DIY Solution to M54-M52TU CCV problems

[BavarianE39]

Originally Posted by ArmyX5

This seem as a good short term idea, but doesn't the engine continue making mayo from condensation? Where is all that "mayo" going, the PCV?

The way I see it is there is a much shorter route for the crankcase air to travel, and its right in the belly of the engine which would heat up the pipes more than on the side of the block and create less "mayo", not to mention the slightly stronger suction which moves the air faster not giving it as much time for the sludge to build up.

[DoubleAIm]

Originally Posted by BavarianE39

The way I see it is there is a much shorter route for the crankcase air to travel, and its right in the belly of the engine which would heat up the pipes more than on the side of the block and create less "mayo", not to mention the slightly stronger suction which moves the air faster not giving it as much time for the sludge to build up.

This setup looks pretty good. Only worry is about the mayo going back into to the intake(if any). Are you able to add an oil catch can to see if there is any mayo coming out from this short system?

[BavarianE39]

Originally Posted by DoubleAIm

This setup looks pretty good. Only worry is about the mayo going back into to the intake(if any). Are you able to add an oil catch can to see if there is any mayo coming out from this short system?

I'm sure It would be possible to add a catch can if you extend the hose somewhere, similar to how I did it on my 540, I'll drive around for a while like this and see if there are any negative side effects.

[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).

[ramp]

I performed this mod on my 2.5L BMW 525i, 5 speed. Very well maintained but the oil consumption was concerning. Shall monitor. Great write up.