DIY Solution to M54-M52TU CCV problems

[Doru]

The "best fix" for the M54 engine is the new dipstick design & cold weather CCV.
The new dipstick design addresses the clogging/freezing issue of the return passage of the old design. the cold weather CCV addresses the freezing issue of the diaphragm & lines.
Also, owning a vehicle with this particular system and KNOWING how the CCV works, and how to address the shortcoming is better than changing components (that might not work 100% with the M54 engine).

This is a huge debate, and one should know exactly the difference between a PCV and CCV (Hint: CCV has a METERED diaphragm and keeps the vacuum in check at all times when working correctly - the CCV is open as the engine starts, closing/opening accordingly as you start driving. The PCV is CLOSED as you start the engine, the spring is NOT metered for the M54 vacuum).

My last CCV job on my e39 was January 2007. I changed the whole CCV to a cold weather CCV & new dipstick design. Engine M54B30, no issues, and we had some very cold winters since. So the original CCV system lasted 4 years and left me stranded away from home. The redesigned system is in the car for 8 years and works great.

I took my pick (and stayed away from home brew PCV/catch can solutions).

[BavarianE39]

Originally Posted by Doru

The "best fix" for the M54 engine is the new dipstick design & cold weather CCV.
The new dipstick design addresses the clogging/freezing issue of the return passage of the old design. the cold weather CCV addresses the freezing issue of the diaphragm & lines.
Also, owning a vehicle with this particular system and KNOWING how the CCV works, and how to address the shortcoming is better than changing components (that might not work 100% with the M54 engine).

This is a huge debate, and one should know exactly the difference between a PCV and CCV (Hint: CCV has a METERED diaphragm and keeps the vacuum in check at all times when working correctly - the CCV is open as the engine starts, closing/opening accordingly as you start driving. The PCV is CLOSED as you start the engine, the spring is NOT metered for the M54 vacuum).

My last CCV job on my e39 was January 2007. I changed the whole CCV to a cold weather CCV & new dipstick design. Engine M54B30, no issues, and we had some very cold winters since. So the original CCV system lasted 4 years and left me stranded away from home. The redesigned system is in the car for 8 years and works great.

I took my pick (and stayed away from home brew PCV/catch can solutions).

I agree with everything you said, it's true that when it comes to this subject everyone has a different opinion, similar to asking what oil people use. This is still a work in progress for me, I got the system to work at almost the same negative pressure as the factory ccv, I have a display of vacuum readings as I drive, and all I've seen change is that the pcv system has a stronger vacuum, but it varies the same way as the ccv as you drive.
I've compared the readings from start-stop, and cursing down the highway, I'm going to make myself the guinea pig and test this on my own car, I know that you have a much higher understanding of this system than I do, but I'm willing to give this a shot and progressively work on it and update my results on here. So far everything has been working wonderfully and I'm happy with this system.

[Doru]

What I would have done, I would have read the system's pressure with the known working CCV at startup, at idle with warm engine and revved (warm engine & buddy at the wheel). Then read the values for same environment with this setup.

[BavarianE39]

Originally Posted by Doru

What I would have done, I would have read the system's pressure with the known working CCV at startup, at idle with warm engine and revved (warm engine & buddy at the wheel). Then read the values for same environment with this setup.

That's exactly what I did, measured idle, 3000rpm rev, 0-60, and driving down the highway at 70mph, every single test showed the same sort of vacuum changes with the pcv having around 4-5 psi of additional vacuum. I'm still working on lowering the vacuum on the pcv system. I tried the vacuum tests from two different vehicles, my friend with a 530i that has a 3 month old ccv, and another x5 with a year old ccv, both cars had almost identical readings. I will continue updating progress.

[BavarianE39]

Day three update: Been driving without problems so far, exhausts are still clean with no black residue, and best part of all, NO MORE "Mayo" on the oil cap or dipstick, I have not changed my driving habits. Will continue to update if something else comes up.

[Ricky Bobby]

Where can you find the vaccuum ratings of these PCV valves is what I wonder?

Times like these I miss the OEM looking boost/vaccuum gauge from my old VW GLI, would be nice to have one integrated into one of the air vents so you could see it while driving.

[BavarianE39]

No idea about finding the vacuum ratings on the PCV valves themselves, but what I've been using to measure my crankcase vacuum is a modified BMW oil cap with a vacuum gauge nipple attachment that my friend made with a spare cap.

[BavarianE39]

Little update for anyone following. Been well over a month and a half now since doing this install. Car hasn't skipped a beat whatsoever, no oil consumption to report, exhaust tips are clean and free of carbon, oil cap still has no goop on it. Same goes for my neighbors 330i that we installed this system on, both happy with the results. -15 degree mornings seem to have no effect on this pcv.

[E39schwarz]

Firstly I want to say great diy post , Infact I recently did this to my e39 m54 due to 2 failed ccv's, and the car seems to idle and run better as a result, but I do have some concerns about the amount of vacuum this pcv set up creates, I noticed when the car has been running or when it's just been shut off the amount of extreme suction/vacuum the oil fill cap & dipstick tube have upon them, granted the rings need vacuum to seal properly but is this much vacuum overkill and could it cause problem down the road, like valve cover gasket issues etc?

And lastly have you had any problems with your mod since your last post?

[BavarianE39]

Originally Posted by E39schwarz

Firstly I want to say great diy post , Infact I recently did this to my e39 m54 due to 2 failed ccv's, and the car seems to idle and run better as a result, but I do have some concerns about the amount of vacuum this pcv set up creates, I noticed when the car has been running or when it's just been shut off the amount of extreme suction/vacuum the oil fill cap & dipstick tube have upon them, granted the rings need vacuum to seal properly but is this much vacuum overkill and could it cause problem down the road, like valve cover gasket issues etc?

And lastly have you had any problems with your mod since your last post?

Hey sorry haven't posted much recently, work and life has been busy. Yes the high vacuum is something I want to work out eventually. As of now the cars that I've done this to have been running perfectly. Haven't had any issues at all, no oil burning, idle problems, or gasket issues. If anything new develops or I come up with a new mod to solve the high vacuum I'll let everyone know. Glad to hear that the mod helped you out!