The dreaded oil separator problem.

[Lee]

Many, if not all, modern BMW engines equipped with the plastic oil vapor separator will experience a major failure resulting in non-start or at best, oil blowing all over the engine bay.

Moisture always mixes with oil, possibly forming a thick whitish mayonaise when condensing (especially when changing oil on long intervals). In cold climates, that white gunk will freeze in the oil separator (PCV valve), blocking the free air passage between the block of the engine and the head.

If you run an engine dating from the early 1990s (excluding the M20, S14, S38 and M42) it will happen to you. BMW knows about the problem for 15 years. Some BMW technical advisors will even blame the driver for not driving their car long enough and that they are responsible for the condensation...

Part #1 on the diagram (M52 shown)


Have your local dealer print out a copy of the SI B11 08 03.
When your oil separator freezes open - it can cause engine oil hydro-lock and serious motor damage ~ and if frozzen closed - cause a broken valve cover and the leaks you also describe - the above BMW service information bulletin SIB covers E39, E46, E53 X5, E60 5, E85 Z4 w/M54 motor

[Sempai-mj]

So how long should you drive to car to avoid that problem ?
Also would this apply to 328i 1998 ?

[Silverblades181]

So how long should you drive to car to avoid that problem ?
Also would this apply to 328i 1998 ?

Yes it does since you have an M52 engine. I didn't know this was such a big problem but I did notice the techs at work change A LOT of those. And they're a bitch to change too.

[Gregster]

Looks easy to bypass

[johnmdanskin]

My mechanic charges $350 for the bypass. He is on the pricey side and US mechanics seem to make more than Canadians. $350 means about 3.5 hours.

He told me that you have to drive the car "more than 20min" regularly. If you have a 15min commute to work, you are in danger. If you have a 40min commute to work, you are safe. I try to drive our x5 to boston (60min) every so often. I should get the bypass done, but my mechanic's shop is 90min from my house, so I don't go there every day.

-j

[Lee]

Europe has two part # for the oil separator valve.

11 61 7 501 566 is the regular one. Costs 33.1 Euros
11 61 7 533 400 is for cold climates. Costs 36.3 Euros

The #400 part is also available in North America for the following cars:
E39: Details on E39
E39 525i SEDAN
E39 525i TOURING
E39 530i SEDAN

E46: Details on E46
E46 320i SEDAN
E46 323Ci CONVERTIBLE
E46 323Ci COUPE
E46 323i TOURING
E46 323i SEDAN
E46 325Ci COUPE
E46 325Ci CONVERTIBLE
E46 325i TOURING
E46 325i SEDAN
E46 325xi TOURING
E46 325xi SEDAN
E46 328Ci COUPE
E46 328i SEDAN
E46 330Ci COUPE
E46 330Ci CONVERTIBLE
E46 330i SEDAN
E46 330xi SEDAN

E53: Details on E53
E53 X5 3.0i SUV

E60: Details on E60
E60 525i SEDAN
E60 530i SEDAN

E83: Details on E83
E83 X3 2.5i SUV
E83 X3 3.0i SUV

E85: Details on E85
E85 Z4 2.5i ROADSTER
E85 Z4 3.0i ROADSTER

Z3: Details on Z3
Z3 Z3 2.5 ROADSTER
Z3 Z3 2.5i ROADSTER
Z3 Z3 3.0i COUPE
Z3 Z3 3.0i ROADSTER

[REDROCKET]

Mike Miller writes:
1. remove oil filter car with engine running. Should have moderate vacuum.
2. If there is a giant whoosing sound and cap is difficult to remove, then replace oil serarator.