Replacing the BMW M54 Crankcase Ventilation System, Part 1 of 3

Learn how to replace the crankcase ventilation system (PCV) on your BMW. In this three-part series, Bavarian Otto shows you how to do it yourself and save hundreds of dollars over what a dealer would charge. Everything you need for the job is available in our online store at www.bavauto.com/
Have a tech question about your BMW or MINI? Find the answer at blog.bavauto.com/

[@MartyHaloMeyer]

These videos are why BavAuto gets my business. Easy to view, great camera angles, lighting. and explanations simple enough for a beginner like me to follow. I also like how Otto goes a step further and gives you suggestions on what to do when it doesn't actually go as planned.

[@bavarianautosport]

Thanks Marty!

[@sgarvin0711]

I would have no idea how to do this without the video. So far, I am half way done. Complete dis-assembly. Not an easy project! Could not have even tried it without your video. Really appreciate it!

[@BTGaremberg]

I changed my CCV this weekend and found these three clips invaluble!!! Mega thanks to Bavarian Auto and Otto.

[@andrewwade5604]

Useful set of videos. Thanks. Did a cam cover gasket today on an E83, and ended up with cascading breakages of the crappy heat damaged plastic crankcase vent system. Thankfully had enough bits already and this video to help the process. Cheers.

[@xTRVLNMANx]

Dude I love how in-depth you are with nearly every step. So helpful! I would love to have all the knowledge you have, and the TOOLS, to do everything with BMWs. ..one day.

[@jruiz0305]

wow this instructor is amazing, so easy to follow and very thorough, i just did this job, for months I didn't know where my oil leak was coming from. I discovered the oil dip hose was cracked. The only thing I would recommend to those doing this job is, remove the DISA valve(it makes the job easier) and remove the Idle Control Valve for a good maintenance cleaning (might as well since you have already removed the major intake hose)

[@joeku98]

These things are by far the most hard to reach pieces on the entire car! It was a pain in the butt, but the videos are really good!

[@ManGaribay]

I had this job done on our 3 series not more than a month ago. My mechanic charged me $ 120 Dollars labor only, and I supplied all the parts. If this video would have been available then, I would have tackled this job myself... Thanks for this very valuable information, now I know where to get step by step instructions if I ever need to replace another oil separator valve.

[@bavarianautosport]

@Operator21 - The M52TU engines have a cable operated throttle vs. the electric throttle on the M54 engines. The M52tu has a vacuum hose that runs from a nipple on the oil separator to the fuel pressure regulator, at the front of the fuel rail. Simply remove the plug on the nipple (on the new valve) and install the new supplied vacuum hose.

[@Arcadekid]

Thank you so much for this detailed explanation on how to replace our PCV!

[@zamukito7]

Whew! I finally got it done! I am probably saying this because I was successful but I had fun doing this R&R of the CCV system. Everything was text book just like you narrate in the three videos. The only thing I suggest to the DIY'er is label the male/female connectors when you are ready to re-connect the wires. I also suggest removal of the Disa valve. THANK YOU OTTO!!!!!!!!!!

[@ScottParksGoogleProfile]

I just completed the replacement of my CCV System on my 2004 325xi (e46). This video was super helpful and gave me the confidence to go ahead and tackle this job myself. I took my time and worked over two days. First day was the disassembly, second day was putting everything back together. I probably have 8 hours total in the job. Thank you for posting the video. I referred to the video several times during my work. I do want to point out one thing that had me confused. When you explain how to remove the 'wiring harness box' at about 8:50 in video #1, you refer to a 10mm bolt and a 10mm nut that secure the wiring box. There is also a third nut that holds the wiring box to the throttle body. The box won't move out of the way (little that it does) until that third nut is removed. There is some reference to this third nut later, and that is what made me look for it. I was able to perform this maintenance, but there are several, very challenging steps. Getting that first hose attached to the CCV valve was tough. My valve had the extra 'insulation' attached. I wasn't able to get in installed with that insulation. I had to remove it. Getting each hose to lock in place is tough as well. Takes a lot of force that just isn't possible when the parts on on the engine. This project is doable, but give yourself plenty of time and take breaks so you can focus. Thanks for the video!

[@bavarianautosport]

Good input Scott. Thanks for sharing your experience, for others.

[@acerudee]

Otto you are the man...easy to follow video and clear instructions, I now feel confident I can tackle my M54 CCV , thanks to your educational hard work.

[@bavarianautosport]

Glad to help. We understand the DIY owner .... because we are too!

[@mresnick63]

What a great video. Thanks for the fine work and time you spent on this.

[@sampoteste]

Nice video. I just visited your store yesterday. Nice place up in NH. Cant wait to finish this project. This video is perfect. Thanks very much for producing it.

[@bavarianautosport]

Thanks for visiting! Good luck on the replacement.

[@jeremy339]

Thanks. I applied this procedure to my 2001 E39 and I was able to complete the job flawlessly.

[@Operator21]

Thanks a million finally got around to this on Friday before the hurricane and this video saved me a lot of money thanks Otto!!! Only one difference I guess there is some kind of vaccum hose t

[@Operator21]

Thanks a million finally got around to this on Friday before the hurricane and this video saved me a lot of money thanks Otto!!! Only one difference I guess there is some kind of vaccum hose thats connected to one side of the oil separator I replaced it with a blue silicone hose. Maybe because mine is the M52TU motor but any way thanks again.

[@mule666]

Explaning and showing is so correct and relaxed

[@lapitron]

Very Helpful Video-BMW Does Make The Changover Complex Though!!

[@mcmak666]

Very clear, informative video. Thanks for uploading!

[@askfskpsk]

This is also a great video for intake boot DIY; I had hard time tightening the clamps holding the lower intake boot with manifold cos there is no room for my hands to maneuver. Now I realize using a clamp tool solves the problem.

[@markferraro5250]

Great video is this bimmer drive by wire? It looked like the last thing you pulled out was a throttle control actuator

[@bavarianautosport]

Absolutely. This is one of the most common areas for both external (cracked hoses or oil separator housing) and internal vacuum leaks (such as a ruptured check valve diaphragm).

[@bavarianautosport]

Thanks for the appreciative words!

[@howlingmedia4354]

Hi ,nice work.I wanted to ask have you ever had a situation due to a vacuum leak concerning the air intake equalizer o-rings ?

[@jub3box]

Amazing Video! I have been researching the reasons why my car is burning 1.5 litres of oil every 800-1000 miles. Everything I've found so far points to the the PCV (some call it CCV). There are no visible tells ie no blue smoke and no oil leaks yet I'm losing an excessive amount of oil. I have a 330 ci (e46) and was woundering if the installation process is the same as the M54 as shown. Also from the symptoms I have described, do you think this is a clogged PCV?

[@azthundercloud]

i just bought a 2001 z3 coupe with a leaking gasket. previous owner sold it fairly cheap in my eyes becauase of this. he sent it out for all maint. . thanks for showing where and how to repair this.

[@pcmeckelborg7091]

I did it! Your video was a huge help to me. Thanks a ton. I watched some videos where others removed the DISA, but I chose not to and it worked out fine. I figure the less I touch the better! I did however remove the dip stick tube, since I was worried about clogging - turns out I didn't need to worry, but better safe than sorry I guess. Only thing was I would recommend getting the shield on a bit earlier. Thanks a ton!!!

[@bavarianautosport]

Glad we could be of assistance!

[@wgranville]

Do you recall the steps for removing the dipstick /separator return? Mine is blocked and I tried the compressed air trick but it did not seem to work

[@bavarianautosport]

wgranville There is one bolt securing the dipstick tube, on a bracket off the tube. The tube then pulls out. May be "sticky" try twisting and pulling.

[@bavarianautosport]

Great thoughts! Thank you for sharing.

[@pektomizer]

This video help a lot! Thank u!

[@batgacek1]

Dear BavarianAuto. The bottom hose which connects to dip stick has rotten and started to leak. The other hoses on touch are still flexible. My question is - should I change only the bottom hose or bite the bullet and change the whole CCV system with all hoses? If i change the bottom one only and clean the dipstick tube, how soon should I expect the rest to be in need for change? One more question. How difficult will it be to disconnect the bottom hose from the CCV? Those plastic connectors seams to be very brittle Thanks for help Kam

[@elizabethkihara2668]

The clips on the E46 that are hooked to the cabin filter housing slide up without having to pull at it. I was also wondering why not remove the DISA Valve for better access?

[@320Fan]

i did it with your help. Thank you

[@kazman500]

I have a BMW 323i. Bav Auto has previously informed me that they did not sell the 323i in the US but only in Canada.

[@jamesukm]

Just Used your videos to replace my CCV and breather pipes as mine were 13 years old and leaking. Thanks alot, would never have been able to do it without these, well done. I am however still getting the P0171 and P0174 codes. the short fuel trims however are baffling me Bank 1 is -25% and bank 2 is + 18%, have you ever seen this before? any suggestions would be appreciated not sure where to go now

[@zamukito7]

I am using this video to conduct this R&R of the CCV. The one question I have is at what point did you remove the throttle cable assembly?

[@conservatorcivilus]

This master mechanic makes it look easier that it actually is - be patient. My 2006 X3 is slightly different with a one-piece Air Intake Boot 0:43 (plan on replacing this also - inspect the small Bellows offshoot for cracks), and the Micro-Filter cover is part of the windscreen rubber surround and does not pull out 1:56; no matter, the Cabin Air Inlet Housing still comes out. Like they state in screen text, removing the DISA valve helps a lot before accessing the screws and bolts 5:12 You'll need to push the one-piece boot aside to slide it straight out - be careful, it's expensive.

[@josegallegos2350]

So I have a problem with my 2005 BMW 525i because it doesn't communicate with any generic scan tool so I can't get it to pass emissions do to that. Checked fuses and obd to see if any pins were missing but it all looked good took it in to a specialist and they said something about recoding a new module to it any thoughts because it's a fee of $1800.00 to do that. any thoughts would greatly be appreciated

[@bavarianautosport]

This later model did not have a throttle cable. the throttle body is fully electric. On the earlier models that do have throttle cables, the cable can be detached prior to the removal or after the throttle is unbolted and removed.

[@mavricxx]

Can you do a video on how to convert from a regular fan to an electric one? I hear it's better, thanks for all the great vids Otto!

[@bavarianautosport]

No current plans on this. You may be able to fnd some other owner done DIYS on this.

[@pokoyo007]

Thanks will give it a try.

[@kpy3p]

Great video! Going to use this as a guide for tomorrow. Will this work for my 2003 530i? Is there a difference between auto or manual?? Mine is manual.

[@bavarianautosport]

Yes, your 2003 530i will be just as shown (except for the AFE filter kit). No difference for auto vs manual.

[@bavarianautosport]

@lacktopher What year is your X5, and what engine does it have? If it is a 3.0, the procedure should be basically the same as in the video.

[@bavarianautosport]

Good job!

[@Kubilayk]

What would be the symptoms to replace this tough part? May the rough idling be one of them? Or a 2 secs hssss sound just when you shut the engine off? Thanks

[@KingFloish]

Hello, really nice video's you make :) But I have a question where can I buy the ratch you use in 5:25 in the video? greeting from germany

[@dafreakypinoy]

i have to do this on my 2004 x3 2.5l , will the steps in this video be the same on my car ?

[@pektomizer]

Hi i have a 04 x3 2.5 and i was wondering is this procedure will apply to my suv? I dunno what kind of engine i have since im new to bmw world. Any tips and advices will be appreciated. Thanks!

[@yeyox89]

Thank you but questions!! in my CCV for M54 i have a vacumm , where i have to conect the vacuum?

[@berenisesanchez8839]

thank you.. I have a question I changed both of my oxygen sensors but it still tell me that I have a pre cat oxygen sensor slow response cyl #5-8 what does this mean and I also changed my radiator outlet temperature sensor but it also says its not working what could be wrong?

[@kazman500]

In what circumstance would I need to replace the system? Also is it the same basic repair layout for an e90?

[@Skookie000]

Thanks so much for this! Did the repair, works great now. Just try not to make it look TOO easy.

[@jamesukm]

Thanks for the reply, i have had the car hooked up to a smoke machine and nothing is leaking. I have had to take it to a garage now as it failed its emissions test but they cant find any problems and the mechanic had never seen Positive and negative fuel trims at the same time. Is there a way you can check injector patterns?

[@bavarianautosport]

Do you have any engine management fault codes? Have you tested for any large vacuum leaks?

[@mohan106]

very informative video can i ue this vid for my2004 x5 3.0i

[@bavarianautosport]

You sure can. Your M54 3.0 will be exactly the same except for the air filter box and tube running from the filter/MAF to the throttle body.

[@erickg0569]

I am having problems with getting the hose the goes from the valve cover to the valve itself. Particularly getting the bottom of that hose to snap onto the valve. It just will not attach to it. The valve cover end is attaching. Almost like it's just a little too short. Does it have to snap into the valve? Is it okay to just have end into the valve? Does it need to seal?

[@burrell2k711203]

wish the was a link to the parts for this job on the car (crankcase ventilation system )

[@Doctorj63]

I remember the good old days when this was a 5 minute job involving pulling one hose off, and replacing the valve. I believe it cost all of about a dollar.

[@bavarianautosport]

@BullShifter100 - Yes, good time for going at this for the first time.

[@LoggyWD]

how did you move the dipstick tube out of the way? afraid i might break it

[@bavarianautosport]

Glad we could be of assistance! While this is a somewhat tedious job, you save hundreds of dollars by following our video and doing it yourself.

[@GoToDoAPooAtSchool9]

Follow these exact steps and you’ll fly through the repair it doesn’t take long at all, I didn’t break any part though haha. Completed my one today and my cars running like a dream now oh and change your disa valve if it’s never been done. 180,000 and my cars disa was wobbling pretty badly.

[@FreshUKauto1]

hi there i have an e92 335i with an oil leak on one of the oil housing gaskets which i fixed, but then it started leaking from a different gasket on the oil housing , is this high crank case pressure? im losing alot of oil, do i need to service my pcv?

[@TheKiketag]

hmmm ok thank you if you could help me with an issue im having.. i appreciate it.. my car start up normal but after about 40 mins dirving in the city it stall every time i come to a stop and try to go the codes that pop up are telling me that its running lean in bank 1 and 2 and i first checked for a vacuum leak and there was a cracked boot after the maf. but it still stalls

[@bavarianautosport]

This car (mostly, 2000-up) did not have an actual cable connected to the throttle body. There is just the electrical connection. If you have a model that does have a cable connection, you can either disconnect the cable before removing or after you unbolt the throttle.

[@bavarianautosport]

@jruiz0305 - Thanks for the great words. Good and helpful comments, as well.

[@xcofcd]

I'm gonna change my generator and oilfilterhousing gasket. I wonder if the oil seperator can be changed with these parts removed from the front of the engine. Thank you!

[@bavarianautosport]

This would be a good time to do the Crankcase Ventilation System repair (Oil separator - check valve and the hoses). You will have a bit more room to work on it.

[@SD4DInsane]

I got a p0173 and p0170 on a BMW 3 series 98 says a fuel trim bank 1 and bank 2 what u think is the problem?

[@wgranville]

Threw a bunch of codes and I think I need to do this CCV job. Checked the dip stick return per your video and it is completely clogged... also noticed a significant amount of oil below the oil separator but the unit itself does not appear to have oil on it. Is there any other parts that I should check while doing the ccv work? I would had to do the rebuild only to find out I need to get to the area again.

[@bavarianautosport]

Be sure the dipstick tube is clear (blow air through it). Also, be sure the plastic spreader on top of the intake manifold (where the two hoses connect) is clear.

[@watuzi]

Can I do this for my 2000 I528I, it's got 105K miles on it. Excellent informative video as always. Please keep them coming :-)

[@bavarianautosport]

Well, without hearing the sound we can't say for sure. However, if there are no external vacuum leaks (have you done a smoke test to verify?), the check valve diaphragm in the check-valve/oil-separator assembly could be ruptured. It would also be wise to remove your DISA valve and check the flapper valve and the rubber seals.

[@bavarianautosport]

By 2004, most US models we being manufactured with the "cold weather" crankcase vent systems, so your insulated hoses may be original. Common symptoms are lean engine codes, a whistle under some throttle positions, excessive oil usage, stalling when returning to idle, while driving (coming to a stop) and evidence of moisture in the oil (tan-ish sludge on underside of oil cap. If you are not noticing any of these, you are likely fine ..... for now.

[@bavarianautosport]

The E90 3-series models do not use the M54 engine. The N52 and N51 engine variants (that are used in the E90 models) employ a totally different PCV system. What exact E90 model do you have.

[@askfskpsk]

Great! Thanks a lot.

[@quickyx5]

Getting this done to my 2003 e46 330i sport while the oil filter housing gasket is being replaced, but the guy said he had to remove the intake valve?. This means more cost to the job. Your advice please

[@bavarianautosport]

This video was produced to show that the intake manifold DOES NOT need to be removed in order to replace the crankcase vent system. With this noted, many mechanics still prefer to remove the manifold .... at greater expense in labor charges to the customer.

[@bavarianautosport]

This DIY video was done on an E46 3-series.

[@miguelcarpio3974]

do i have to disconnect the battery for ccv replacement?

[@berenisesanchez8839]

what are the tools that you used ? usually in all your videos you show the tools and then you start the work on the car. So I can but them and start the job myself.

[@bavarianautosport]

* Basic 1/4" drive and 3/8" drive socket sets with sizes ranging from 8mm through 13mm. * Flex drivers for 1/4" and 3/8" sockets can be handy in starting some of the bolts - 63200 and www.bavauto.com/fland.asp?part=63190 * Basic combination wrench set, sizes 8mm through 13mm. * Torx bit set T-10 through T-30 (although, a larger set, such as in the link below will be used for other BMW work) Torx bit set - www.bavauto.com/fland.asp?part=27200 * Assorment of screwdrivers, flat & phillips * 6mm flex-driver for hose clamps - www.bavauto.com/fland.asp?part=53910

[@senadselimovic8649]

Whats the symtoms of a bad ventilation crank case?

[@berenisesanchez8839]

Thank you

[@RickyVenegas]

Is this pretty much the same process on the e46?

[@guri11214]

thanks a lot

[@bavarianautosport]

The flexible hose clamp driver is available at bavauto.com, part number is 53910.

[@SqueezeTop]

about to tackle this project, did you use oem parts on this fix? you guys sell your name brand ccv too and that price is awful tempting x)

[@bavarianautosport]

When this video was done, only the OE BMW parts were available. We have since used the aftermarket parts that we offer here and they have worked well.

[@SqueezeTop]

Thanks for the reassurance guys!

[@bavarianautosport]

We would suggest that you may still have a vacuum leak someplace. If there is nothing obvious, to the eye, a smoke-test may be in order. This uses a machine that injects smoke into the intake system and the smoke leaks out of any areas where a vacuum leak may be present. Alternately, fuel injector spray patterns may be poor.

[@bavarianautosport]

The M54 in the E53 X5 will be just about exactly the same. One difference is the intake tubing. It's actually easier on the X5. You also generally have a bit more room to work.

[@mortenbang1243]

Hello i have an BMW 525i year 2001 engine M54 there is an big oil use 3.5L in 2400km and engine fail p0430-p0420 any ideas what could be the problem

[@bavarianautosport]

The P0173 and P0170 are noting that the fuel trims for bank-1 and bank-2 are out of allowable specifications. At this point, we do not know if the trims are positive or negative (adding fuel or subtracting fuel). Our guess would be that the trims are positive, indicating that the engine is running lean. however, you need to check the trims so that you know what direction to go in further diagnostics. Our C-Reader IV tool will show you the actual fuel trims go to bavauto.com and search RESET.

[@TheKiketag]

can a bad ccvv cause a vacum leak

[@million40plus]

I just changed the CCV valve on I'm my 550I. It was as easy as instructed. Girl power!!! Heels, office attire, jewelry, with gloves on. I actually thought there would be one for each side. Oh well!!! I have extra!!!!!

[@kaaaaazzzz]

Hi, i just finished this job the car was shaking at first so i did floor accelerator 5 times (on ignition) and its gone now one question : on ignition theere is buzzing (vibrating) noise near DISA valve i think it is ICV. is this normal ? i never noticed this noise before thanks

[@bavarianautosport]

May be the idle control valve. Try using a mechanic's stethoscope to locate the actual source of the sound.

[@kaaaaazzzz]

BavarianAuto yes it is coming from ICV is this normal ? or that noise means it needs cleaning? BTW awesome videos you guys saved me lots of pounds and now engine is so smooth and quiet and drives like new

[@bavarianautosport]

kaaaaazzzz It's not uncommon for the idle control valve to buzz.

[@orangkhaniani6964]

Dear avarianAuto I found Whistling noise on X6-N54 (VIN: L347199) when I replaced the cover valve gasket, then I replaced the cover valve and PCV but still the noise exist when the engine warm-up. Please inform me your idea.

[@bavarianautosport]

We would suggest that you use a mechanic's stethoscope with a megaphone end (for airborne sounds) and poke around the engine to try to locate the source area for the whistle. It's likely a vacuum leak if it is indeed a whistle.

[@orangkhaniani6964]

Dear Thank you very much for your attention and prompt replied. It seems that whistling hear around the crank case end gasket but our main problem is the excessive vacuum in crankcase. Whistling comes from the weakest area but I'm looking for the reason of Extra vacuum in crankcase!

[@bavarianautosport]

Orang Khaniani You may have a faulty new crankcase check valve (you said you replaced it, correct?). We have seen new ones with the internal diaphragm pinched and not sealing properly. This allows the intake vacuum to be fully applied to the crankcase at all times .... creating high vacuum in the crankcase.

[@orangkhaniani6964]

BavarianAuto Dear Sir I replaced the cover valve included the PCV, 2 times! Vacuum in all three cover valve (Original one and 2 replaced) has been occurred!!!!! Also I removed the pcv to check the vacuum without it, but the engine work very bad and vacuum still exist.

[@bavarianautosport]

The 323i is specified as a US (North American) model for the E90 chassis. However, the engine will be either an N52 or N52N.

[@captkremen1725]

I've had a 2003 E46 M54 320i for 6 months now, and at 110,000 miles it's had the Usual Suspects: I've replaced the cracked coolant expansion tank, thermostat housing, water pump (though the original plastic impeller seems fine), both v-belts while I was down there, leaking valve cover gasket and new spark plugs as it seems the originals were still in there. Next is the fuel filter, which is conveniently located under the car whereas all the other cars I've had, it was in the engine bay. Loads of fun when you're working on a gravel drive. The one job I hope I don't have to tackle is this bizarre CCV replacement. Having watched the (very helpful) Bavarian Auto videos for a number of issues, this CCV seems a real pain in the arse and a really poor design.

[@marcinbaczkowski4114]

Can,this,be used in 525i 2004? Same process??

[@bavarianautosport]

Yes, the 525i with the M54 engine, would be the same.

[@roberthoovan4130]

How hard is replacing a head gasket

[@haycall]

I have never seen a mechanic work with his hand WATCH. LOL

[@DougZbikowski]

This reminds me of when I was 7 and took apart an alarm clock and was never able to put it back together :D

[@bavarianautosport]

Yes, but the injectors must be removed and then installed in a test rig, that checks the pattern and the flow.