[DementedF10]

So Im 99% sure my factory diverter valve bit the dust after some beating on the car last night. It runs fine, drives fine, just down on power and I can clearly hear boost leaking the entire time as i drive under load. I was wanting to replace it anyway as it has 150,000mi on it. So my 535i is xDrive which im not sure is the main issue but I hear about swapping these out are a pain. Any tips, special tools I need to consider. Mind you I am very mechanically inclined and have a well equipped garage but its always good to hear from experienced fiddlers. Thanks

[Surly73]

First thing I'd check would be the charge pipe.

[ChiltiCoatl89]

Yeah, Great time to upgrade to Aluminum if you haven't already, and what Diverter Valves did you have in mind (I.E Brands?)

[DementedF10]

I already have the VRSF Charge pipe. And it was the factory diverter valve. It not only came apart internally, but had a huge tear in the orange rubber. I installed the Turbosmart kompact valve. WHAT A PAIN IN THE ARSE!!!. I had the old one out and ready in 40 min but getting the new one bolted in was a pain. The larger portion of the new one made it nearly impossible to get the bolts in. I did devise a plan after 4 hours of messing with it. Ill see how it goes once implemented tonight or tomorrow and it may be the saving grace on this install for others.

[Unspec]

In the future, use long reach ball end hex. Made it farrrr easier.

I got the bolts to stay attached to the ball end by coating the ball end in some thick grease.

[DementedF10]

So the infamous third bolt issue... I solved it for myself by going this route. I cut the hole open on the end like pictured. I then put the third bolt in by hand about halfway, slid the BOV in under the bolt, started the other two and boom. easy peasy