Replacing the PCV System on a BMW V8 Engine Part 2 of 2 

I like your videos. I own an x5, and , of course it has the typical bmw gremlins. You have saved me a LOT of money. Keep 'em coming!

From your comment, we assume that you have an N62 V8. The crankcase ventilation check valves are indeed the two caps that fit onto the forward ends of the engine's valve covers. In this case, the units that you found at bavauto.com , by searching PCV, are indeed correct.

Eg in my case replacement of only the cap has not solved the problem because there was also a problem in one clamp on the lower side of the cover. When I removed the old cap, it also had cracked the hole for the clamp at the same place. I have not noticed it at the first time, but it leaks now, makes a noise and I will order second new part to be sure everything is OK there. I do not trust these plastic parts after 3 removals and re-installs, so it will be necessary to replace the whole part.

A very good effort and pitfalls explained.Thank You.

Mate this is a great DIY vid, will be needing to do this install next week. My 535i v8 has a bad idle, blows some smoke at startup, and is making strange noise's like a squealing (releasing a balloon ) noise 30sec after shut down. Im assuming this would be the cause of my problems. ? Well done and keep up the great work, look forward to viewing more of these DIY's.

The N62 V8 is a different design from the M60/M62 V8 that is detailed in the video. The Crankcase ventilation check valves are incorporated into the round caps that are on the forward ends of the two valve covers. The valves are easy to replace. See the post on our Tech Blog at blog.bavauto.com ... search for N62 PCV , in the blog's search box.

Thank you so much, was a great help.

@noahtheviking We have a valve cover gasket DIY article in our Fasttimes Newsletter. The DIY was done on a V8, but a 6-cylinder would be similar (easier, actually). Additionally, the Bentley repair manual will detail the procedure for your BMW model. See the newsletter article on our web site BAVAUTO dot COM and click on "Free Newsletters" on the left side of the page, then go to the FALL 2009 issue. We have the gaskets and Bentley manuals in-stock at BAVAUTO dot COM, as well.

I have a 2008 740i. Its a different setup. Can you do a video on PCV for my car?

What are the symptoms of PCV system in need of replacement/going bad?

Yes, the typical failure is that he rubber diaphragm ruptures. In this case, if you remove the round "cap" and diaphragm from the new check valve assembly you can just install this on the old assembly (after removing the old cap and diaphragm.

thank you for this great video

Mr Otto does the store have those yellow retaining clips for sale?

What codes was it showing? P0171? P0174? I've got theses codes. Also, my car gives me a sound of a suction when I hit the throtle. And more, around 3400-3500 rpm on a hard accelaration, I get a hesitation from the engine... like it was out of air/fuel... thanks, Thiago

hello I have a question (problem) replaced the PCV and all was well about half a year, recently pull out the dipstick and here'm hearing some gurgling and sucks her finger, what could be the cause of this? PVC is it again? Regards

Typical symptoms can include; oil usage, oil smoke from the exhaust, symptoms that would point to an intake vacuum leak, suction in the crankcase (when you remove the dipstick) or a whistling noise.

Hello I was wondering if you could answer me or ANYBODY!! (HELP)... I have a 2003 BMW X5 4.4i, I changed the O2 Sensors, 8 Spark Plugs, 8 Injectors, & all 8 Coil Packs, But it's still giving me a reading of P01343 and P01351.. and I downloaded your version of INPA...but i'm having NO type of luck... car is shaky and running bad and my CEL Flashes on and off when I accelerate.... Hmmmm what can this be???

Awesome video!!! Best one yet on doing this job. Thank you so much!!!

Double phantasmagorical . A huge thanks to you. Greatest Video that I have ever seen done on replacing a part a automobile. Slowly clear well spoken for all sort of people I meant minorities with limited English comprehension. as well as an 72 years old guy like me was able to understand step by step frame by frame and every words as you proceed start to finish. Biggest hug from me. I am most certain that many other audiences out there would feel the same if not better. God bless you and bless America! Peace !

This procedure is best implemented in a Professional Auto Repair shop, where there may be a customer's unwillingness to pay the extra dollar, BUT, for the sake of anyone attempting to make the repair themselves, TAKE THE MANIFOLD OFF!! Replace the intake manifold gaskets while you are doing this job, as well as the O-rings and the front cover gasket as well. The galley pan gasket is optional, but not a bad idea, when doing this job as well. Nothing more aggravating than having to go back and do the same work to replace a small part that should've been replaced the first time around. However, this is a good video, and patient instructional, Nice Job. ;) ASE Master Tech.

Well done. Question: the lower pipe with the spring on it…when you have replaced the CCV, how can you tell if you have dislodged that pipe? I was careful with center pipe but not sure about the lower pipe.

Yes, by far, the most common fault is that the diaphragm ruptures. In this case, you can indeed separate the diaphragm assembly and just replace it, without removing the complete check valve cover assembly.

Thank you. I ended up replacing the whole cover not just valve. Result: Still smoke puff at start up, sometimes. Suction from dipstick went from too much to barely feel it. Engine sounds softer. Could it be the front intake manifold cover? The thick hose that attaches to the bottom of the cover from driver's side with a spring seemed wiggly as if it wasn't connected to anything on the other end? Is that normal? Bottom of front manifold cover is a little oily?

Thank you for this perfect diy. My 03 540i msport is having rough idle problems. When it cold starts the RPMs will drop and go up over and over again until it reaches operating temperature. You can hear the engine almost die then come back to life also there's quite a bit of engine vibration that can be seen and felt strongly in the cabin on cold start. I believe my car has vacuum leaks so I will be doing this job as well replacing the idle air control valve and the throttle body gasket and throttle body housing gasket. I want to replace the intake manifold gaskets but that's out of my skill range and looks like a lot of work. Hopefully the above fixes my problems other wise I'm off to the dealer for manifold gasket replacement. I can hear my wallet crying already lol.

Would you recommend applying a thin layer of oil around the main PCV gasket before setting in the groove? Do you have the torque spec for the (7) torx t-30 bolts?

Nice job,I wii like to see how do u connect those pipes from pvc to the black thing on top ot the engine

Thank you for the detailed video. My 2001 740i is doing the start up smoke sometimes and I'm ready to act yet haven't bought the part nor decided which way to do it. I would like your advice on this: Since there is no moving parts other than the valve - which is the supposed faulty part - and since it can be difficult for someone like me to go through surprises that can arise, including hoses and not having every tool out there, can I just buy the valve and pop it up and replace it? Thanks much!

Gee .... thanks! Really, though, thank you for the kind words.

Such a great video. Thank you Mr. Otto! I had this problem on all the BMW V8 engines. I could have saved lots of money by doing this myself by watched your video. I will get parts from your guys when the problem happens to me again in the future.

Exquisite 2pt video ! I would love to see you guys do a m62tu v8 vanos repair since it's so common

Thanks for your encouragement!

BMW just calls it a "cover". We do have these in-stock in our online store. We have both original BMW and aftermarket. Just search "PCV" at BavAuto.com, or call our advisors at 800-535-2002.

Hi, I found your video trying to find help to fix a code, I have in my BMW X5 4.4i V8, for long time I'm looking for someone can fix it, but unfortunately no one doesn't know what to do with this code P0011, is just this one I'm not sure if Is fixable cheap or not but I think it is, wondering if you guys can help me with this one, I hope you can, please send me your opinion, congrats for your channel, thanks!

You would load the cats with oil, which is not a good thing. If you do drive it, keep a very close eye on the oil level.

Excellent explanation. Could you help me with my E34? When it goes more than 3 days without working, when it turns on it gives an overflow in the admission chamber and has already ruptured the diaphragm twice. What could be happening? My trusted mechanic could not detect the problem. Thank you.

@87sunset87 - Yes, your symptoms certainly do seem to point at the PCV check valve.

For a 10 min OSV swap search for kKNeN8tR3wM

Great install is their interval when the part has to be replaced?? I replaced mine in the past and only did the center piece which made the install that much faster and easier to perform. But I can also see why you would replace the entire piece when the gasket next to the manifold is crystalized. Great install otherwise. Thanks for the video was very helpful.

Thank you very much for posting this video. I am planning on performing this on my E53 X5.

Cv joined replace

just wanted to thank you for your video.its helped me very much.

just bought the car it's a 2006 550i with a 4.8L. the car does nice start up and no smoke which i can see but when the car is at idle then my friend told me it is smoking and last night i had it sitting at idle then i could smell smoke when i rev it up a big bulk of smoke comes out would this be the symptom or the valve seal. the reason i am asking is, valve seal is when the car sits for couple of days then you see smoke at start up. please advice

My car just started smoking bad after I got off the freeway today. I need to make the same 25 mile journey back home to install the new part. Am I going to do any major damage to my car by driving it 25 miles on the freeway with a bad CCV? Thanks for your help!

you could have shown us where the old part failed. i've seen where guys can get away with replacing just the cap. it's a lot easier too and only takes 15-20min.

Yep now I'm have same problem and will fix in this month same. Cost for part about 120 US$ in dealer Thailand. Labour fee is free because I'm will do by myself.

which v8? n62?

Very simple instructions to follow by. Thank you so much

super guiding

Thank you!!!!

I pulled the pipe with the spring all the way out. It went back in with a little resistance should i be conserened?

Awesome 2 part video, thank you so much.....

Great! Thanks for sharing.

best diy video I've ever seen. Please post more!!!!

i love you BavarianAuto.. u guys are the best, nice work, clean and pro..

Excellent two part video

I got a cap with my pcv kit from you guys. What is it for? And I have a m60 that dosnt use the second vaccum hose so how do I seal it?

un énorme merci !!!!!!

Nice job

great work thanks

Great video, great car!

You guys rock!

Bolts stripped what can I do?

Dear Need your help I have replace my Transmission Gear Box in my 540 e39 and found the car stall or hesitant when drive on D Automatic but when drive on Manual it is ok, Do I need to reprogram or recode the gearbox ? or there is another issue ? Thanks