DIY Solution to M54-M52TU CCV problems

[ramp]

Where exactly is a description of "catch can". Thanks

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by ramp

Where exactly is a description of "catch can". Thanks

Oil Catch Cans | Everything you need to know and more!

[cn90]

UPDATE.

See the photos of my setup in Post #164.
Now 1000 miles later, zero oil consumption.
This is a great mod, highly recommended.

[$chlitz]

Where the heck are you guys finding the little plastic plugs like the one used to plug the black plastic air distribution runner? I went to Autozone, Advance and Harbor Freight and found nothing. Plenty of vacuum caps, which would work for the dipstick tube, but that isn't going to work to plug the hole. Frankly, I'm tired of running all over town...

[cn90]

Originally Posted by $chlitz

Where the heck are you guys finding the little plastic plugs like the one used to plug the black plastic air distribution runner? I went to Autozone, Advance and Harbor Freight and found nothing. Plenty of vacuum caps, which would work for the dipstick tube, but that isn't going to work to plug the hole. Frankly, I'm tired of running all over town...

If you go through the subsequent posts by the O.P. (BavarianE39), he now uses that port that he used to plug it up.
It is better that way as crank case blow-by vapor is sucked into BOTH ports.

So, see my photos above and buy the copper "Tee" as mentioned.
Plus you need a short section of 5/8" or 3/4" hose.
See the photos in Post #164 above.

[dangdude]

Originally Posted by Sroor9001

Thanks I did this but returned back to ccv cause I got leak on valve cover gasket and oil filter housing so I've bought ccv
Tried 2 pcv valve got leaked any way I'll do oil catch can if I didn't get ccv which I preferred no vacum than extreme vacum
I hope everything is running well for you if it's too cold right now I hope my ccv withstand at least 2-3 years

FYI, after 15,000 miles on this mod, I'm considering going back to CCV (though it's a sucky diy). The (assumed original) VCG developed a leak almost immediately after this mod. I replaced with Victor Reinz, and it blew again after about 10k. At this point, it's leaking like crazy. It's questionable whether VR gaskets are any good on M54, so maybe that's the issue.

I did recently replace the PCV (the replaced PCV seemed fine), and will replace the VCG again after carefully inspecting the VC for cracks. I may also take off the intake runner to make sure nothing's plugged. It's really acting plugged now; I *suspect* it pumped out 1 quart of oil after 15 miles of highway driving. Wife was driving; she said the X3 was billowing white smoke after she parked and appeared on fire. It was "really embarrasing" (sorry Honey!) It sounded like the PCV system might be plugged and some of the oil pumped into the valve tray was forced out the cracked VCG. I ordered a cold weather CCV kit but will first replace the VCG with Elring and see how long it lasts as a test.

My timeline:
10/11/2005 116k bypassed failed CCV with PCV mod
11/21/2005 117k new VCG (VR)
04/17/2016 120k replaced both front (p1) O2 sensors due to codes
03/01/2017 129k bad VCG leak noticed
03/05/2017 129k replaced PCV valve; original appeared OK
03/14/2017 131k very bad VCG leak; O2 b1p1 failed with P0131 (low voltage)

Will check PCV system for clogs, replace VCG again and keep another onhand in case. Thoughts welcome, and I will report back with results. Hopefully this is just a bad VCG because I love the mod, but I'm concerned about the lack of drainage to the oil pan may be causing pressure issues.

The GREAT news is no codes were thrown (besides O2 sensors) for 15k miles after this mod so far.

[cn90]

Valve Cover Gasket ---> BMW OEM only!

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by cn90

Valve Cover Gasket ---> BMW OEM only!

Victor Reinz made the original BMW gasket. Then BMW triples the price for the same gasket. No thank you. I'll buy the gasket from the OEM, NOT the stealership.

[cn90]

FYI, VR does NOT make the E53 VCG.

[cn90]

FYI,

M54 VCG is PN 11120030496.

* Dealer price is $40:
https://www.bmwdirectparts.com/oem-p...t-11120030496/

* Rmeuropean dot com pricing is:
- Parts Search
---> Corteco $19: I would trust Corteco, a very reputable company, major supplier for MB, BMW etc.
---> I'd not touch Elring, Victor Rein etc.

It is NOT worth the time redoing the job 2-3 times.