you’re looking for a reputable mechanic to replace your BMW EGR valve, use AutoGuru to find the best.
What is controlled by an EGR valve?
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) is a technique used in contemporary internal combustion engines to regulate Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) emissions, which are created as a byproduct during the combustion process.
When fuel and ambient air, which mostly contains an oxygen and nitrogen mixture, combine and ignite inside the combustion chamber, temperatures rise and NOx emissions are produced.
The EGR system reduces combustion temperatures and consequently lowers the quantity of NOx emitted by returning a small part of exhaust gas to the engine’s combustion chambers through the intake manifold.
The key element of the EGR system is the EGR valve, which is typically shut. It joins the intake and exhaust manifolds and is operated either by a vacuum or an internal electric step motor. Depending on the engine load, the EGR valve’s job is to regulate the flow of exhaust gas that is recirculated.
What location does the EGR valve have?
With a tube running to the exhaust manifold, the EGR valve is situated close to the intake manifold. Additionally, a vacuum or electrical connector (or both) that connects to a valve can be noticed; this connector may need to be disconnected.
In most vehicles, the EGR valve is located in a very similar place:
- To find the valve, look around the side or top of the engine.
- Near the intake or exhaust manifold is another location to check.
- Examine the area all around the throttle body as well.
Some valves may be seen at the portion of the engine that is closer to the steering or may be concealed beneath some other vehicle components.
Can a car be operated without an EGR valve?
Technically, a functioning EGR valve is not required to drive. Your engine won’t suffer from it, but it will be bad for the environment. Your EGR valve’s job is to reduce the amount of harmful NOx gases in the air, therefore if it isn’t functioning properly, more harmful gases will be released into the atmosphere. We advise against driving without a functional EGR valve for an extended period of time because of this.
In a nutshell, you can drive to work without an EGR valve, but we wouldn’t suggest taking a road trip without one!
What does the diesel engine’s EGR valve do?
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, a component of an automobile’s engine management system, recirculates precisely metered amounts of exhaust gas to the engine intake system for greater engine efficiency, decreased fuel consumption, and NOx emissions.
The EGR valve will take on a greater role in the future as pressure to decrease emissions grows. Knowing what it does, why it fails, and how to replace it when it does are all crucial.
The air entering the engine is effectively changed by the EGR valve. For a cleaner, more effective exhaust, the air mixture burns more slowly with less oxygen, lowering the combustion chamber’s temperature by over 150 degrees Celsius.
Although the position might change between the EGR valve being closed and when the engine is starting up, there are only two basic settings for the EGR valve: open and closed. The valve progressively opens at idle and at low speeds since these conditions call for little power and, consequently, little oxygen. At idling, the valve may be up to 90% open.
To ensure the maximum amount of oxygen reaches the cylinder, the EGR valve closes as greater torque and power are needed (for example, during full acceleration). EGR valves can be utilized to increase knock tolerance and combustion efficiency. It can also aid in lowering diesel knock at idle in diesel engines.
Is replacing the EGR valve worthwhile?
Yes, it is worthwhile to replace your EGR valve. Your vehicle’s performance and efficiency depend heavily on the valve.
If the EGR valve malfunctions, it may cause other problems, such as:
- lowering of power
- diminution of acceleration
- reduced fuel efficiency
- Emissions go up.
The EGR valve, despite appearing to be a little component of the car, is crucial. It is essential to the lifespan of your car just because of its impact on fuel efficiency.
Can you easily replace the EGR valve?
Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve replacement is usually simple. Depending on your specific system, you can complete it in your garage in an hour or two with a few simple tools and a quality solvent like carburetor cleaner.
Consult the vehicle repair handbook for the specific make and model of your automobile if you need assistance. An affordable aftermarket repair manual, like this Haynes manual, is available through Amazon or from a nearby auto parts store. These manuals include step-by-step instructions and illustrations for numerous home maintenance and repair tasks.
Make sure you have the appropriate EGR valve replacement for your specific automobile make and model before you install the new component. Bring the old valve you want to replace with you to the auto parts store so you can compare it to the new one. When ordering from a website, compare your old valve to any images that may be displayed there.
You’ll need details on the make, model, and size of your specific car in order to get the proper item. For the right valve calibration for your specific model, the vehicle identifying number (VIN) can be helpful. Your vehicle identification number (VIN) can be found on your registration card or on a small plate on the driver-side dashboard, which is best viewed through the windshield from outside the car.
New EGR valves occasionally include the matching gaskets. If yours is missing one, purchase the required gasket(s) or gasket paper so you may create your own.
What occurs if your EGR valve fails?
A defective EGR valve can lead to issues with the flow and operation of the EGR system, which can result in performance problems such as a loss of power, slowed acceleration, and reduced fuel efficiency. Additionally, it may result in higher car emissions.
As a result of the accumulation of soot particles, carbon deposits, and fuel debris, EGR valves may become stuck “open” or “closed.” The best driving conditions for your EGR valve are on highways because the longer, faster trips allow the engine to grow hot enough to burn off carbon deposits. Urban driving circumstances, however, can cause these deposits to accumulate.