[FinnF30]

What’s up guys. So I believe it may be time to upgrade the factory diverter valve. However, after doing a little research and contacting a couple shops, I realized how much of a PITA it will be to install the GFB DV+, and most shops are charging 6-7 hours of labor to do the job. So my question is, are there any other reliable options out there as far as diverter valves go that may be smaller and easier to install? I believe part of the reason the DV+ is so hard to install is because of how it sticks out farther due to having to reuse part of the factory valve.

[GreenF30N26]

What year is your car? The LCI models changed to a metal piston in the DV resolving the issue of wear that impacted pre-LCI. If you don't have logs that show you're bleeding boost in the high end RPM range it's likely a waste of money and time.

[FinnF30]

Originally Posted by GreenF30N26

What year is your car? The LCI models changed to a metal piston in the DV resolving the issue of wear that impacted pre-LCI. If you don't have logs that show you're bleeding boost in the high end RPM range it's likely a waste of money and time.

It’s actually a 2012 pre-lci, complete with pneumatic wastegate and all lol.

[GreenF30N26]

Originally Posted by FinnF30

It’s actually a 2012 pre-lci, complete with pneumatic wastegate and all lol.

Ahh, well you could always buy the newer LCI blow off valve from BMW with the metal piston and just install that. It would be a lot easier to replace and won't have the issue with space and only need a normal ball allen socket.

Part #4 here shows compatible. https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=8E33-USA-05-2016-F30N-BMW-328iX&diagId=11_5185

BTW - no shop should be charging more than 3-4 hours to do this if they have experience. It took me 6-7 hours and I had to hand file the allen socket and wasted time trying without taking off the turbo inlet pipe.

[sqwinny]

It takes around 1-2 hours if you do it yourself. Once you understand how to do it, it takes maybe 20 minutes if that. Seriously. Most are asking for 6-7 hours as they will remove the turbo manifold to have the ability to install the furthest screw. I ended up doing it in the parking lot at work at the time.

If you have a filed down ball Allen key, it'll take no time. Hell, I'd do it for you if you were local for lunch or something. I'm on the border of Broward/Miami Dade in Miami lakes. Looks like it's your lucky day. This is the tool you need and it's cake work as long as the car is cold.

This thread makes it easy:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1482708

[FinnF30]

Originally Posted by sqwinny

It takes around 1-2 hours if you do it yourself. Once you understand how to do it, it takes maybe 20 minutes if that. Seriously. Most are asking for 6-7 hours as they will remove the turbo manifold to have the ability to install the furthest screw. I ended up doing it in the parking lot at work at the time.

If you have a filed down ball Allen key, it'll take no time. Hell, I'd do it for you if you were local for lunch or something. I'm on the border of Broward/Miami Dade in Miami lakes. Looks like it's your lucky day. This is the tool you need and it's cake work as long as the car is cold.

This thread makes it easy:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1482708

Wow, small world, seems like it is my lucky day! Lol, I wouldn’t mind taking you up on that offer, or at least borrowing that tool from you. I thought of filing my own hex ball Allen key down, I just don’t have a grinder or anything like that and I figured filing down by hand would be impossible. I’ll be doing an inlet pipe as well while I’m at it, since it should make it a little easier to get to that last screw, and it serves for a little added peace of mind.

[sqwinny]

Grinder from harbor freight for $25 and maybe $10 for the set of ball allen key sockets. takes maybe 10 minutes of your time grinding it down outside and your are good to go. the allen key has to be ground down to almost nothing, no need to spend plenty money on the brand of the allen key tool

[FinnF30]

Originally Posted by sqwinny

Grinder from harbor freight for $25 and maybe $10 for the set of ball allen key sockets. takes maybe 10 minutes of your time grinding it down outside and your are good to go. the allen key has to be ground down to almost nothing, no need to spend plenty money on the brand of the allen key tool

What kind of grinder did you use exactly? Just a simple angle grinder?

[sqwinny]

Bench grinder. Heck if you want you can borrow the Allen key. Just let me know. Bought it only for this job specifically.

[F30_fanatic480]

It was a pain for me to do it at first...but after some
Modifications to some tools I had, I was able to finish the job (after failing the first time) and to be honest...it wasn't even worth it. You can barely tell any difference. The sound is a lot better once you switch out your air intake.

All I am saying is...if you can do the job your yourself with a proper DIY then go for it, but it's not going to be what you expect. It's definitely not worth paying a bunch of money for this upgrade in my opinion.


*if you were a local, I'd help you do it myself.

[sqwinny]

^it really didnt make a difference for me on MY13' 6MT however when in Sport+ mode and inbetween shifts, it feels more responsive. its more preventative than anything, doesn't add any value nor did i get the "turbo flutter" others have reported.