I noticed this under the hood of my '11 X5 Xdrive 3.5d today while I was refilling the washer reservoir. It appears that there is some kind of cup under the round black object (which I assume is some kind of bleed valve)? The chalky tan substance appears to have caked up around the lip of the cup, and solidified. It's got a weird, strand like material around it that almost looks like fiberglass laid up with resin.

Does anyone have any idea what this assembly is and what it does? Any reason for concern about the material that has collected here? Any advice is much appreciated.

Thanks,

Crash

Attached Images

 

__________________


===============
Current Fleet:
2018 328d Xdrive Sport Wagon
2011 X5 Xdrive 35d
1973 2002 tii
===============
Past loves:
2015 i3 REX
2011 535i Xdrive
2005 X5 4.4i
2003 530i
1999 528i
1995 525i