All you suckers with failed oil-separators... - Page 6

FSETH · #1 01-30-2008, 02:36 PM

Thanks Boston X5 and BimmerDude. I think you responded to my post asking if this issue was fixed as preventative maintenance. I am a little new here and acidentally deleted my own post.

Michelle · #2 01-30-2008, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FSETH

I am a little new here and acidentally deleted my own post.

No worries...I just un-deleted it for you.

FSETH · #3 01-30-2008, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michelle

No worries...I just un-deleted it for you.

Thanks!

2002Silver4.6is · #4 01-30-2008, 02:45 PM

Does the 4.6is have the same issue? Not for me down here in sunny Fla but for a buddy freezing his arse of in NYC!

STALKER · #5 01-30-2008, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2002Silver4.6is

Does the 4.6is have the same issue? Not for me down here in sunny Fla but for a buddy freezing his arse of in NYC!

I was wondering the same thing about 4.8is model? Its -20C in Toronto today.

JCL · #6 01-30-2008, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2002Silver4.6is

Does the 4.6is have the same issue? Not for me down here in sunny Fla but for a buddy freezing his arse of in NYC!

It is the same issue for every BMW made. There are two designs (the labyrinth separator and the cyclone) but they both perform the same function, and are subject to the same issue. It has been going on for years; it is just that a cold snap brings the problem to a new set of owners.

You don't have to wait for a catastrophic failure. You can simply clean out the valve if you want to. You can also replace the valve at 60,000 miles or so, for much less than the price post-failure. I have seen a procedure to install a seal kit that overhauls the valve for $15 in parts. Lots of options.

Despite all the press, I don't believe that the majority of BMWs will fail. It is an internet phenomenon that this much press is generated. Just my $0.02.

2002Silver4.6is · #7 01-30-2008, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCL

It is the same issue for every BMW made. There are two designs (the labyrinth separator and the cyclone) but they both perform the same function, and are subject to the same issue. It has been going on for years; it is just that a cold snap brings the problem to a new set of owners.

You don't have to wait for a catastrophic failure. You can simply clean out the valve if you want to. You can also replace the valve at 60,000 miles or so, for much less than the price post-failure. I have seen a procedure to install a seal kit that overhauls the valve for $15 in parts. Lots of options.

Despite all the press, I don't believe that the majority of BMWs will fail. It is an internet phenomenon that this much press is generated. Just my $0.02.

You don't deem it enough of a potential problem to do a bit of preventative work to replace the part that might fail? Seems cheap enough to do it rather than risk destroying ones engine. I would think you could have BMW replace it under the goodwill policy.

JCL · #8 01-30-2008, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2002Silver4.6is

You don't deem it enough of a potential problem to do a bit of preventative work to replace the part that might fail? Seems cheap enough to do it rather than risk destroying ones engine. I would think you could have BMW replace it under the goodwill policy.

Replacing it doesn't ensure you won't have a problem, but for a vehicle with 60,000 miles or so, it seems like a good idea to me.

The problem is worse with vehicles that don't get warmed up completely, meaning that the water vapour in the oil doesn't get boiled off. That water vapour then may freeze (more likely with a real cold snap), causing a problem (maybe), leading to a pressurized crankcase. That can cause oil leaks, and in some cases, enough trapped moisture that a hydraulic lock is possible. Most vehicles don't have a problem. Replacing the separator valve is a reasonable step, but ensuring that the engine gets hot reduces the likelihood of failure just as well.

I do agree that the design has room for improvements, and if the heated vent lines are available and BMW will provide them under a policy agreement, so much the better.

ih82lose · #9 01-30-2008, 05:21 PM

The latest news from the mechanic is that I need a whole new engine due to this problem. I wish it was just an internet phenomenon.

Can anyone who has had the problem to this extreme suggest a course of action?

JCL · #10 01-30-2008, 05:25 PM

ih82lose:

I was not suggesting that it is not a real problem, just that the amount of press is a result of internet communication rather than a probability of the problem happening.

Sorry to hear you need a new engine. If you trust the mechanic (otherwise, get a second opinion) then you can get an engine from a used parts source, repair it, or replace it. That can cost $$$. There aren't low cost alternatives.