2006 X5 4.4L Smoking Prob- Link Please?
 

Hello everyone. I've owned a few BMW's over the years and I love 'em. I initially searched the web for a solution to the 4.4 smoking issue and saw that it is usually the valve covers or the CCV's or both.

Mine has 120k on it but is a great vehicle aside from the smokes after idle when warm issue.

It led me here and I signed up to be a member- but I can't find the thorough thread that gives tips on the easy way to change the CCV's. I found them on Fleabay for around 25 usd each.

Could someone link me to that thread as I know this has been discussed before.
Thanks and I'll post pics of my 06 soon.
:)

;)

DIY from youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VJbQbLARkg

I wouldn't start the job until I verified the cause of the smoke. They both are straightforward DIYs but eat time.

That's a good one, I actually subscribe to that guy. That makes the job simple enough.

Didn't I see something similar to that (only smaller) on top of the valve covers, or was I thinking about a different BMW engine?

CCVs on 2006 X5 4.4 are on the valve covers, there are 2 total. The video link above is for a M62 engine, I'm sure you have the N62. Similar looking diaphragm as as video, but smaller and 1 on each valve cover. Simple to replace, diaphragm is under a removable round cap, about $10 each. But... I'm guessing at 120k miles it's valve seals, not an easy repair. Would try replacing the CCVs first to rule that out.

I'm a hot rod builder, in my opinion it is not the valve seals. The only time it makes any oil smoke is after it's warm and after an extended idle. And even then it isn't much. 120K is not what we consider "high miles" ;) We've got some with 270 on 'em. I saw the valve cover video and this guy's was different, so I wanted to make sure before I hit the "buy it now" button twice.
I'll probably take the valve covers off and clean them out, do all the hoses, plugs, tensioner and the belt while I'm in there. If I ever need to pull the heads, I'd pull the whole engine and put it on a stand. These cars are cheap enough, if this doesn't do it, I'll drive it until the tires need replacing and sell it dirt cheap on CL. :)

I'll post pics and updates on this thread when I tear it apart in a week or two. :)

I totally agree that 120k is too few miles for valve seals, but what you describe is classic symptoms for that engine. Google N62 valve seals and search youtube also. I'm a long time hot rodder also, so I'm with you about that it shouldn't need them. No need to pull the heads, guides are usually good, and you will need AGA tool kit N62 Valve Stem Seal Master's Collection | AGA Tools to do this, buy a used set on ebay. If you do pull the valve covers, you may want to remove the 3 red plastic tabs on the exhaust side of the valve cover before installing. They make it way harder to install the cover and prevent it from seating/sealing if you don't get it just right, very difficult with engine in car. Sending you a PM with contact info if you want.

Sorry, I have a hard time thinking anything other than M62. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBy0tRn2xLw

If not the ccv valves (usually torn if bad) Then i am afraid you may be looking at valve guide seals. Mine went at 70.000 miles. extended idle hot the press the gas and out comes the smoke.

Out here in the peoples state of california, any smoke and you will fail the smog test then you must fix. Luckly I found a shop that did the seal replacement with the aga tool that allowed him to do the job without removing the cams or heads. not cheap around 1600.00. if i had the tool and the time probably just the seals and valve cover seals.

Tool
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YacOx2ydMbI

Could possibly be valve guides but most of the time the seals do it.

Get them from estuning, elring seals, the talk is they are made better to stop the leaks. Don't bother with the oem seals. Got 20000 miles and not a puff.

This is quite common on this engine. If you are a serious mechanic and this is needed you could buy the tool and sell it or rent it on ebay.

If interested, I have the AGA tool kit from when I did my seals. Send me a PM.

Pghguy, do you have pics of those red valve cover tabs? I'm now beginning to suspect my smoking issue is as a result of poor sealing. Why? Because the smoking issue started right after I did driver side valve cover to replace the timing cover. And I had a hard time installing back the valve cover. I swear I had no smoking issues before then. My car had around 110k when this issue started. Currently I'm using a temporary fix to stop the smoking - Lucas stop leak and it's doing a pretty good job but I don't want to continue using it long term. I really need to do a proper fix of the smoking issue.

Could you please post pics of those tabs you're referring to? Thanks!