Here is where I've ordered my DISA kits from (done it twice on e46's), but there are many options available. They will let you view the instructions as well. It's a fairly easy process, but I have been wrenching for a decent portion of my adult life. So my easy, may not be yours.

https://www.germanautosolutions.com/...repair_kit.php

You NEED to find that pin though.

Cheers.

I agree- sounds important. Ok where would I begin with this process. Can you link me to a good source of info on tracking down a DISA pin that might be in my engine?

You'd have to pull the intake manifold off and see if it's lodged down a runner. We had a customer once that didn't want to bother finding the pin or even paying to repair the old one, and we warned them about driving it. Sure enough the pin went down the #6 runner and got jammed up in an intake valve, causing it to hang open and smash into the piston. Junk motor within 6 miles of driving.

I wouldnt start the motor until you find that pin.

Well damn. I am very new to this. Taking the intake manifold seems like a huge job.

Is there any other way to detect where the PIN is or shortcut to getting into the intake manifold?

From memory, when it started idle'ing badly, *maybe* I heard something like a PIN dropping and rattling...

I've done some research on it, and it doesn't seem to be a "definitely will break your engine" situation? Such as here Advice Needed - Missing DISA Valve Pin - E46Fanatics

It's not a 100% death sentence... until it finds it's way into the combustion chamber. I would definitely find that pin. It's probably in your intake manifold somewhere. If you are super lucky you can try and use a magnet on a flexible tool to try and locate it through the DISA valve hole.

Oil change, now idles poorly (beginner)
 

I rebuilt my DISA and I was correct to guess was the culprit. Use the aluminum upgrade kit. I bought mine on amazon for about $75. Worth every penny.

The pin is steel use a magnet. Dental mirror can help find the pin. Or can't fall out until you remove the DISA so It has to be in the intake or it fell into the engine bay on removal. Did you say you heard the pin drop?



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The pin did not fall out until you removed the DISA valve. The rattling sound is what the DISA sounds like when broken.



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If you can't take apart the intake manifold, have the X towed to a mechanic that can do the job. If you think taking the manifold apart is a big job, taking the head off to remove the pin from a valve is an even bigger job.

This is correct you can absolutely have to find that pin. It may have fallen outside manifold Put a small magnetic pick up tool down everywhere below for the valve came out I believe the pin is steel. I would use my fiber optic inspection camera to look for it.

The pin drop sound you heard was the DISA valve itself.


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Ok thanks guys- I won't drive it any more :(

I have a wire coat hanger- is it dangerous to use that? Should I disconnected the positive of the battery first?

I just bought an inspection camera (with LED light). Should I be able to see all places the PIN could have gone with an inspection camera?

If it was "too late" and the PIN caused damage- would I have noticed already (i've driven 30km's)? I just ordered an OBD2 tool, so would any particular errors indicate it?