Here's a better diagram.RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 4.6is Crankcase-Ventilation/oil separator

Thats a diagram for an older 4.6. Not the posters newer 4.4. The ccv valves are the round items Bulk showed in his post. The oil seperator is not the ccv valve.

Here is another diagram.RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 4.4i Cylinder head cover

Thanks guys. I did change the CCV's but there still seems to be some smoke coming out (although not like last time).

I think I'm going to try to clean the valve covers...any good diy's on that?

Do I need to change the oil separator as well? Anyone got a part number for that?

The oil separator is the CCV. What did you change, the hoses? The oil separator or CCV is the main cause of black/blue smoke when it fails. I don't think you will fix the smoke problem by cleaning the valve cover. Usually the valve cover is cleaned (optional) when you change your valve cover gasket. You many try if you want to clean your engine with some seafoam or run some fuel injector cleaner. I've used seafoam before and had good results, but others have their opinons on the product. I put 1/3 or a can in the gas tank, 1/3 in the oil (before changing) and 1/3 through the brake booster line.

Thanks. I did change the CCV's. I was just a little confused by bagpype's comment that the oil separator was not the CCV.

I'll try running some seafoam in the oil before an oil change.

Could the smoke also be caused by not using the correct weighted oil? The first time I changed the oil I used 5w-30 but I read somewhere that I should probably use 5w40 since I am in warmer climate? could that be a possibility?

First off in your original question you asked about changing the crank case ventilation VALVES. Thats the "ccv" valves, NOT the oil separator. You are confusing 2 different parts on your car. The oil separator, while it might be part of the ccv system as a whole is definately not the ccv valves. There are even pictures in this very thread of these 2 very different items, you even posted one yourself. I gave you a link to very informative thread. Read it, take the posters advice, follow what he did dont just pour a can of seafoam in your engine because someone told you thats what you should do. Your oil separator is on your car to remove moisture from your oil. Typically in cold weather when the temp of the oil isnt high enough to vaporize the moisture, the oil separator " filters" out the moisture. When the separator goes bad it can cause a very messy engine compartment, and smoke from the exhaust. Moisture in the oil causes a white smoke, think head gasket leaks. Oil causes blue or grey smoke. Since Charlotte, NC is pretty far from cold right now im guessing your problem probably isnt moisture in your oil rather your oil being sucked into your pistons and burning because your ccv system is sludged up. Your valve covers being sludgy can be a cause of this. Go ahead and spend the money and time to replace your oil separator which you probably dont need. And while seafoam is a great product which i have used on cheaper vehicles, i wouldnt dare pour something other than oil down my crankcase. Please do yourself a favor and dont haphazardly take everyones advice, while everyone on here means well sometimes they give erroneous advice by accident that can cost you big $$.

No, the weight of the oil should't cause that. I'd stick to OEM BMW 5-30 oil or Mobil 1 0-40 euro formula (BMW spec met) if you can't get the OEM oil.

Thanks everyone for your help. I haven't been able to find time to get back on here and respond.

But, I did change out the CCV's and they actually didn't look bad. What I did notice (after further inspection) was that the valve covers themselves seemed dirty to me (where the CCVs clip on). I'm guessing I'll have to take the covers off to clean them out? I know I'll have to get a new gasket (I think they sell a whole set) for both sides but is there anything else I would need? I'm guessing this would be a pretty complex DIY? Has anyone done this?

Also, my service engine soon light came on a few days ago (before I changed out the CCVs - but haven't driven it since). I'm guessing it has something to do with the emissions, because it still smokes out the exhaust?


EDIT: I also didn't use any seafoam. I didn't want to risk it.