BMWs oil separator and crankcase ventilation system is excellent at what it does when properly maintained. Always inspect any visible hoses when you are under the hood and follow the manufacturers replacement schedule.
The OEM plastic PCV valve does not hold pressure well even when brand new. What this means is that when the turbochargers are making boost, pressurized air can become forced backwards through the valve and back into the crankcase. Depending on the condition of your PCV valve this can range from irritating to dangerous as a pressurized case can cause all sorts of issues. Additionally, if your valve cover is cracked due to age or has a bad gasket you are more than likely experiencing a pressure leak either internally or externally. These two features can cause even a low-mileage N54 to run like a tired elephant, sometimes even unlocking a special bonus function known as "Limp Mode". The solution is to replace any failed components and upgrade the PCV valve to something more capable withstanding the abuse of a turbocharged environment. FTP Motorsport has you covered with this solid aluminum valve assembly. It is essentially the same thing that came in your car from the factory, made out of aluminum. The internal components have also been made to fit tighter and outlast the life of an off the shelf replacement. No, this won't be the very last PCV valve you buy, but it will most certainly alleviate a lot of headaches common to N54 owners. And if you're tuned, big twin or single swapped you need one of these yesterday.
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The BMW N52 engine was deisgned with a crankcase vent system that relies on a heated oil separator valve to separate vapor from the liquid oil. Under ideal circumstances, the oil vapor would pass back into the intake and get burned up during normal combustion. The liquid oil would follow a path back down into the oil pan and be reused. This system is environmentally friendly but plagued with problems. The heating elements can fail or oil and carbon particles can block the oil separator valve. With no escape, the oil will continue to pool and collect in the valve cover or make its way into the combustion chamber leading to excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from the exhaust, idle and running issues. These issues are worse in colder climates where the freezing temperatures create an oil sludge condition that is impossible to clear. The plastic hoses can become brittle and crack which leads to vacuum leaks and oil leaks. Thankfully, the CCV is replaceable on the early N52 engines (2006 and some 2007 models) and should be inspected during a major service and any time the valve cover is off. Oil can also back up into the throttle body, which is easier to check than the oil separator itself. Later N52 engines do not have a serviceable oil vent as it is integrated into the valve cover and not a separate part.
This is a kit containing the oil separator, the vent hoses, and the intake manifold gaskets that are done during a typical oil separator replacement. Complete kit includes:
11617531423, Genuine BMW oil separator
11617559530, vent hose
11157522931, oil separator hose
11157567801, return hose
11157537701, extraction hose
11617547242, intake manifold gaskets (set of 6) The intake manifold must be removed to access the oil separator so new profile gaskets are included. We also recommend (but not required) a new oil separator fitting on the intake manifold because it's one of the heated elements that vaporizes the oil as it enters the intake.
The oil separator can be replaced on its own but for a complete service we also recommend replacing the oil separator hoses and cleaning the valve cover. Any valve cover or intake manifold work should include a new oil separator valve.
This kit fits the following BMWs: -10/2005 E90 BMW 325xi 330xi - Sedan -10/2005 E91 BMW 325xi - Wagon -10/2005 E60 BMW 525xi 530xi
The oil separator can be replaced on its own but for a complete service we also recommend replacing the oil separator hoses and cleaning the valve cover. Any valve cover or intake manifold work should include a new oil separator valve.
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