and it is located in front of he engine.

Where exactly? And what is the "plate" next to it in the schematic?

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...62&hg=13&fg=15

I bought the part and hope to install it soon.....

front left hand side behind the left head light.

The Tank Venting Valve is located at the front of the engine block on the driver's side. It is situated under the radiator hose. The rubber cap on top of the valve pops right off so be careful. Mine popped right off and I had to fish it out of my engine compartment.

The coupling which hooks up to the valve on the side is a royal pain to unhook. (#6 from the Real OEM schematic on the first post of the thread) It has a "U" shaped lock that you pull out. After releasing the "lock" I tried to disconnect the hose. I thought it was a typical squeeze connection that you pinch and it releases. No such luck. I ended up using a screwdriver to actually break the coupling to get the hose off. (I will be purchasing a new one)

Other than the side coupling the wires on top come right off as do the hose on the bottom.

You may want to purchase a new side coupling when you purchase a new valve. That way you can just snap off the old one and hook up a new coupling.

Anyone know how the side coupling comes undone??