Oil Separation & Breather System for BMW Z3 (1996-2002)

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Every car has a crankcase vent system that is supposed to suppress oil from making it into the intake ports and combustion chamber. A good functioning system will separate oil from the atmosphere and return it to the oil pan (or collect it in a catch can) while allowing the leftover vapors to burn in the combustion chamber or recirculate through the system. This has always been known as a PCV system (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) but BMW has several other names for it - oil separator, crankcase vent (CCV), and cyclonic separator. Failures in the system will allow raw oil to enter the intake and eventually into the engine itself which can have disastrous effects on engine performance and longevity. As emissions regulations on oil and gas venting have gotten more stringent the PCV systems have gotten more complex and failure prone. And because the CCV is intertwined with other systems you could experience rough running, loss of power, higher oil consumption, misfiring, stalling, or other annoying issues. There is no replacement interval for these so we recommend inspecting your crankcase vent system as part of your regular maintenance routines. Symptoms of a bad crankcase vent are: whitish or yellowish film on the underside of the oil cap, whistling/squealing noises (not caused by a belt), suction on the oil cap that makes it hard to unscrew, large amounts of white smoke from the exhaust, and excessive oil consumption.

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Comprehensive Constant Pressure Valve Replacement Kit
10X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
Packaged by Turner - Corporate Logo
T#:557341
Part#: 11111318185TMSKT
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Sale - Save 2% $ 85.93

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$ 84.32 USD
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When your CPV O-ring fails it causes a slow oil leak on the passenger side of the engine, making an oily mess that frequently resembles a rear main seal leak. Replacing the CPV with an upgraded o-ring ensures a long-term solution to this common problem. 

The factory o-ring over time fails from heat cycling and oil exposure due to the Buna rubber used in OEM o-rings, while the included Viton Fluoroelastomer is resistant to a much higher temperature to ensure prolonged life without leaking. 

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Performance Oil Separator Kit - M52/S52
For vehicles with production date up to 09/1998
10X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
Packaged by Turner - Corporate Logo
T#:51356040
Part#: 059015LA02KT2KT
In Stock
Sale - Save 19% $ 104.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
05-03-2026

$ 85.28 USD
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Sale - Save 19%
$ 104.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
05-03-2026

$ 85.28 USD
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On M52/S52-equipped BMWs, the factory crankcase ventilation (CCV) system is a notorious weak link. Between brittle plastic corrugated hoses that crumble from heat soak and an internal cyclone diaphragm prone to tearing, a failing CCV leads to massive oil consumption, vacuum leaks, and that dreaded "howling" whistle.

This kit addresses these issues with all new components and hardware. Both oil separator hoses, the cyclone separator itself, the mounting grommet, and the retaining bolts are included. Servicing this system is guaranteed to restore performance lost as a result of worn CCV components.

Kit includes:

Cyclone Separator/Crankcase Pressure Regulator Valve High Performance Silicone Breather Hose Return Hose Mounting Grommet Hex Bolt (3)

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Engine Crankcase Breather Element
Superior performance for both warm and cold climates
5X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
5X Entries For Our G87 M2 Sweepstakes! We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
Hengst - Corporate Logo
T#:35795496
Part#: 11617533400
In Stock
$ 40.99 USD
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$ 40.99 USD
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Commonly referred to as the "oil separator" or PCV URO Parts is one of the leading manufacturers of high quality direct replacement aftermarket components, covering a wide range of makes and models. All of their replacement parts are manufactured to ISO 9000 certification standards, so you can expect long lasting performance from URO Parts.
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ECS Tuning Baffled Oil Catch Can - 8oz
10X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
ECS - Corporate Logo
T#:13496655
Part#: 003779ECS05-02
In Stock
Sale - Save 10% $ 238.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
06-14-2026

$ 215.09 USD
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Sale - Save 10%
$ 238.99

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Upgrade Your BMW with ECS Baffled Oil Catch Can

Modern emission regulations require a closed PCV/Breather system for cleaner operation. However, inefficient oil particle capture can lead to excessive oil vapor ingestion, causing carbon buildup, reduced performance, and fuel economy. ECS Tuning's updated ECS Baffled Oil Catch Can, now with an easy-to-empty 1/4" drain fitting, is engineered to collect toxic blow-by gases, minimize carbon deposits, and reduce oil contamination within engine oil. Recirculating oil vapor ensures emissions compliance without venting to the atmosphere.

  • Key Features:
  • Highly Efficient Oil Separator: Strategically positioned 4 chamber baffle system maximizes oil/air separation and minimizes oil droplets in the intake tract.
  • Integrated Dipstick: Knurled and black anodized oil dipstick simplifies oil volume inspection.
  • Reservoir: Available in 6oz or 8oz capacity with a 1/4" NPT drain plug fitting.
  • Serviceable: Easily removable baffle plates and drain plug for cleaning.
  • Easy/Customizable Installation: Combine with the ECS Universal Bracket Kit for simplified installation and adjustable mounting locations.
  • Leak-Free Fittings: Machined -10AN ORB (O-Ring Boss) fittings available for secure connections (fittings sold separately).
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3 Pin Connector
10X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
ECS - Corporate Logo
T#:33412930
Part#: 12521706096
In Stock
Sale - Save 11% $ 10.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
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$ 9.78 USD
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Includes connector housing with terminals and seals. Commonly used for the idle air control valve (IACV).

ECS Tuning replacement harness connectors include all necessary pins and wire seals for a complete harness repair. Whether you have a broken harness connector or need a complete wiring repair, we have the components you need.

Each connector includes an additional terminal in case one becomes lost or damaged during installation.

*OEM cross reference PN# 12521706096 - Commonly used for the idle air control valve (IACV).

Please reference the original part number from the existing connector to confirm fitment, before ordering.

Suggested tools:

Suggested crimping pliers: T#387193
Wire De-pin tools:
12pc De-Pin Tool Set - T#386379
23pc De-Pin Tool Set - T#641943

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Oil Separator Kit - Level 1
10X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
Packaged by Turner - Corporate Logo
T#:15710823
Part#: E46M5411_61KT
In Stock
Sale - Save 24% $ 123.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
05-03-2026

$ 93.71 USD
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Sale - Save 24%
$ 123.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
05-03-2026

$ 93.71 USD
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Replace all the components of the oil separator system together to prevent damage to all the aspects of your engine. As long as you have everything off, you can rest assured that new parts will last and be reliable. BMW has an ongoing issue with oil separators freezing in cold weather if driving is done before the vehicle is fully warmed up. There is often a howling noise followed by numerous oil leaks. The crankcase breather valve is used to purge the oil vapor from the engine block into the valve cover. However, sometimes condensation can cause it to freeze, causing the entire oil separator system to fail, crack, and disintegrate. ur Level 1 kit includes the following; Oil separator Hose from oil separator to dipstick tube Hose from oil separator to valve cover Hose from intake manifold back to the connector hose Hose from oil separator up to the intake manifold
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