Part of the discussion has shown that there is no hard and fast rule as to whether the X5 even has these evil devices, or ever has. I have spoken to Indy, BMW and PMW and even had a look at mine. I don't appear to have the flaps at all, no sign of any mechanism attached to the manifold or of the flap units themselves.

Car going in to be checked to confirm actual status. No parts on Realoem either!! For the sake of a few quid it's better than £7k for a new engine.

They were primarily for emissions control and the E53 was never made to meet the more stringent regs so it didn't matter. Now it would be very different of course.

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Me:
Current: 2011 E71 40D Vermilion Red/Beige Nappa

Wifey:
Current: 2012 R80 Countryman SDX Green/Cream