N55 - broken fitting on manifold (not the expansion pipe!)

[trebnamo]

I have a 2015 M235i with the N55 engine. I noticed after a recent service that a connector on the manifold has been broken - from how clean the exposed thread is, I reckon this was done when it was with the (main dealer!) garage last week. The service included a sparkplug change and I can see finger marks on the plastic shield, assume this was done while the mechanic was changing the plugs.

I'll be speaking to the dealer obviously, but whether they take responsibility for it or not, can anyone help me identify what this is and whether the car is safe to drive like this? Is it an oxygen sensor or something similar? I'm nervous because I had the expansion pipe go about two years ago - seems to be a hazard with these engines - and had to limp to the garage to get it fixed.

Pic for reference:

[steve_n]

It's a vacuum line I believe and those plastics go brittle. Nothing too major, just needs a new pipe and clip it back on.

[trebnamo]

steve_n said:

It's a vacuum line I believe and those plastics go brittle. Nothing too major, just needs a new pipe and clip it back on.

Good to know, thanks - any idea where I could find the pipe? Is this something I could do as a DIYer or do I need a mechanic?

[steve_n]

Pipe from BMW and definitely possible DIY. It'll be mostly push fit and clips, maybe a bolt or two for a sensor.

[trebnamo]

steve_n said:

Pipe from BMW and definitely possible DIY. It'll be mostly push fit and clips, maybe a bolt or two for a sensor.

Got the part and fitted it this afternoon - was totally DIYable just as you said. Cheers



Only problem is now the rest of the engine bay looks scruffy!

[steve_n]

Happy days. Until the next piece of BMW plastic breaks...