E89 service oil breather

[Newbmw]

Hi all I'm just going through my Z4 E89 2.3SDrive I've read somewear that the oil breather should be replaced time to time as they gunk up a bit if car is doing short journeys and as I'm the new owner of a 2010 year I'm woundering if this is right and if so has anybody got a link or advice on this job thanks

 

[flybobbie]

Don't think it can be replaced on a 23i, just a labyrinth in the head, unless you want to strip that down and clean!
I think you might be getting mixed up with the bigger engines with direct injection and the requirement for catch cans.

 

[Newbmw]

Yeah prob right getting mixed up lol

 

[Smartbear]

Don't think it can be replaced on a 23i, just a labyrinth in the head, unless you want to strip that down and clean!
I think you might be getting mixed up with the bigger engines with direct injection and the requirement for catch cans.

Hi, the 23i uses the n52 engine which either has an external cyclonic breather located under the inlet manifold or the later cars might have it incorporated into the cam cover itself.
I wouldn't worry about changing it unless its burning oil & you have to top up often.
Rob

 

[Chris_D]

The ccv system on the m54 engine is a common issue with gunking up and causing excessive oil consumption and was updated as a system on later engine revisions as rob points out.
Having swapped in a new cold climate version on my m54 b30 i can advise this is a job you need to set aside a whole day for completion if ur not a pro mechanic! Solved the rough idle and oil consumption isssue however as the rubber diaphragm in the separator valve had ruptured.

 

[Newbmw]

Thanks guys only idle prob I get is when I start her up sometimes she sounds a little lumpy for few seconds and idle needle up and down a little but that's me being fussy looking for things as I'm new to these Z4 after owning mx5 cars since 2007 lol

 

[Smartbear]

Thanks guys only idle prob I get is when I start her up sometimes she sounds a little lumpy for few seconds and idle needle up and down a little but that's me being fussy looking for things as I'm new to these Z4 after owning mx5 cars since 2007 lol

That can be the vanos causing that issue, the solenoids can be removed easily & cleaned out which can clear it up, there's solenoid filters located close by which can also be removed and cleaned/replaced.
Rob