What do you guys think?

Headgasket or condensation from short runs here in the winter??

Itīs a 530i M54

- Car has full service history.
- 100.000 miles om the clock
- no coolant missing
- next to none mayo on the dipstick
- I have about 5 miles to work, so the car does not get properly warm here in the Winter.(-10 to 0 degres C in Denmark)
- Oil in cap and on dipstick smells a bit of gasoline.
- Noticed a bit more condensation from exhaust in the mornings but it get better whem the engine is hot.
- Coolant temp is very stable at 91-92c (using ScanGauge)

 

Oh my. That doesn't look nice.

 

Some of that is normal when the car has not had a chance to burn off all the moisture in the crank case. My old 325i looked similar after a short drive in the cold. Not quote that bad, but similar.

Keep in mind, that is the highest point of the engine, so thats where the oil/water mist generally ends up settling. Those engines had an oil sepearator that was supposed to help that. They sometimes get clogged up in cold weather when the water/oil sludge freezes up. I had to replace one on my E46 that did this.

 

Thats condensation from short drives, take it out for a longer drive and you will see that it will be gone.

 

Just cleaned the cap, then had a god run on the freeway while monitering the coolant temp.
No problems at all and no new mayo on the cap

Where is this oil seperator? and is it "serviceable"?

 

OH MY...sell it asap. (clean the cap first lol)

 

You need to treat your car to a moderately long [say 25-50 mile] run at highway speeds at least once every other week. Getting your oil up to operating temperatures for a longer time than your "normal" daily drives will help "burn off" the condensates (water) that collect in the engine's nooks and crannies. It will also help your exhaust system [at least the non-stainless steel parts] last longer.

 

Have you had any oil additives added?
This looks to be a "oil separator" Take the hose off of the valve cover on the front above the thermostat and check it for sludge or what not Not an "easy" job to do. You'll also need a intake manifold gasket.


Vent pipe 11611432559

Connecting line 11617504535

Vent hose 11157532649

Return pipe 11617504536

CCV 11 61 7 501 566 $48


http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/att...3&d=1225685641

 

Thank did look into the CCV problem, and will proberly replace it this summer.
I can even see that you can get a Cold-weather type, mine is bought in germany so the stock CCV itīs properly a normal version.
Do i need to take the intake manifold off to get to the CCV (hence the new gasket)

 

if you do a lot of short distance driving where the engine doesn't reach full operating temperature, this can occur. It is because moisture/condensation builds up from the cold and heat interacting. much like a glass of ice water sitting in the sun. Just clean what you can and recheck it. this gunk can clog up the crankcase ventilation valve, so you may want to check it. The good thing is that you're not losing coolant. Take a look in the coolant tank and make sure you don't see any oil or milky gunk.