Designed specifically for the BMW N18 engines, (Cooper S 2011 onwards, JCW Cooper S 2013 onwards, R58 Coupe 2012 onwards, late 2012 onward). This product is either recommended where the boost pressure has been increased by an ECU software upgrade, for those wanting a loud blow off sound, or simply as a solution to the many failures that have occurred. The most common complaint on the OEM solenoid valve is a split diaphragm preventing the valve from opening fully, or not at all. This doesn’t always result in a check engine light as the valve can still be blown open by the boost pressure. We have seen many valves with this problem (see image above).
The other problem is that diaphragm retaining ring is made from very thin plastic that goes brittle with heat cycles and oil contamination, and eventually fails. This prevents the diaphragm from sealing with the same problems as mentioned above. This particular failure also results in the valve falling apart upon removal from the turbo, though in extreme cases bits of plastic can enter the turbo and destroy it. (see image above)
Our alternative is a fully engineered solution offering both significantly improved reliability. Our valve is piston based, with no diaphragm to fail, and of all aluminium construction, it replaces the original unit with a pressure/vacuum operated piston valve that still also retains the desirable OEM ECU control over valve actuation. The valve has been proved on the VAG scene for many years. The spring is interchangeable for different levels of boost, and the solenoid is plug and play with the wiring harness which is included.
