CCV Valve replacement [Archive] - BMW E46 330 ZHP For Sale Forum

Speedracer

03-12-2012, 05:53 PM

So my check engine light came on and my buddy at Baron BMW checked it out for me. CCV valve, or the oil separator, finally gave out after 96k. He hooked me up on the parts saving me $200. Ended up getting all the hoses, the valve, new lower intake boot (stupid crap is always tearing), and the oil filter housing gasket. Let me start off by saying, if you've not done it, I wouldn't unless you are mechanically adept. Luckily I am and have access to a shop and tools and a lift. They told me expect to a solid 4-5hrs just getting it off. Well, it took about 2hrs to get the old valve and hoses out, and the oil filter housing off. And it took about 2.5hrs to get it all back together. I must say...that's a royal pain in the ass! But, I wanted to do it right. No more oil leak or check engine light! If anyone decides to tackle this project...be careful, a couple of those hoses are triiiiiicky!

nike001

03-12-2012, 06:04 PM

Yeah, I payed my dealer (employee rate) to do mine. The tech that did mine had everything done in 2.5 hours. He even took the DISA off and inspected it and cleaned my ICV. I knew that I wasn't going to be able to do it.

LivesNearCostco

03-12-2012, 08:27 PM

Would either of you mind sharing the code(s) that incidate a failed CCV?

Speedracer

03-12-2012, 09:03 PM

Would either of you mind sharing the code(s) that incidate a failed CCV?

I'll get back to you on that. I think I might have the paperwork at the shop, if not, I can get the code from my buddy at the dealer.

nike001

03-13-2012, 07:02 AM

Would either of you mind sharing the code(s) that incidate a failed CCV?

I did mine fora 'preventative maintenance' type of thing. You can tell your CCV is failing with oil burning among other things. If you look around for CCV problems, people will show you to test it by taking off your oil filler cap on the top of your engine. If it makes a chewbacca type of noise then you probably need a new one. I changed mine before it went completely out. Water freezes in there and freezes everything and next thing you know you either get all of your oil dumped out the tailpipe or dumped right in to the engine. A failed CCV rarely ends well. I wasn't about to take my chances.. so I changed it.

RVAzhp

04-04-2012, 09:01 AM

it took me about a solid 8 hours to replace everything and get everything including belts etc. ccv was a huge pain in the ass. finally just broke it apart to get it out.

VaTechZHP

04-12-2012, 08:36 AM

I just ordered that part as well. Was going to have my shop replace it for me with new hoses etc. I've been chasing an erratic idle issue and thought it was just a tear in the lower boot. Threw that on, and same symptoms. Does the CCV going out have any impact on driveability? My car feels like it has either a dying ICV or some kind of vacuum leak.

HokieZHP

06-27-2012, 02:02 PM

Is there a list of parts required to do this? I'm about to place a big ECS order and want to include the CCV parts as well. I found two different CCV's on their website. Can someone tell me which I need and also what other parts I need to do the job?

Thanks

danewilson77

06-27-2012, 02:29 PM

Do you want the cold weather CCV?

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

HokieZHP

06-27-2012, 03:43 PM

Yeah probably since it gets pretty cold here in Blacksburg.

So is it this one: http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Search/Crankcase_Valve/ES25703/

and what else do I need?

Nomar06

06-27-2012, 04:22 PM

Might as well get the level 2 kit.....http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Search/Oil_Separator/ES1905414/

and throw in the upper intake boot....http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Search/Intake_Boot/ES34025/

danewilson77

06-27-2012, 04:30 PM

No...that is not the correct one bro.

danewilson77

06-27-2012, 04:32 PM

You're looking for this bro....

CCV Kit from BavAuto - $125 shipped

Kit Includes the following part numbers:

•11 61 7 533 400 - Oil Separator Valve
•11 15 7 532 629 - Vent Hose
•11 61 7 533 398 - Vent Pipe
•11 61 7 533 399 - Connecting Line
•11 61 7 504 536 - Return Pipe
•11 72 7 545 323 - Vacuum Hose
•11 43 1 740 045 - Oil dip stick o-ring

Here it is at ECS. Just punch in the part numbers above, and buy away.

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Search/11617533400/ES25780/

Additionally, I really would recommend you replacing the tensioners with the pulleys and not just the wheels. Just my humble opinion.

Hydraulic tensioner

ECS
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Search/11287838797/ES517967/

BMW
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Search/11287838797/ES21813/

Ruville
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Search/11287838797/ES253095/

Deflection Pulley

Multitude of options here....
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Search/11287841228/

AC Tensioner

Options here as well...but I like INA....
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Search/11287512758/

HokieZHP

06-27-2012, 04:37 PM

I already did my boots! :thumbsup

Dane, how different are the two valves? Do you know? I like that ECS kit. I'm about to place a huge order with them tonight.

danewilson77

06-27-2012, 06:01 PM

I already did my boots! :thumbsup

Dane, how different are the two valves? Do you know? I like that ECS kit. I'm about to place a huge order with them tonight.

The weatherized CCV makes a huge diff in cold weather, so I've heard. I will be moving to this when I don CCV overhaul. Can't leave hydrolock to chance.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

HokieZHP

06-27-2012, 06:31 PM

Do I need to get the hydraulic tensioners or can I just use the mechanical ones. The hydraulic ones are twice as much!

Or is one tensioner hydraulic and the other is mechanical? I'm confused.

danewilson77

06-27-2012, 06:34 PM

There is one that has to be mechanical. The AC tensioner.

You can use the mechanical deep belt tensioner as well, if you wish. Get the p/n off realoem.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

HokieZHP

06-27-2012, 06:45 PM

Oh ok. So the alternator tensioner is mechanical now but you recommend it be switched to hydraulic?

danewilson77

06-28-2012, 03:51 AM

Yes. If you have a mechanical tensioner.

ryankokesh

01-29-2013, 05:08 AM

Ugh... So this monster is on my todo ASAP list. How long are we looking at labor-wise if I take it to an Indy? Looks like we're kind of all over the charts... I'm going to call today for a ballpark quote, but just wondering what's reasonable.

Is there any reason to go with genuine BMW parts over third party for this? I'm thinking to order the ECS cold weather 3rd party level-two kit.

Also, should I be getting the cold weather dipstick tube, or will the normal one be ok?

I am not excited about this. Lol.

Thanks!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

danewilson77

01-29-2013, 05:12 AM

You're getting cooling system rebuilt and pulley's/belts?

Cooling system ~ Shop charges at least 5 hours I bet.

Pulley's/belts ~ I bet they charge at least 2 hours.

ryankokesh

01-29-2013, 05:47 AM

Nah... Most of the cooling system has been replaced, and what's left I don't mind doing myself. Same with pulleys and belts.

I'm just not excited about the ccv project in January in Chicago. Were it summer I'd probably give it a shot myself...

I could probably get away with not doing it this winter, but I'm too afraid to risk it. I have a super-short commute and the mustardy mayo gunk builds up during the week. Goes down on the weekend when I drive it more, but still. And I'm a little confused why I don't get chewbaca sounds with the oil cap off, but I'm fairly sure it needs replacing regardless.

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kayger12

01-30-2013, 02:49 AM

I don't think a new ccv is going to do anything for the M54 mayo buildup.

Sent from my kick-A Galaxy S3

danewilson77

01-30-2013, 06:53 AM

Moar info

Three common ones (symptoms of failing CCV):

1) Cracks in the air hoses leading to and from the CCV.

Symptoms: lean condition, P0171 and P0174.

Diagnosis: Remove oil filler cap while at idle. Leaking CCV system will cause stumbling and a very strong suction on the oil filler cap.

2) Failure to separate oil from vapor

Symptoms: More-than-expected oil consumption - oily crankcase gases are being returned to the intake instead of separated properly.

Diagnosis: Check plugs and DISA for oil contamination.

3) Clogged with oil-ice or sludge

Symptoms: 'splosions in the engine bay

Cause: Short trips in cold weather, allowing moisture (inherent to gasoline combustion) to get in the oil and never burn off. Moisture mixes with oil and makes yellow snot. Yellow snot sticks in CCV, car is left outside in freezing temperature, snot turns to ice-snot, then the crankcase vapors that the CCV is supposed to separate instead just build pressure inside the crankcase... until POW!

Early Diagnosis: yellow goo or black sludge under the valve cover or on the underside of the filler cap

Late diagnosis: oil all over the place, terrible lean conditions, maybe oil fills the cylinders, wallet vanishes.

The CVV takes oily crankcase gases (found in all internal combustion engines), separates the oil, returns the oil down the dipstick tube to the sump, and recycles the gases into the intake to be combusted.

If your daily commute is relatively short, and the engine rarely gets up to full operating temp, you need to worry. Refer to point 3 in my previous post. Solution: take it for a hot highway drive for about 30 minutes every week or two.

If your daily commute is not short, and the engine gets up to full temp every time you drive, you have no need to worry... for now.

ryankokesh

01-30-2013, 07:14 AM

I've always thought the mayo is from the ccv not working as well as it should. I have a short commute, but I'm working under the assumption that a new car, for example, would not have the mayo under the same conditions.

The more I read about it, the more I hear that this part was not exactly designed correctly by BMW the first time and should be replaced, along with the dipstick and corresponding hoses, with the new cold-weather versions of each.

aurelius

02-21-2013, 11:50 AM

Just found this semi-hidden gem with more info on the upcoming CCV solution from GAS:

http://www.germanautosolutions.com/b...ct_m54_ccv.php (http://www.germanautosolutions.com/bmw_solutions/ccv_products/m54_gas_ccv/product_m54_ccv.php)

Dave_B

02-21-2013, 05:56 PM

$154.25 here

http://www.oembimmerparts.com/product_p/CRKCSKITAE46CC.htm?gclid=CPOVsqbnyLUCFQ3NnAodh3UAj A

Thoughts on that one?

At the bottom of that page it says with Cold Climate Version only. What does that mean? How can I tell if mine is cold climate version? Top hose under the fuel rail cover is insulated.

aurelius

02-21-2013, 08:27 PM

nike001

02-22-2013, 07:07 AM

Given the work involved and as mentioned HERE (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?9105-P0174-and-P0171-SES&p=243034#post243034), one might consider waiting for THIS (http://www.germanautosolutions.com/bmw_solutions/ccv_products/m54_gas_ccv/product_m54_ccv.php).

EDIT: words above in ALL CAPS are hyperlinks.

+1 that system looks awesome. Looking forward to it. I have no CCV issues but will probably go this route. Since they mentioned the high price of a BMW replacement one, I'm hoping that means that their new system wont cost that much

aurelius

02-22-2013, 07:41 AM

"The German Auto Solutions CCV system will be priced similar to a complete OEM system..."

7299

nike001

02-22-2013, 07:46 AM

^I put my name in the mailing list for when more info on this comes out

WOLFN8TR

02-24-2013, 01:22 PM

^I put my name in the mailing list for when more info on this comes out

X2...

ryankokesh

02-24-2013, 02:07 PM

BimmerWill

02-24-2013, 02:53 PM

Ugh too bad I did mine already lol

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

Reckless

04-24-2013, 02:18 AM

johnnyrad

04-24-2013, 08:58 AM

Will be doing the replacement this weekend on my xi. All because I'm a dope and cracked the line from the vanos to the separator. Total double face palm

echo46

04-24-2013, 01:23 PM

Yea, have to be very careful with the CCV tubes, hoses, connectors etc. PIA!!

Lanister

10-07-2013, 12:56 PM

Any word from German Auto Solution fellas?

WOLFN8TR

10-21-2013, 06:50 AM

Any word from German Auto Solution fellas?

Not yet. I'm waiting on these guys to do my CCV.

kayger12

10-21-2013, 12:55 PM

Not yet. I'm waiting on these guys to do my CCV.

+1

llll1l1ll

11-19-2013, 06:34 PM

Has anybody done the CCV while they did the oil filter housing gasket? Seems like it would be a real PITA. I'm going to tackle the OFHG and that seems fairly easy. I'm just wondering if that would maybe be an ideal time to do the CCV.

Lanister

11-19-2013, 06:44 PM

Yep, that would be a great time to do both.

WOLFN8TR

11-19-2013, 06:51 PM

Wish I would of done mine while doing the OFHG. So much more room to get to it.

Hornung418

11-19-2013, 06:55 PM

NO MATTER WHEN YOU DO IT...IT'S A MASSIVE PAIN IN THE ASS.

Just a little cautionary waring.

I pulled the manifold so my big mitts could work more efficiently.

echo46

11-20-2013, 04:38 AM

Yes, it is a PiTA, those hose connections are a beast to get on and off. Best way to do it is to removed he manifold, as mentioned above. Are you going with the cold weather version including the oil dip stick tube?

llll1l1ll

11-20-2013, 05:08 PM

Hmmm... Remove the manifold? I dunnnooooo. I was planning on just wedging my hands up in there.

In any case, I did the ol' oil cap removal trick while the engine was running. Car didn't hesitate or anything and just kept going. I think it seems pointless to change the CCV when it appears to be functioning. However, the hose running to the valve cover seems kinda stiff and creaks when I move it. So, if anything, the hoses ought to be replaced. If I were to do the CCV, I would certainly get the cold weather version. I think it would just stand up to time better.

As a side note, the only reason I think it's bad is that there's a suction-y type sound when I rev the car, but I think it's just a big engine and throttle body noise. FWIW my car has 121,566 on the clock.

ryankokesh

05-30-2014, 10:50 AM

I think I'm going to tackle the ccv this weekend... not too psyched about it though. Any more tips?

Hornung418

05-30-2014, 11:39 AM

Ryan, which route are you going to take?

Sent from my GS3.

Lanister

05-30-2014, 12:27 PM

I think I'm going to tackle the ccv this weekend... not too psyched about it though. Any more tips?

If you're in any doubt about your OFHG or even if it's half way through its estimated life, do it at the same time. With alternator out, CCV is VERY easy. Otherwise, good luck regrowing skin on your knuckles :)

ELCID86

05-30-2014, 12:31 PM

So if I'm planning to do water system and OFHG, should I also do the CCV? (Please say no and save me money, time and skin!)

Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

mbeckel

05-30-2014, 01:07 PM

So if I'm planning to do water system and OFHG, should I also do the CCV? (Please say no and save me money, time and skin!)

Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

Nah you shouldn't need to do that, unless you it needs replaced

Sent from in the bushes

ryankokesh

05-30-2014, 01:11 PM

Ryan, which route are you going to take?

Sent from my GS3.

Ain't no way I'm taking the manifold off.

Sent from my iPhone

ryankokesh

05-30-2014, 01:14 PM

If you're in any doubt about your OFHG or even if it's half way through its estimated life, do it at the same time. With alternator out, CCV is VERY easy. Otherwise, good luck regrowing skin on your knuckles :)

Ugh yeah, I should do the ofhg. I wonder if autozone will have one, or if I should put it off another week.

Is it that much easier sans alternator? That's thing's a cinch to pop out...

Sent from my iPhone

mbeckel

05-30-2014, 01:20 PM

Ugh yeah, I should do the ofhg. I wonder if autozone will have one, or if I should put it off another week.

Is it that much easier sans alternator? That's thing's a cinch to pop out...

Sent from my iPhone

I did my ccv replacement easily without removing the alternator

Sent from in the bushes

Hornung418

05-30-2014, 01:26 PM

Ugh yeah, I should do the ofhg. I wonder if autozone will have one, or if I should put it off another week.

Is it that much easier sans alternator? That's thing's a cinch to pop out...

Sent from my iPhone

OEM only. Dealer is open tomorrow right? It's not any easier...but if you are there why not, right?

No tips from me about removal with the manifold still in place. Good luck!

Sent from my GS3.

ryankokesh

05-30-2014, 01:28 PM

OEM only. Dealer is open tomorrow right? It's not any easier...but if you are there why not, right?

No tips from me about removal with the manifold still in place. Good luck!

Sent from my GS3.

OEM only for a gasket? Autozone doesn't have it anyway, but the dealer is really far from me :(

I still can't believe you take the manifold off each time... :)

Sent from my iPhone

Hornung418

05-30-2014, 01:29 PM

OEM only for a gasket? Autozone doesn't have it anyway, but the dealer is really far from me :(

I still can't believe you take the manifold off each time... :)

Sent from my iPhone

Did it while I had it off for other maintenance ;)

Sent from my GS3.

ryankokesh

05-30-2014, 01:30 PM

I'm just gonna do the ofhg another time... doesn't seem like that big of a pita.

Sent from my iPhone

ryankokesh

05-30-2014, 01:38 PM

Is the gasket itself the only part I need for the ofhg?

Sent from my iPhone

ELCID86

05-30-2014, 01:41 PM

Is the gasket itself the only part I need for the ofhg?

Sent from my iPhone

I think you need the o-rings for the Vanos line.

Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

ryankokesh

05-30-2014, 01:43 PM

Ugh, I was afraid of that. I can get the gasket from amazon but not the crush washers. Dang.

Sent from my iPhone

Hornung418

05-30-2014, 01:48 PM

You can do it with out pulling the VANOS line. Just undo the six bolts and sneak the old one out and slide the new one in.

Sent from my GS3.

ELCID86

05-30-2014, 01:53 PM

I got the Gasket on amazon. And yes, I meant crush washers--hey, they're round right?

Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

ELCID86

05-30-2014, 01:54 PM

You can do it with out pulling the VANOS line. Just undo the six bolts and sneak the old one out and slide the new one in.

Sent from my GS3.

Not a bad idea

Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

Stewbie

05-30-2014, 05:39 PM

See Bavarian auto's video diy for the ccv.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

Lanister

05-30-2014, 07:25 PM

ELCID86

06-01-2014, 10:29 AM

The one I got was VR. http://www.amazon.com/Victor-Reinz-Filter-Stand-Gasket/dp/B001HRB3PQ

ryankokesh

06-02-2014, 05:01 AM

Well I got all the ccv goodies in! Somehow I managed to lose the new dipstick I had bought last year, so that'll go in whenever I find it :facepalm

All in all it really wasn't too bad. I ended up taking my time and taking a ton of breaks and it wasn't a big deal at all. Although, that said, if you have big hands you may very well be completely screwed.

The hoses, ccv, and dipstick were very clogged with mayo, even though they had all been replaced ~40k ago. The damnedest thing happened though - I swear the freaking car shifts more smoothly now. There used to be a little jerk when you let off the clutch and got into gear that has disappeared. I thought it was just that I sucked at shifting or because of the lightweight flywheel, but it honestly drives like a different car now. I have no idea. No idea at all.

Anyway, thanks for all the help fellas.