Thanks for nothing BMW NA ( Blue smoke/Oil loss/Oil separator )

[taosx5]

I attached a pic of the original seperator from my '01 that had 85k miles on it. I cut the top off to see what was inside.
The other pic is of my current setup. I installed the new seperator higher than original by offsetting the mounting holes, which gave clearance to the hoses so they don't sit on the intake manifold. One of the problems is that the hoses touch the intake manifold. Due to the huge volume of air rushing thru the manifold, it is going to be at roughly the same temp as the outside air. Thus, if it is -20 outside, your seperator hose is going to be sitting on an almost -20 deg piece of plastic, which will of course only contribute to the freezing problem.
I have also insulated the lines. The pic shows some domestic water pipe insulation, I have since changed to some non-combustible industrial fiberglass insulation.[/QUOTE]


X5 in AK, can you tell me where the separator is and where you got the new one? How much? I have two 03 X5s, one w/81K miles and one w/68K miles. I drive them both in ski country in the Rockies so this sounds like a really good PM to do. Also can anyone point me to the info that supports this engine failure problem. I had not heard of it until today. Thanks in advance.

[taosx5]

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

Re: #1. There are different part numbers for all the different cars involved and remember there are different fixes as well (some involve replacing just one hose, some more then one hose, some wrapping hoses, etc.). What is your model and production date and I'll try to find out for you. Also what is the p/n of the separator that you got last year?

Re: #2. Thanks for the tips. BTW anything special I need to know to clean an MAF?

Re: #3. Very cool idea. Can't wait to see it!

X5 Meister, I read X5 in AK post about changing the separator and am looking at doing this very wise PM. If I send you model and production dates, can you help me locate the hose (hoses) as mentioned above? This too sounds like a very wise move. I appreciate any words of wisdom you can pass on. What was done differently on X5s before and after Sep/Oct 03?

I also have a Dinan mass air flow on my 4.6. My son was visiting today and mentioned that it should be cleaned. I looked at it today when I cleaned the air filter and what on earth would you clean and how? Any thoughts anyone? Thanks in advance.