Oil Separator Valve DIY? - Page 4

Wayne's World · #31 03-10-2009, 12:10 PM

Awesome. Thanks for the extra 'push.' I heard you're the matter of fact expert on the 3.0L X5s so I appreciate your time. I can also say that working on the X5, with it's higher stance, is a bit more of a challenge for me (5'8") as opposed to an E46 that is lower.

Getting to those upside down screws for the ICV and intake boot on the throttle body was done by getting at them from under the engine bay. What a PITA. But this time I've relocated them for easy access from above because I knew I'd had to get all that stuff back out to get to the OS.

My primary goal this weekend is to get the VANOS seals done and a coolant drain and fill but I will try to get to the separator again.

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lo_jack · #32 03-11-2009, 01:25 PM

I'm no expert, I just get hacked off and replace them more than most people. It's nothing you can't figure out with a code reader and a metric ratchet set.

I have to do the intake hose clamps from below also, but my arms aren't that long. It is quite an adventure.

If you have a compressor, you can use the old 4x4 trick and air your front tires down to 10psi or just before you lose your bead. That puts it lower to the ground for sure. GL with the VANOS seals, I'd be interested to see how that goes for you. I think mine are still serviceable but this might be on the horizon for me.

GXL · #33 03-12-2009, 08:26 PM

OK, I went to the dealer today and purchased all the parts need it to do the job. The total came out to $117.38 for the oil separator, 3 hoses, and 6 clamps. That was with my BMWCCA member discount of 15%.

Anyway, I'll be doing the job tomorrow and I will be taking pictures as well to post here later on.

I really hope this repair will take care of the oil leak the X5 has had for the past year...

The work will be performed on a 2001 4.4i with just over 82k miles.

X5 Meister · #34 03-12-2009, 08:31 PM

Hey GXL, you got the SIB for the job right? (Not hugely informative, but good to have).

lo_jack · #35 03-13-2009, 10:13 AM

I hate to bring up additional potential issues, but when you get down to the separator, take a close look at the driver's side of the block down there under the intake manifold, and especially forward up by the oil filter housing. When you have all the intake junk off, it should be easier to get a light in there and see what the block looks like.

You are looking for oil.