Thanks Boston X5 and BimmerDude. I think you responded to my post asking if this issue was fixed as preventative maintenance. I am a little new here and acidentally deleted my own post. :doh:

Does the 4.6is have the same issue? Not for me down here in sunny Fla but for a buddy freezing his arse of in NYC!

I was wondering the same thing about 4.8is model? Its -20C in Toronto today.

No worries...I just un-deleted it for you. :thumbup:

Thanks!

It is the same issue for every BMW made. There are two designs (the labyrinth separator and the cyclone) but they both perform the same function, and are subject to the same issue. It has been going on for years; it is just that a cold snap brings the problem to a new set of owners.

You don't have to wait for a catastrophic failure. You can simply clean out the valve if you want to. You can also replace the valve at 60,000 miles or so, for much less than the price post-failure. I have seen a procedure to install a seal kit that overhauls the valve for $15 in parts. Lots of options.

Despite all the press, I don't believe that the majority of BMWs will fail. It is an internet phenomenon that this much press is generated. Just my $0.02.

The latest news from the mechanic is that I need a whole new engine due to this problem. I wish it was just an internet phenomenon.

Can anyone who has had the problem to this extreme suggest a course of action?

ih82lose:

I was not suggesting that it is not a real problem, just that the amount of press is a result of internet communication rather than a probability of the problem happening.

Sorry to hear you need a new engine. If you trust the mechanic (otherwise, get a second opinion) then you can get an engine from a used parts source, repair it, or replace it. That can cost $$$. There aren't low cost alternatives.

If you really do need a new engine, look for a used shortblock. You may be able to save $$ that way.

I understand what you were saying JCL, and you have been very helpful. I am a bit frustrated with BMW now, and have contacted BMWNA about the issue. I've read about a similar case in Canada where BMW paid for parts on the engine replacement and the owner paid for labor.

It's sad that I am hoping to "just" pay over a thousand in labor for a problem that BMW has known about for years and continues to subject their customers to. Just looking at the front page of the forum here shows 6 separate threads related to this issue. It would seem that this is a widespread enough problem to put together a class action suit.