A very sad day, is this the end of our X5

[bcredliner]

This is a problem to address ASAP.--worst case is that it can cause the engine to crater, assuming that line is part of the CCV system.

Some replace the entire CCV system. Some of those in very cold country go to the cold weather system offered by BMW. There are other fixes that are either from the aftermarket or makeshift. Suggest you search MAYO or CCV here as there has been a great deal of discussion on this topic.

It is not difficult to replace the CCV system. A search should turn that up also. Upallnight is very knowledgable about CCV systems.

[upallnight]

From the looks of that CCV line it looks like very little routine maintenance has been performed on the X. Since it appears that the OP is not a DIYer, it's time to think about selling the X and getting something that is a little more maintenance friendly.

To replace the CCV valve and all the associated hoses will be at least a 4 hours job plus parts. The valve cover gasket if done correctly and that means cleaning the valve cover and removing as much of the mayo (aka SLUDGE) on the cams and rockers could be a 4-8 hours job plus parts. Plus all the other problems that the shop pointed out to the OP.

If you're not a DIYer and the X doesn't have a warranty, then a BMW X5 is probably not the right car for you. If you make a lot of short trips with the car in the winter, then a BMW X5 is probably not the right car for you. Look for a car with a regular PCV system and the cost to replace the part is under 1/2 hour of labor plus under $10.00 in parts.

[David.X5]

I'm looking at that open pipe end and see a yellow rubber membrane (ballon?) with lots of metal shavings. Doesn't look like the brown-grey "mayo" others have reported. I don't know the 6-cylinder engine, but these seems worse and different...

[bcredliner]

The fix to daily short trips is a drive that is 25 or more miles every week or so.

Based on the work you have already done, I think you can handle the CCV job. I don't see anything different that you should be concerned about in the clogged pipe. I am assuming there are no metal shavings since I can think of no reason they would get there.

Certainly your time is worth some amount of $$$ but at probably $100+ an hour you will save if a BMW pro does the work, assuming you will gain confidence in doing other maintenance, will feel some satisfaction and that you can can get answers to any questions along the way, I don't see a downside of DIY unless you can't get at it right away.

The condition of the CCV system is not a certainty that your X has been poorly maintained. Even if that is the case that does not mean it is a certainty to be a maintanence hog. I don't share the experience of those in the maintenance hog camp but I log in the reasons they feel that way and keep a closer watch on what they have had problems with.

I think the optimum purchase of a used X5 is one that has less than 50-60,000 miles on the clock, comes with full maintenance records, 1-2 owner and you can purchase a warranty to cover the expensive stuff--- if there is one out there. That doesn't mean you have made a poor decision if that is not the case for you or that process will be beneficial but it is hard to argue that it won't.

[JonbmwX5]

Thanks guys, soz for the late reply been super busy yeah we are looking at replacing the x5 as it's a 2001 so getting old but would like another year or two at of her.

Can't say the x has had alot of work done the cars been great, it goes in for its annual service oil n filter change and a once over just before it's mot and passed with only 2 advisories a tyre and rear bushes were changed (wife said it wasn't cheap as the garage had to get in specialist tools)

So was a shock when specialist said needed 30 jobs doing soon rather than later, suppose that's the difference between specialist and a garage, they know what faults to look for.

Anyway I have fixed the misfire issues woooooohooooo!! by replacing coil 5 and been very busy today working through the job sheet, crankcase valve was straight forward enough a little tricky but just took my time.

So new plugs, rocker cover gasket, coil and crankcase valve and pipes has sorted to misfire

Done all discs (they are bloody heavy) n pads plus rear left brake pipe, new number plate led number plate blub and wipers.

Also fixed, well replaced the sticky door handle so about half way through the job list but got the weekend

Onto the rear suspension next as back tyres leaning in and worn on the inside (both tyres being replaced in the morning) , then front control arms and drop links and upto date! :-)

Been advised next year the x will need a rear wheel bearing and front cv gaitor but the wife can take it in to the garage for them lol!

I have enough brownie points now ;-)

Getting attached to the wife's car might even treat her to these round front lights she keeps Going on about to update it.

Hopefully a couple more years of with the x5, thanks for all you help and advise, much appreciated :-)

[bcredliner]

Great progress!

[crystalworks]

Nice work jon. If you are handy at all... there is rarely a reason to just ditch an x5. You went from 3000+ in cost to ??? doing the work yourself? Nice savings I'm sure.

[JonbmwX5]

Thanks I wouldn't say I'm handy just basic DIY, my dad had the old 7 series 4.4 beast and learnt a lot by helping him when he used to work on it, plus I have two alfa so need to know the basics. Anything engine wise like cambelts/head gaskets/valves I leave to the experts as way over my head lol!

So far I have spent £690 but still got a fair few things to buy so I recon total spend will be £1100.

Also fell back in love with the wife x5 doing all the work and the money we have saved I will treat her to newer front light upgrade (angle eyes/halo?) if they are just plug in and play? and get the alloys refurbed, always liked the wheels although they are range rover 22 inch stormers, think I have been bitten by the bmw bug! Lol!

[JonbmwX5]

Thanks I wouldn't say I'm handy just basic DIY, my dad had the old 7 series 4.4 beast and learnt a lot by helping him when he used to work on it, plus I have two alfa so need to know the basics. Anything engine wise like cambelts/head gaskets/valves I leave to the experts as way over my head lol!

So far I have spent £690 but still got a fair few things to buy so I recon total spend will be £1100.

Also fell back in love with the wife x5 doing all the work and the money we have saved I will treat her to newer front light upgrade (angle eyes/halo?) if they are just plug in and play? and get the alloys refurbed, always liked the wheels although they are range rover 22 inch stormers, think I have been bitten by the bmw bug! Lol!