Yellow sludge in oil cap dipstick m54

[mikeinmn]

Looks to me like you need to do a CCV update. Have these components ever been changed that you know of? There is an updated kit from BMW for cold weather climates which is better insulated to prevent the CCV condensation issues that cause blockage in the CCV system. Common points are the CCV valve and the dipstick tube. The tube is internally split into two passages, one for the dipstick and one for the CCV crankcase breather. This commonly gets plugged up. The valve itself also tends to gum up and stop working which can cause oil burn.

Its a pretty large job to replace these components but is definately something a DIY'er can do. Get a service manual and buy all new parts from your dealer if you have one close. Use your BMW CCA card for a discount (most dealers give 20% off).

This will ensure the CCV system is working properly. This will not remove any existing sludge from under your valve cover. As long as you've addressed the issue that sludge you see should not further accumulate and wont cause problems.

[SlickGT1]

I don't know, I never had this issue in any of my BMWs. Or other cars for that matter. I don't just get it hot, but I have a habit of flooring it when it is hot as well. There are at least 2 on ramps I take every day, that I merge onto the highway at above speed limit, and it starts from a dig. I love the 1-2 shift sound from exhaust at full throttle in sport mode, brrrwwwllllppp. Oh yeah.

I change my oil closer to 8-9k miles. But I also use the BMW high perf oil. So not sure if that plays a difference.

When I bought the car, I actually had some of the gunk on the CCVs, and the oil cap. But I took care of that right away with new CCVs, new OE filter, oil, and a hot drain. Been over a year now without a hint of it coming back.

[ake53]

thanks for all the help everyone!
cleaned the area well. its not appearing anymore and barely any visible from the dipstick.

this must have happend when there was cold weather and i was only driving the car to work and only warmed up motor for 5 min. but now i keep the X in the garage. funny how the X is fully insured and garaged as it being said the car is 10 years only meanwhille the 07 honda bought new from dealer sits outside and has only colision insurance.

My coolant level is super low however. the bobber barely moves. maybe a centimeter. I have no idea how it always cooled the motor with barely any coolant.? So i just purchased oe bmw coolant and will pour in the gallon and let the air out later today.

[mikeinmn]

Originally Posted by alex77ae

thanks for all the help everyone!
cleaned the area well. its not appearing anymore and barely any visible from the dipstick.

this must have happend when there was cold weather and i was only driving the car to work and only warmed up motor for 5 min. but now i keep the X in the garage. funny how the X is fully insured and garaged as it being said the car is 10 years only meanwhille the 07 honda bought new from dealer sits outside and has only colision insurance.

My coolant level is supper low however. the bobber barely moves. maybe a centimeter. I have no idea how it always cooled the motor with barely any coolant.? So i just purchased oe bmw coolant and will pour in the gallon and let the air out later today.

That's just the expansion tank. It wont take a gallon, maybe a cup or two. The entire system only takes a gallon or so.

[Ricky Bobby]

I would buy a gallon of Distilled water Alex, and mix them 50/50 in 2 separate jugs so you have what is "factory fill"

[ake53]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

I would buy a gallon of Distilled water Alex, and mix them 50/50 in 2 separate jugs so you have what is "factory fill"

I was told the OE bmw fluid comes ready, no mixing needed. And I was suprised it only took a cup or two to fill completly. theres no expanison tank. just the side of the radiator holds the extra fluid and the bleeder bolt on top. its a pain. I happend to crack the head off my bolt, i got the remaing piece out and replaced the bolt with a new aftermarket one. it never seems tight.

[JCL]

Item 5 in this drawing? That is the expansion tank.

RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 3.0i Expansion tank, automatic transmission

[ake53]

Ahh thanks for the diagram. Yes I figured that. My coolant is running perfectly without a problem now.

However I would like to do a CCV update or a clean for now. The vacuum method looked promising.

[jgold47]

My understanding of the cold weather CCV kit is that it insulates the pipes and separator to prevent freezing and cracking (what kills the CCV), not keep it from condensating.

I am planning on collecting a bunch of the sludge and playing with it. Curious what happens when you heat it up (does it dissapate?), does carb cleaner or sea foam eat it up? etc...

Also, for anyone who has torn down a M5X engine with this problem in the winter, do you find it anywhere except the valve cover?

I think this is why its important to use a winter weight oil, and change first thing in the spring.

I am the poster child for this crap, I drive 5 miles to work, park it for 8 hours, then drive 5 miles home. I never drive on the weekends, and my car sits outside its whole life. But, in 3 years of m5x cars, I havent had a CCV issue.

yet....

[tmv]

FIY, CCV replace is a time consuming job. It's NOT hard.