[GB-335xiCoupe]

Bobdudeman and I walnut blasted my e92 (2011 335xi) this weekend. He's a real nice guy, down to earth. He doesn't charge much for this service, in my opinion, but he's really not in it for the money. He has all the tools needed and the know-how on both N55 and N54 engines and doesn't mind if you help. Of course he appreciates a little extra $ and maybe a 12-pack of his favorite beer (Warsteiner dunkel).

If you do the walnut blast, I would suggest also doing the oil filter housing gasket (OFHG) replacement and the o-ring for the water hose for a few extra bucks. Buy the gasket and o-ring ahead of time from Amazon or ecstuning.

Bob will also do transmission fluid and pan/filter change if you need it. If you have an xDrive, be sure to buy four (4) front driveshaft bolts ahead of time too. http://www.ecstuning.com/ES48567/

As for my N55, it had 101,000 miles on it at the time. I've seen pics of N54 intake valves that were much worse at 1/2 the mileage. So the N55 still seems to have the same gunk build-up issue, just to a lesser extent. I have some pics below. Sorry for the quality. It's not the best camera, and I'm far from a great photographer.

Before:
100_3326

100_3317

During:
100_3341


100_3338

After:
Clean Zoom

I didn't get any really good pics of the clean valves. But trust me, they're clean as a whistle. Noticeably more responsive throttle. Seems to have more power, but I'm thinking it's more of a placebo effect. Later this week, I'm getting the VANOS recall done, so unfortunately I won't be able to give an accurate estimate of fuel efficiency gains. But I'm SO glad this service is done . It's good peace of mind, and I know it won't be needed for another 100k miles! At least 2 years, right, Bob?

Sadly, Bob was banned for offering his services on this forum. I have a feeling this post may be nuked, so PM me for info on how to contact him.

Bob, if you're reading this: excellent job! Since I'm in that area regularly, I'm going to provide you fair warning that you will be seeing my car again... and maybe some beer too.

[Dozhdbog]

100k miles and that's what it looked like? That is not bad at all!

[J-Spec Dan]

100k miles on an 2011 N55?? glad it all worked out and i'm always ahppy to read about the smaller shops and guys working on our cars.

[JETmn]

Originally Posted by Dozhdbog

100k miles and that's what it looked like? That is not bad at all!

Exactly what I was thinking! Big improvement from the N54 there.

[thomas88162]

I had always heard that the N55 by design was much less prone to carbon build up, and that is convincing evidence. I wouldn't have even gone through the trouble to have them cleaned yet, it was only a light coating really.

[GB-335xiCoupe]

Originally Posted by thomas88162

I had always heard that the N55 by design was much less prone to carbon build up, and that is convincing evidence. I wouldn't have even gone through the trouble to have them cleaned yet, it was only a light coating really.

Once we opened it up, might as well clean them...