M54 valve cover gasket and oil separator issue
02-26-2011, 02:51 PM
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Location: Minneapolis, MN
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My Ride: '04 530i (no mods yet, just bought it)
I've spent the last 15 minutes searching forums (DIY, parts, e60) and can't find anything that relates to valve cover replacement due to a stuck oil separator valve. In fact, in my searches, I'm finding completely unrelated forum topics when I search under "valve cover gasket" or "oil separator" or "ccv"...is it me, or does the search functionality on the forums leave much to be desired?
I found a great step-by-step video on youtube for the valve cover gasket replacement (easy job), but learned that the oil separator issue probably caused the gasket to fail in the first place (I live in MN). Any links to threads on replacing the separator and hoses to the new insulated version? Thanks much
I found a great step-by-step video on youtube for the valve cover gasket replacement (easy job), but learned that the oil separator issue probably caused the gasket to fail in the first place (I live in MN). Any links to threads on replacing the separator and hoses to the new insulated version? Thanks much
03-07-2011, 08:18 AM
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My Ride: 2007 530xi (N52 6-cylinder engine)2002 325xi (M54 6-cylinder engine)2008 Specialized Roubaix road bike
I've spent the last 15 minutes searching forums (DIY, parts, e60) and can't find anything that relates to valve cover replacement due to a stuck oil separator valve. In fact, in my searches, I'm finding completely unrelated forum topics when I search under "valve cover gasket" or "oil separator" or "ccv"...is it me, or does the search functionality on the forums leave much to be desired?
I found a great step-by-step video on youtube for the valve cover gasket replacement (easy job), but learned that the oil separator issue probably caused the gasket to fail in the first place (I live in MN). Any links to threads on replacing the separator and hoses to the new insulated version? Thanks much
I found a great step-by-step video on youtube for the valve cover gasket replacement (easy job), but learned that the oil separator issue probably caused the gasket to fail in the first place (I live in MN). Any links to threads on replacing the separator and hoses to the new insulated version? Thanks much
gmann,
I share you "search" frustrations. I searched for "DIY" with the "Forums" button pressed---and found nothing. Later, I fell into the "5 Series Forums > Information" and found useful stuff. I'm a newbie here so there might be something I'm missing. Still, the search function seems confusing.
Here's some help for your CCV and VCG concerns. These are just 3 links into 3 different forums. If you dig deeper, you'll find even more help. I've done these jobs and a few others with help from these places. Good luck!
e46fanatics.com, bimmerfest.com, and bavauto have been very active in DIY stuff, including M54 VCG and Oil Separator (CCV, crankcase ventilation). Here are some links that might help you:
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...ight=diy+index
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...+oil+separator
http://blog.bavauto.com/bmw-e46/diy-...ilation-system
Here are some "kits" to do the CCV (oil separator) job:
http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/346_..._Kit/ES260027/
http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/346_..._Kit/ES260026/
Here's a very complete kit, including the throttle body gasket, dipstick tube o-ring. I'd get this one.
http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Oil_...tor/ES1905414/
Also, be aware that there is an "updated" dipstick guide tube" that doesn't clog as easily as the old one. I just found out about this yesterday, from e46fanatics I think, so you need to check for yourself.
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