N52 Vapor/ small smoke from engine around the DISA Valve/or gasket

fin90 · 12-09-2025, 08:59 AM

I am super new to bmw and don’t know what is normal and what is not 😭, recently my 2009 bmw 128i with 3.0 n52 had some weird smells maybe burnt oil, but I popped the hood and there was a vapor not quite a smoke coming from around the DISA Vale or gasket. I am guessing this is not normal any body know what could be going on ?

mkeiser · 12-09-2025, 10:54 AM

what you are picturing is not a DISA valve FYI. The little silver thing is the Secondary Air Pump Valve. Underneath the plastic cover is the Valvetronic motor.

You are most likely dealing with a Valve Cover Gasket leak. Could also be Valvetronic gasket leak. Depending on miles and previous history you are most likely due for a new Valve Cover.

12-09-2025, 08:59 AM	#1
fin90 Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: Join Date: Nov 2024 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	N52 Vapor/ small smoke from engine around the DISA Valve/or gasket I am super new to bmw and don’t know what is normal and what is not 😭, recently my 2009 bmw 128i with 3.0 n52 had some weird smells maybe burnt oil, but I popped the hood and there was a vapor not quite a smoke coming from around the DISA Vale or gasket. I am guessing this is not normal any body know what could be going on ? Attached Images
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12-09-2025, 10:54 AM	#2
mkeiser Captain 1176 Rep 749 Posts Drives: e82 128i 6mt m sport Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: Minneapolis, MN iTrader: (1)	what you are picturing is not a DISA valve FYI. The little silver thing is the Secondary Air Pump Valve. Underneath the plastic cover is the Valvetronic motor. You are most likely dealing with a Valve Cover Gasket leak. Could also be Valvetronic gasket leak. Depending on miles and previous history you are most likely due for a new Valve Cover. __________________ 2011 BMW 128i 6MT M Sport - https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=2188535
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