Replacing that whole mess (CCV valve integrated into the rear intake cover, oil separator, hoses, etc) frequently is really important if you live somewhere where it freezes and if you don't drive long distances daily to remove water from the crank case. But it looks like you live somewhere warm.

I did replace the metal line as I discovered the smaller vent side was completely occluded with gunk after I had the classic frozen CCV - sucking oil - billowing smoke problem.

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David.X5
2001 X5 4.4i Sport
SOLD! at 160k miles