Help - Oil Seperator Failure Issue in Cold Weather

[BMW-x5-48is]

Hey Guys,

Is the Oil Separator Failure in Cold Weather (valve freezing shut & throwing oil into engine) is this a problem that the 4.8is engine faces as well? I read the bulletin for the replacement of hose with insulated one, but it was just for the M54 engine - which seems to be in the 2001-2006 E53 X5 3.0i .. See here: http://chrisparente.com/Images/530/CCV-SIB110803.pdf

I wanted to know is this problem something the 4.8is version (and engine) also face??? There is a lot of really cold air heating my way, just wondering if its safe to drive my "cold weather" car.

[crystalworks]

From my understanding... as long as you get the engine up to operating temperature for a reasonable amount of time it's okay. Short trips in cold weather are the bane of the e53 apparently.

[creisa]

Reads to me E53 (X5) All with M54. Mine is 2003 4.6is.... I live in the Midwest and it has been cold here- 1 yesterday with windchill. Mine is garaged, haven't had a problem ( not that it doesn't worry me). Glad I got that warranty....

[BMW-x5-48is]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

From my understanding... as long as you get the engine up to operating temperature for a reasonable amount of time it's okay. Short trips in cold weather are the bane of the e53 apparently.

Yeah thats what I have been reading all over tooo.. To make sure 100% that engine is warm all the way before shutting car off.. Because if not the valve can freeze in open/or/closed position giving you issue next time you start car.. Even Mechanic said same.. He said to make sure I drive the engine hard & get the oil temp up to normal operating temp before turning car off I should be ok.. but then i looked and found that indeed there is service bulletin for the 4.8is a well.. shit... lookup SI B 11 01 07 -- it says: Remove the crankcase ventilation plastic corrugated hose (1) connecting the two cylinder
head covers and intake system. Install the modified insulated hose with the external pressure regulating valve (2), using P/N 11 61 7 563 476. Install the insulated hose (3), using P/N 11 61 7 547 186..... so acctually you have to replace the modified insulated hose with the external pressure regulating valve for cylinder 1-4 then the other ones... shit... does not make me feel good.. esp since my drive to work is 30 min each time... i dont feel like driving for an hour just to get car to normal temp so it does not fail next time i start...

[creisa]

Well, also add in the warm-up time while you drink another cup of coffee like me lol.

[Ricky Bobby]

Its mostly an M54 issue but you should be wary about short trips among all the E53 in extreme cold weather.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by creisa

Well, also add in the warm-up time while you drink another cup of coffee like me lol.

If that warm up time is not driving time, you are working against your objective

It needs to get hot to burn off the condensation. Not every time you drive it, but frequently enough that condensate paste doesn't accumulate over time.

If you have that build up of condensate paste already, getting it hot doesn't help. It tends to freeze when parked, and can experience problems when started.

[petebmwm]

it's all bmw's not just ours, I see it all the time. the quick trip around the block, the mile to work commute...they never get hot enough or at least get the oil up to temp.

[Ricky Bobby]

Turn the IHKA off when you first start the car so the fan isn't running, helps the vehicle warm up quicker.

[BMW-x5-48is]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

Turn the IHKA off when you first start the car so the fan isn't running, helps the vehicle warm up quicker.

I will def try that... I have a pretty long trip to make tonight.. they saying 8-9F for NYC for morning hours tonight.. sucks..... i just installed a black paper board behind my grills - this will cause the freezing artic air not to flood the engine/radiator compartment when on highway - and increase overall amber temp in engine bay.. hopefully that will help? who knows.. i need to get the service bulletin done to be truly worry free.