All you suckers with failed oil-separators...

[JCL]

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.