stupid question...sorry

[Detlman]

Ok, I hope this isn't too stupid of a question. On the driver side of the intake manifold there are 2 ports that have a check valve and provide vacuum to the brake booster, is all this plumbing actually needed or could I just plug one and put a check valve on the brake booster and only use one port on the manifold like a normal car would have? It seems that the hoses on my car are about ready for replacement and if possible I would like to simplify this a little. are the rest of the hoses for emissions or ? Can someone explain what the purpose of this setup is?

Thanks

[Mike]

I believe that 5 speed cars have one port plugged, whereas automatics have two lines going into the throttle body.

[jlevie]

I think it would be a reasonable assumption that BMW would have used a simpler arrangement if possible. Replace the hoses with new parts and don't try to second guess the BMW engineers that designed the car.

[Detlman]

thanks for the replies.

Mike, my car is a 5 speed and has 2 ports, I looked through the engine bay thread and some did have one port.

jlevie, you are right about second guessing the engineers to a point, but you have to remember when they designed these cars technology wasnt what it is today and they designed these cars for many different markets. I was only wondering if it was smog related and therefore possible to simplify. Believe me I would never second guess the engineers because they have alot of obstacles they have to overcome when they bring products to market.

But this cluster F of hoses that for the most part seem to only bring vac to the booster? Must be a simpler/cleaner way?

Anyone else know what exactly is going on with these hoses and valves?

[Liam]

The double line with the valving is designed to keep the maximum possible suction even under low vacuum in the manifold conditions.

It will work with a single port and valve but what is there works better.

[xLibelle]

All you need is the hose to the brake booster and the check valve. Put a cam cover vent filter on the cover and plug the other vacuum openings and youll be fine. not entirely recommended but it will work.