Oil Seperator

[Rick Moore]

Can anyone tell me where the oil seperator is located on a 2003 X5 3.0?? I have seen numerous pictures of a 4.4, but no pics of one on a 3.0. I'm thinking that my problems are starting. Was driving earlier and the steering wheel started shaking, car acted like it wanted to die and smelled like burning rubber. Funny thing is, once I turned it off and restarted it, there was no problem. I also can't find any sign of oil leaking anywhere!! Comments are welcomed!

[vinuneuro]

When our 3.0i's oil separator failed, we had the EXACT same symptoms as you are now. I can't tell you where the oil separator is exactly, but our oil leak was on the left side of the engine bay. It was enough to cause a small fire on the exhaust manifold.

[Eurosport]

on the 3.0 is below the intake, best bet for diy info on it is on e46fanatics, when i did mine on the e46 3.0 it was a pain to get to it, did it but wouldn't do it again anytime soon lol
have to take airbox, maf, tubing, work your way to throttle body, take all off, then you'll see and reach the oil separator right below the intake.
this is all without removing actual intake.
space is small but doable, remember to replace all vent tubes, most are frail...
gl