Another leaky VCG thread...

[$chlitz]

Hey all...so I definitely have a leaking VCG. Smoke coming from rear of valve cover, getting into cabin. Just started a few weeks ago after a few REALLY cold days here in Wisconsin. Car currently has 127k on it. I replaced this gasket once already about 3 years/30k miles ago (Victor Reinz gasket set). Already ordered OEM BMW gasket set from ECS Tuning. Now, before I go and replace the gasket(s) again, I'm curious to try and figure out if maybe my CCV caused the leak. I replaced the CCV a little over 3 years ago as well, but neglected to use the cold weather version (didn't even know it existed until after I had already ordered parts). I pulled the oil cap off and there is really no vacuum at all, but that could be because the VCG is already blown out. On a few of the REALLY REALLY cold days (below 20f), there is a loud kind of honking/screeching noise (don't know how else to describe it) right on startup that lasts for 10-30 seconds. Could this be a frozen CCV or would it more likely be a failing secondary air pump? I do have lots of mayo in my oil, but pretty sure in the 4 years I've owned this thing there's always been a fair amount of mayo. I guess I just don't want to replace the VCG only to have it blow out again on a really cold day because of something else that is faulty. Any way to test and see if the CCV may have caused the VCG leak, short of pulling everything off to inspect it? Replacing the CCV system was definitely the most difficult, curse-word-inducing job I've done on my X5 yet, and I REALLY am not looking forward to doing it again. Actually considering going the PCV/catch can route, if it turns out it needs replacing again.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks!