Aftermarket Blow-off Valves For Bmws And Minis

When you think of a blow-off valve, you immediately think of the infamous whoosh sound

. The effects these valves have on the performance of your turbo-charged BMW or R56 MINI are an afterthought.

Your thoughts follow in this order for good reason.

When it comes to aftermarket blow-off valves, aesthetics overwhelm performance benefits. Blow-off valves (BOVs) make your engine setup up more appealing and produce a very unique sound between shifts; however, the benefits of them preformance-wise - increased HP, better fuel economy, etc. - are debatable. Before considering whether or not to invest in aftermarket BOVs for your MINI or BMW, check to see what kind of sensor you have for electronic fuel injection. There are two main types and BOVs work better with one more than the other.

The two main types of sensors for electronic fuel injection are mass airflow (MAF) sensors and manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensors. BMWs and MINIs are usually equipped with one or the other. So, which type of sensor works better with aftermarket blow-off valves? Simple answer: the MAP.

Blow-off valves can be installed in BMWs and MINIs with MAF sensors, but the engine will run inefficiently upon shifting. The problem with BOVs on BMWs and MINIs equipped with MAF sensors is that they cause engines to run rich. The MAF measures the air intake of the turbo and a certain amount of fuel is provided to the engine based on the amount of measured air. When a blow-off valve vents the air measured by the MAF sensor to the atmosphere during shifting, a low ratio of air to gas is supplied to the engine's cylinders when the throttle is opened back up again after the shift. This rich mixture of gas in the cylinders wears the engine out over time.

Over how much time? Well, put it this way: if you really want that sporty BOV and whoosh but have an MAF sensor, don't let the threat of engine wear stop you from having what you want.

Since MAP sensors measure pressure and not airflow, the ratio of air to gas in the cylinders after shifting is normal with aftermarket blow-off valves installed. The combination of MAP sensors and aftermarket BOVs allow you to achieve the whoosh sound you desire without putting excessive stress on the engine.

One of the biggest reasons to upgrade your BMW or MINI with performance-grade BOVs is to extend the life of your turbo. The diverter valves (DVs) that come stock in MINIs and BMWs sometimes leak and cause a reverse effect on the turbo. The air trapped in the intercooler and pipes during shifts puts resistance on the compressor wheel in the turbo and, occasionally, even causes it to spin in reverse. Ultimately, this causes the compressor wheel to take longer to speed up when the throttle opens back up after shifting.

To increase the life of the turbo in your MINI or BMW, it's wise to invest in an aftermarket blow-off valve kit, especially if you have MAP sensors. Even if you have MAF sensors and desire to capture that woosh sound, don't think too much about the side-effects of BOVs on your engine. Keep in mind that engine wear is minimal.

by: Robert Gibb

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