Solved! - United Bimmer Community

**gldfshkpr** · 02-04-2008, 09:15 PM

Some of you might know I've been having issues with my 2 1/2 month old acquisition, a '97 318i. The car never really felt right. The idle got worse and misfires eventually rendered the car inoperable the last 2 weeks. I patiently went through steps to diagnose, cleaned MAF, ICV, new fuel pump, checked for vacuum leaks, Sea Foamed everything. Finally I have it sorted out. The crankcase vent valve is stuck, causing undue pressure in the engine. I'm currently bypassing the valve. Saturday I'll replace the part. For now, the car is running like never before. Even that classic BMW acceleration sound is there. Never was before. I now coast to a stop with the engine engaged instead of the motor slowing me involuntarily. In short, the car is smoother and faster shifting, lighter running and tons more responsive. The CCV is a ruthless SOB if ignored. It's also a tricky deal because when the car is parked, the pressure is slowly released, so after a couple days the car runs fine until driven for a couple city driving hours. Anyhow, this was missed by my indie BMW/Mini mechs during an Inspection II. I asked them to investigate a rough idle shortly after purchasing the car.

Just goes to show, know your car, listen to it and be patient. I almost gave up the other day and threatened to have it towed to the Dealership. Now all I'm looking at is an $80 part and tons of satisfaction. Thanks to all the support from everyone here. It's very much appreciated!

**Numark318i** · 02-04-2008, 10:16 PM

coul dyou post a picture of this. Might just change it on my car now, seeing how i had a rough idle, that i couldnt explain for about three weeks...then it stopped. So...this might have been the culprit.

witeshark · 02-04-2008, 10:18 PM

Glad to hear it

**gldfshkpr** · 02-04-2008, 10:35 PM

Numark, I'm not sure if it's the same as your 46, my 36 looks like this. See the cork (wine cork pared down to fit, you should appreciate that up in Napa) plugging the CCV hose going to the valve cover. The actual part is located right next to the dipstick, it's the round black part. The part is held to the intake by two allen screws and two hoses.

The crankcase can now breath freely, albeit into the open air. This is not environmentally friendly, so I'll reconnect when I get the part on Saturday.

FWIW this is how we used to do it prior to modern environmental laws.

**Numark318i** · 02-04-2008, 10:50 PM

ahhh ic.
Ill have to check mine out.

btw i have an E30 318..with the same engine as yours(well..same block different intake). The 46 has a different motor.

anyway thanks man. Ill unplug that temporarily and see how it runs.

**gldfshkpr** · 02-04-2008, 11:09 PM

Your car in the sig looks newer than mine. Hence the 46 comment. Go for it. The car needs to breath. It's worth checking.

witeshark · 02-04-2008, 11:37 PM

Wow, very nice work gldfshkpr

johnnybayonne · 02-05-2008, 11:44 AM

Das ist good! I found this crankcase vent valve: @ http://www.bimmerzone.com/BMW_Parts.htm

Click image for larger version

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Product Brand Availability Retail Our Price Core

B2017-117921 Crankcase Vent Valve IN STOCK $0.00 $51.28

**gldfshkpr** · 02-05-2008, 11:59 AM

Yep. That's it Johnny.

**Maxi** · 02-06-2008, 01:05 AM

I havent seen it before!! is it avilable in my 325i 93?? where can I find It's location.

**gldfshkpr** · 02-06-2008, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maxi

I havent seen it before!! is it avilable in my 325i 93?? where can I find It's location.

I have the M44 motor. I'm pretty sure yours is the M50. Try http://www.realoem.com to locate the part, if you even have it.

**Numark318i** · 02-06-2008, 01:02 PM

yea..my car has a different part in the same place. I have a solenoid of some sort right there. I figure it does the same thing though.

**Maxi** · 02-12-2008, 12:20 AM

Maybe I dont have this part in my M50 325i, I think we have what called regulater.