I pulled the manifold after I started to try and do it without. It's way easier if you remove the manifold and removing the manifold isn't that much more work given the benefit of a much easier and faster installation of the new CCV.

I didn't really think taking the intake off was hard at all. Really made reassembly easier too .

Same here... My first time around I did this without taking the intake off, primarily because removing the intake looked quite daunting.

About 12 months ago I replaced the CCV again, but this time it was with the intake off because I had to remove the intake to repair a broken plastic hose for the radiator fluid.

What I recall from the first time replacing the CCV (2009 or so) is saying to myself that I would never do this again and that if it broke again I'd trash the car... That's how frustrating that process was for me.

So, when I had the intake off last year I took the opportunity to replace the CCV. :-)

If you know you have to do the CCV, I'd recommend you take the intake off and replace as much as you can while the intake is off... For example, replace the vacuum lines, certainly that hard plastic radiator fluid hose and the oil housing gasket.

FYI There is a updated oil dipstick guide tube which has a larger drain port that reduces the potential for clogging. It is part number 11437563831. Here's a link for reference.


FWIW On the M54 another approach to replacing the CCV is to remove the alternator and the oil filter housing. That gives you plenty of access to the CCV by reaching under the intake manifold. The side benefit of this method is that you can replace the oil filter housing gasket which eventually fails and leaks oil. You can replace the drive belts if they are old. You can also replace the clamps on the power steering reservoir too if they are leaking.

I replaced the OFHG last year. Should have done the CCV then. Good tip on the dipstick tube but I'm just going to clean it and put it back.