BMW E46 Cyclone Crankcase Ventilation System Explained

To get an oil/fluid check valve:
goo.gl/t2QapU
To get a set of the cold climate CCV components:
goo.gl/RDA6wX
Which consists of:
11617533400 - oil separator
11617533398 - valve cover to separator tube
11617533399 - intake manifold to separator tube
11157532629 - oil dipstick drain tube
11617504536 - intake manifold return tube
To get a set of the standard CCV components:
goo.gl/91Qxz2
Which consists of:
11617501566 - oil separator
11611432559 - valve cover to separator tube
11617504535 - intake manifold to separator tube
11157532649 - oil dipstick drain tube
11617504536 - intake manifold return tube
This video is for entertainment purposes only. 50sKid assumes no liability for any repairs or modifications performed by the viewer as a result of the information contained in this video.

[@danielsetareh3513]

Every single video this guy makes is worth reading like a hour of forum posts. Love it

[@cdesousa6339]

Finally.. someone trying to explain things, all your videos are straight. Subscribed.

[@larrysmith4296]

This check-valve mod really works! Thanks 50sKid!! Ordered the valve, received it 4 days later and our bad oil consumption problem was eliminated on our 2001 e46 330I. Quick note - you can do this mod in about 25 minutes if you do it this way: Remove cold air intake tube, filter box and top intake rubber hose. Then look down the dipstick tube (to very near the pan) and locate the oil return tube coming down from the crank case ventilation separator octopus. With a sharp 4" knife, reach way down and cut this hose about 1" above the top end of the barb from the dipstick (assure room as you need to press the check-valve barb into the hose without interference from the dipstick barb). There isn't much room but if you gently move the knife back and forth 8-10 strokes, you can cut it. Then install the check-valve. With this method, very little disassembly is necessary. Also, it may look like you should have access to this area by jacking up the car and removing the left front wheel, but there is not enough opening there, without completely removing the whole engine under-tray. The above described method was fast and worked great. Hope that this helps!

[@deenut2927]

How is the valve working so far?? Check valve right ? So you did it jus like he said?? Any info would help thanks

[@OaksCU1]

Yeah I would also like to know how it's working so far.

[@garrettgiuffre8505]

well said! 230,000 and 330,000 in the two I have and no issues with the oil burning with this mod

[@louisdefilippi8982]

@Larry Smith, report back please. Let us know how your modification is working.

[@TheAceY2k]

By chance, did you happen to have oil on the spark plugs and misfiring when the ccv system failed?

[@victornunez8124]

7 yr old video sure came as a life saver for my 2003 BMW Z4. I appreciate the explanation and my confidence level sure went up on this fix.

[@tk2070]

50s kid = bmw god.

[@773steve]

trueee

[@coreynomad5231]

True af

[@samhdz5347]

Ong

[@TheIrek666]

Yea, right. That's 50sKid in a nutshell. Episode 1: how to change pan gasket* Episode 2: my car dumped all oil and I got stranded Episode 3: what to watch out for when changing pan gasket Episode 4: how to change pan gasket (properly this time) *Insert name of any major part on a car. And, I mean guy learns as he goes, he is not a professional mechanic, after all. His DIYs are extremely helpful for newbies but he also makes a lot of mistakes.

[@shambles416]

E46 God

[@fernandomendoza9919]

Excellent video!!! Short, concise, no nonsense, not trying to be a personality on KZbin, just information that we the viewers are looking for. Thank you

[@bavarianfinestmotors]

Very informational explanation! Love your details videos! Even my kids starts understand how complex systems works. Keep doing what you’re doing!

[@aftli]

You really seem to know your stuff. Thank you very much for your videos. They were very helpful this weekend for the VANOS seals and the lock cylinder rebuild! Especially the lock cylinder stuff - without your video I would have never known it was that easy to fix. Car is running *great* now, it now feels like it did 12 years ago when I bought it, and for the first time in probably 4 years I can finally lock it! I'm pretty sure I will have to do the CCV valve, so I'll watch this then!

[@50sKid]

awesome!

[@ChrisTopher-jv6ex]

i really enjoy listening to you. you speak clearly with good intonation.

[@murigerick]

you're one the best I've ever seen, I've been following you for some time and I really like the way you explain things and demonstrate them! am already a subscriber and I'll keep following your videos! thumbs up

[@50sKid]

thanks so much!

[@2Jupiter]

Great Video & Fantastic Pedagogy! I´ve fixed the most DIY maintains job on my BMW E46 through your videos! Awesome videos! 😊 Thanks, that you Share!

[@Bimmeraudi1]

Another great video 50sKid. Thank you.

[@carlanthonym]

I appreciate all your hard work, thank you for sharing.

[@frankdietsche8384]

Very good explanation of the breather system.Your recommendation about removing the inlet manifold fully agree. It sounds like more work but it makes it easy. Thank you again

[@Poipounda007]

Thank you for an awesome channel!! I drive a E39 and replacing the CCV right now.

[@vusimuzizondo3623]

50sKid you are doing a great job also when coming to explanation. I understood you there very clearly. 👌🏽

[@cesarecute3156]

Best explanation of an issue on youtube. Thanks

[@grandolddrummer]

That valve at the end there was clever! I think my old e46 is due for one of these repairs (along with a few others). Thanks and subbed!

[@jakeclark9115]

Best video out there explaining the pcv

[@THATWHITETRACKHAWK]

I like how he explains things. I’m subbing

[@lycanzhp1141]

So that's how that handicapped octopi actually works! I'will be looking for the lower return hose to the oil dip stick tube now. That one part should be fairly inexpensive and easy to replace.. Thanks for your lessons man, keep rocking. !!!!!!

[@neo660]

Great explanation on how the ccv works!! Well done, your a smart man.

[@engelbertmaier2853]

Very good explanation. Thanks from the Home of BMW. Bavaria Germany

[@elizabethkihara2668]

Love your videos! I'll definitely try your mod. It's a pain in the ass to change the CCV system.

[@BirdogEd]

Best presentation ever, thank you!

[@PaulCTownsend]

Thanks for clearing that up. I use oil catch cans on my GM 2014 and 2017 6.2 direct injected engines. Like you said they must be drained at about 3000 miles. Now that I understand the BMW system I think that's a great way to stay. I installed a hose on the bottom of my catch can and installed a motor cycle fuel drain valve draining is a lot easier. The motor cycle drain valve has the right O-rings so the crank case crap don't affect the rubber in the valve. The air tank drain valves do not last very long. Thanks for the great info. Paul's Transmission & Repair Baker city, Oregon love working on vehicles.

[@vinthebin]

Thanks for the great video, I learn a lot with your detail explanation. For now I m trying the check valve , if the oil consumption stops or reduce then it will be great and is a easy job. I just worried the oil stuck in the hose .

[@mikejones7654]

Dude your awesome! I now know way more than I need about my m54. Thanks your dope af!

[@herrerafoto]

Another awesome video! Thank you professor! I'm your fan!

[@Ayixlia]

He knows so much like he's like a living BMW repair manual.

[@adamhaynes1695]

Wow, thank you for this video. I have those lean codes and i believe this is the culprit. Never understood exactly what it does, but now I do! Earned my sub.

[@50sKid]

Thx!

[@stonesthrow420]

I installed an oil catch can that is just chillin by my air filter. When I empty it, I just use a suction pump and a small tube. Takes about 2 minutes. Doesn't need to be emptied very much

[@fortyfour6626]

Would you PLEASE buy an old 07 n-52 e83 and make these videos again? Your videos are the best. I am a weekend warrior mechanic and not very good. you explain things at a level real people can understand without getting to elementary. I just watched the whole dang video even though my CCV is built into the VC. I would be done chasing my leaks and problems by now had you just bought the same vehicle as mine lol! Great vids, thank you!

[@alexandersalamin1]

nice video... now everything about ccv is clear. Thanks alot...

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

Another great video :). I don't have the m54 but you're a great teacher and I like to learn.

[@50sKid]

Thanks!

[@cherezuzin]

Thank you for your video. It's easy to protect this system in the areas with the cold climate - dont use the car during the winter for often shot trips. If you want to use your car for the few miles, just add to your shot tryp about 10-15 miles to "fry" the engine. And this system will be clean and the membrane will be intact.

[@based1781]

This video is well done. 10/10.

[@aubreyxengland]

Dude. Yes! Thank you so much. This helped me understand the system more.

[@chiralhome]

that was another beautiful execution . thanks

[@randyfleet9968]

Great video! Now I understand the CCV.

[@AtrocitusB]

I subbed just because of this vid. Great info thank you very much

[@ArtSkoolDropout]

ditto.

[@paulthompson4326]

Great video,I learnt a lot about bad PCV,CCV systems when I owned a 5 cyclinder Volvo,they are notorious for issues with these systems,worse han Beemers , the check valve is a great idea tto prevent oil being sucked back up, but it must have a very low spring pressure else the weight of the oil trying to get back into the crankcase will not open it by gravity,maybe on an M54 it is better to drill a small hole in the part of the dip stick double tube section above the normal oil level line so if excess vacuum occurs, i will not suck raw oil,another note for anybody intending to delete CCV , bare in mind that these engines seals (rear main, front seal and all the noorious leaky gaskets)seal so much better with a negative pressure on the crankcase,my suggestion is to maintain the CCV,but mount the new one outside of the engine,say on your left inner guard area, extend all hoses to and from,mount it a same angle and height as it was under the intake manifold but outside of he manifold , your engine bay wont look as tidy, but cleaning and replacing the CCV in future will be much easier, BMW really did place it in a prick of a place

[@scottsevil]

great video explaining the ccv. So what would you delete from that if you deside to do the catch can setup. Can you do a video on that, seeing you have a spare ccv to demonstrate?

[@TheAwareHuman]

Thank you so much for the video! Very informative!

[@giovargas895]

That was a great video, very informative. Thanks so much for sharing. Greetings from Costa Rica.

[@50sKid]

Thanks!

[@trenteckhardt]

Solid info--great explanations!

[@richardsmall1352]

I like this guys tutorials......

[@Tool0GT92]

If they put this part in an easily accessible place we wouldn't all be so mad about it, having it under the intake manifold is a pain.

[@Physiqz]

Just a chance to clean and replace small things along the way! (vacuum lines, plugs, gaskets, etc.)

[@50sKid]

Amen to that.

[@glasser2819]

that's how you know they're building a service oriented money pit 🙄

[@jeromeestrada6366]

Can I drive with a bad pcv valve for the meantime until my parts come in? I’m sorry if this is a stupid question

[@Tool0GT92]

@@jeromeestrada6366 yes its fine

[@oiygfdxssfgg]

Thank you for you're videos

[@Chrisgroot19]

Really good explanation. Credits man.

[@AR-nb1iv]

That was really educational and interesting !

[@danadams797]

I like the addition of the check valve to the return hose. In order to combat heat degradation of the top part of that same hose, what would you think about wrapping an 8x4 inch strip of aluminum foil lengthwise around the critical section for heat shielding, then securing it with worm clamps? Aluminum does a great job reflecting radiant heat, which is why they use it in heat shielding near the headers etc.

[@edva135]

what about thermal heat resistant tape? wires are taped with this tape from factory

[@eduardoheart6290]

You are awesome dude, thanks for what you do!

[@hectorvillalobos2859]

Is a very good information, thank you very much, I have learned a lot, I will do the changes of pipes.

[@alicandonmez6748]

Great video 🎉 I have a BMW Z4 which has the same M54 engine. Quite useful information

[@THEOGGUNSHOW]

Thank you so much for the explanation

[@billsilcott9692]

Thanks for the tutorial. You just set my mind at ease in a major way. I thought my X5 was going to have to be taken out to the pasture and put out of its misery, but now I am confident that it will be smoke free in a matter of hours.

[@1sobeit1]

Any news from your X5? Have you fixed it by changing CCV setting?

[@Ben-jq5oo]

Excellent demo, Thankyou

[@altafishaq4856]

Another great useful video, thanks

[@kyalthomson9165]

You are a legend mate check valve is genius idea ;) 🤙🔥

[@projman2155]

Good insight. I’d stay with the oe setup. the problem with aftermarket parts store pcv hoses I noticed is that they crack too soon for some reason. I discovered this on my Oil Catch can set up on my 4 cyl M44. So for my M54 I kept it the same.

[@burgessbrian9329]

Excellent video! Thank you so much

[@soundseeker63]

Very informative video! What size is that one way valve? Also do BMW sell the diaphragm + spring separately?

[@domingodeanda233]

That was pretty damn good, thanks. BMW, complicated something so simple.

[@joeybaaklini683]

How can i diagnose if its working properly or need replacement ? Thanks for all your great videos

[@tempest411]

Great video, and that's an excellent idea using a check valve in the drain line. The system overall looks pretty cheap though. What about a catch can, and running the drain from the catch can to the oil sump return line. You could plumb in the check valve you mentioned, or perhaps use a solenoid valve which defaults to open whenever de-energized, as when the engine is off.

[@TheaterAtReference]

Thank you my good man. You are amazing

[@Advancedlightworker]

thanks dude just the info needed!

[@georgeferragni9485]

Great video , good information 👍🏻

[@nov8603]

hey 50's kid watched your video on oil filter gasket replacement very helpful was wondering if you were changing your front wheel bearings anytime soon would really love one of ur detailed videos all the ones I'm finding aren't really step by step like yours

[@50sKid]

I know that my driver side wheel bearing was already replaced. Not sure about the passenger side. But i'll put it on the list.

[@seasonedtoker]

I think on these engines you could just stick a modified oil cap with a pressure gauge fitted, then start the car and note the measurement. If it is within -+0.03 bar vs. ambient air pressure (refer to nearest weather station). If pressure is significantly lower, then your membrane is stuck open or ruptured hose. If pressure is higher, there's a blockage or the membrane is closed.

[@bobbycampos67]

Nice bro! very good video!!!

[@nicks7548]

Great video as always, your a smart guy. I Have a question if you would be so kind. My 07 X3 E83 3.0l makes a whistling, whining Irritating noise slowly starting at around 30 mph, when accelerating then stops at around 35, starts again when decelerating at around 35 stops at about 28 mph, whether In neutral, in sport mode, with brakes applied or not always at the same speed and rpm's. It's high pitched and almost sounds like it's coming from my speakers or windshield area center inside car or under the truck, with windows open or closed. The pitch changes sometimes w/ rpm's, worse when weather is colder but car is warmed up. Sometimes doesn't happen, I'll stop, shut car off, go again and it will start again. I have a slight leak in my rear diff. added oil need to change seal. Changed multiple parts, rear bearings, driveshaft, reluctor rings rear abs sensors, valve cover gaskets, plugs, coils, oil change at 3-5000 ms. Made a mistake and put 75W-140 redlne in front diff and 75W-90 Valvoline in rear diff. Could the driveline be that sensitive? Performed adaptations for TC w/ new oil. Changed Tranny Filter, pan gasket 2x's and added fluid twice. Could be bad Tranny filter or humidity in oil? Low oil? Just put 4 new Michelin's. I have a little play in lower front forward control arms so I never put the plastic under cover shields back on because I'm always working on this vehicle. I don't know anymore, Please help. I'll buy you a beer. I Have Foxwell 510 BMW specific OBD2 everything checks out. No more codes since abs system was resolved. Truck runs pretty good with 135,000 miles, noise is making me crazy though. CCV, PCV? Pad and Rotors replaced 2 times in 25,000 miles and I drive easy. Sorry for the book. Peace!

[@pearl7p]

thanks for the info! I have a 98 E36 with the M52 engine and was wondering if you have ever seen a P1188 set due to leaking valve cover gasket and throttle body O-ring? I smoke tested it and the valve cover is leaking badly and so is the throttle body seal? The O2 and CCV and related hoses have been replaced.Thanks for any insight!

[@molliarti]

Ou ou ou ou... Thank you very much bro,your video is gold wtf. best wishes bro and seriously,wonderful info.

[@billrimmer5596]

Another great video! Thank u!!

[@indoperfect4068]

thanks for this video. I have a 2006 E87 118i with a N46 engine. What video can I see to change the CCV and its 3 hoses? Can I get away with not removing the intake manifold to change it? thanks!

[@ericduran3855]

You’re a legend

[@idocars3459]

Thank you for this video!

[@nazeer3495]

This guy is a genius

[@thescentman3678]

Really good Video thanx.

[@jarredwoods8682]

Hey ur video is very helpfull thank you

[@qitianzhang3641]

Hi great video, I have 520i E61 N43 car, I took some test , I pretty sure the the PCV diaphragm has ruptured, it makes whistle noise at idling, strong suction from oil cap, rough idling. just wander can you drive with blocking the vent hole on the top of the ccv valve cover?

[@ahmadsalem2939]

thanks man you are the best

[@seaton95]

very informative thank you very much.

[@GL0BETREKKER]

This is great, thank you!

[@dantekamenar5593]

Great video sir

[@kennyspringer7668]

Hey how are you love your videos please respond to this I recently did a smoke test on my E46 found the front tube manifolds it CCV was the only League I saw I just replace this whole system last year with a climate control CCV I live in Philadelphia this winter has been a little brutal however I didn't think it would fail this fast especially being jacketed, anyhow I put the 2 back on with a good connection and I'm still getting permissible Bank 1 Bank 2 on my scanner should I dig deeper into that CCV maybe the oil dipstick o-ring or tube it itself? Also sent a video on how to test it without taking it off did all those seem to be functioning well however this about says it's not functioning it on my scanner even though I just rebuilt it, if you have time please give me your advice and thank you

[@hugogarcia6318]

Thanks for the explanation 50's kid!! awesome video, finally understood how it works!! any part numbers or details about the Check valve?

[@50sKid]

Link in the description. Always check the description.

[@hugogarcia6318]

50sKid always do! somehow I missed it at the very top thanks a lot Sir!!

[@paulhuwa1730]

I love how your start out the video saying "On a normal car" lol You are so right. BMWs are Not normal.

[@jairobjunior]

I got a check engine light on with P0441, the interesting thing is that when I replaced the valve cover gasket and the hose that goes to CCV on the side of cover broke. Can the EVAP code be associated with the CCV hose?

[@markbohannan]

Watched your ccv delete video. i replaced my system with my starter replacement. Should I consider the delete?

[@Mark-th1gn]

I purchased a check valve and it looks similar to the own shown in the video, but i suspect the pressure needed for the oil to flow through is too high, i have to blow on it with some amount of pressure for it to open. Do i need one that opens with gravity or will the system apply enough pressure on the check valve so that the oil can flow down?

[@customcarinteriors4555]

Great video and thanks for revisiting this topic. I changed my ccv from you videos and it went perfect. Can you tell me tho... I have a 2001 M54 330 and I never moved over the blanking port you talk about. So basically the new ccv has been installed without this. Oh and lastly do you know if my aftermarket ccv would allow me to fit a genuine BMW new pipe to it. The push clip that attaches to the vanos has snapped and I was hoping to buy a new pipe from BMW with better plastic.

[@50sKid]

If you didn't move it over then you've got a small vacuum leak that is giving you positive fuel trim and causing you bad mileage. The bmw pipes will be compatible.

[@masterbruce1546]

Hey so you know that hose from the dipstick the one you said was the main one that rips. Well I had found that mine was torn like you said so I did the whole ccv system change and white smoke would still come out I drove it for a while and it stopped coming out. Was the the problem that was causing white smoke??

[@bmwjesusfuckjdm7104]

My upper one went out 😂 fml just learned this . Thanks man.

[@deadlygordis2314]

Hi. I've been watching all your videos and I gotta say you make everything so much easier. I just bought my ccv kit and I'm about to install. I got one question. how is your car performing since you replaced the ccv. and also out of topic on the brakes and rotors video. how good of quality are the brakes you purchased on the link you provided. and rotors as well?. btw I have a 2001 bmw 330xi

[@50sKid]

I'm happy with the brakes. I'm not sure I can speak to how good the OEM stuff is because I have no idea if what I took off was OEM or not, however I see no difference between the two. It's a good choice if you can't afford dealership prices.

[@azthundercloud]

deleted the whole mess. oil catch can and pcv . works great.

[@rugo841]

Great video. Thanks. 😀

[@nicolaslastella5376]

Nice video! Whats the difference with the e36 valve?