We recently emailed you regarding our 2004 BMW 320d that suffered a catastrophic engine failure when a swirl flap in the inlet manifold broke off and entered the engine. The car has full BMW service history and 43,000 miles on the clock. You advised us that it is a common fault and to see if BMW was willing to offer some goodwill towards the repair. The car was towed to Dick Lovett the BMW dealership in Bristol by the AA. After contacting BMW UK we were advised that BMW would supply a new engine free of charge and pay for half the cost of the labour leaving us with a bill of £1,100 (rather than around £8,000 as initially advised). The engine was fitted very quickly and efficiently and the car returned to us washed and shining within one week of the original disaster. Altogether a very happy outcome (apart from the bill) with excellent service and courteous advice at all times. I understand this is a recognised problem with this model of BMW that has led to a modification of the inlet manifold in later models. You may wish to advise your readers who drive this model of BMW diesel that a service of the inlet manifold and replacement of the swirl flaps might be a worthwhile precaution as this is not part of the routine service schedule.