XSeries-forum

Hi guys,
I have an E53 3.0diesel with the M57 engine, 2003

I'm suffering from a loss of bottom end power and torque, it's fine above 3,000rpm, but pretty gutless below it...

So, I've been looking at possible Vacuum issues to start with a simple fix. My first question is that I've been tracing my vac lines to what I assume is the vacuum tank on os front wing, I've removed both pipes and tried the thumb test, and the left one (as viewed from the front if the car) has a slight vacuum, enough to feel it, but not enough to hold it on my finger by itself, the Rhs has no vacuum felt at all, which I think is the pipe that goes to the turbo actuator. Is this correct? Or is it a faulty tank or a faulty vacuum pump component?
I've been trying to get to see if the turbo actuator is working, but I can find the lever / rod I've read I should watch for movement for. Can anyone show me a pic as to where it is or what I'll have to remove to get to it?
I've also read that a faulty MAP sensor could be the answer, any ideas on this? Any way to test it or do I have to swap it to find out?

All help appreciated.

I've had vacuum issues after mucking around with the engine once..

try the black rubber hose which goes through a black plastic balloon like bottle thingy - its on the right hand side of the car inside the engine bay (can't remember a similar thing on the left side, so u can't go wrong). if that pipe is faulty the turbo will not kick in,.. is my experience.

no pic in hand unfortunately..

Thanks for the super quick answer!

I've had a look and I can't see anything in the rhs, but to be fair it's pouring down with rain right now! Lol
The tank km talking about us a black plastic tank slightly bigger than a can of coke, and similar shape which is bolted to the inner wing on drivers side of the car. Has a hose going in either side of it. The pipes in place down towards the turbo area (I think!) But I'm going to change it just in case. Definitely no vacuum felt through it though, am I right in assuming there should be?

One of the 2 should have vacuum.
It's is the one that goes up and over the engine.
There is a joint where it connects but it is under the intake so virtually impossible to see.
If i where you i would(and did as i had your problem) get them all changed.
The joint under the intake has 2 or 3 others coming from it but very hard to get at you have to take the intake off.

Just seen your last.
The pipe that goes down goes to a valve then a vacuum pipe from that to the turbo.
Both of them on mine where split where they pushed on at the end's.
To fit the 1 on the turbo i used long nosed pliers and a lamp lol.

Thanks alan,

Ive ordered some replacement vacuum hoses, I'm going to try to replace all the hoses, I've also borrowed a vacuum pump test kit from a friend, so I going to try to test them first as well.

Do you, or anyone else have any guides as to how to remove the intake?

Cheers again

For a guide to removing the intake manifold look on YouTube under , " Swirl flap removal BMW 3.0 D " there's loads of videos. ( Even though the E53 hasn't got swirlflaps, it shows you how to remove the inlet manifold )
Once the engine covers are removed a 10 mm and 11 mmsocket, a screwdriver to remove the EGR pipes. Not forgetting to unplug the sensor at the rear and it's not that bad of a job really.

[quote="Horizon"]
For a guide to removing the intake manifold look on YouTube under , " Swirl flap removal BMW 3.0 D " there's loads of videos. ( Even though the E53 hasn't got swirlflaps, it shows you how to remove the inlet manifold )
Once the engine covers are removed a 10 mm and 11 mmsocket, a screwdriver to remove the EGR pipes. Not forgetting to unplug the sensor at the rear and it's not that bad of a job really.
[/quote]

Thanks for the info, I've found a few videos that show the process, in principle seems easy enough.....lol

Am I right In saying that :
A) all this work in replacing pipes can be done from above the car?
B) that as the pipes work in a vacuum they don't require any mechanical fixing in place, i.e. Hoseclips etc?

Lastly, has anyone got a procedure for testing the pipes with a manual hand pump tester? Or is it a case of tagging into the system and pumping up to pressure (if so what sort of pressure?) and ensuring its holding? I figured it makes sense to test the system first before replacing to see if there actually is a fault present in the system or not?

Thanks for all the help so far

I've started trying to track all the pipes where possible and I've also noticed that there is a small diameter pipe at the rear of the engine which is connected one end, but loose and the other. It looks like a similar diameter to the vac pipes, but is a fairly rigid plastic pipe, should it be connected to anything?

I've put a couple of pictures showing round where it is and also as close a shot I can get if it.

Thanks in advance

Not a diesel owner but that looks like a breather pipe for a diff/gearbox. I'm sure a diesel expert will be along shortly (bottom pic)

the vacuum tank on the offside wing split on my 2006 3.0d, i removed the tank connected the two pipes together never noticed any change at all, ckeck the egr valve