Oil Catch Can for the N54?

[Iapetus]

I've read a few things about an oil catch can for my 2016 Z4 N54. Is there truly an issue with oil entering the intake system, or are these cans just another "thing" to add to your engine and generate income for parts companies?

My engine is unmodified at 23,500 miles. I don't drive the car hard. In fact I'm very gentle on it, with occasional bursts when I'm already at speed.

The modification is not terribly costly and I'm willing to make the investment if it's truly needed, but I prefer the car as BMW's engineers designed it.

Thanks.

 

[B21]

Personally…despite doing over 150 modifications I’ve not done this mod..I’m not sure how much it’s old wives tales…I use a high quality engine oil with low evaporation loss..high Noack numbers

 

[Deepseaskateboard]

Personally…despite doing over 150 modifications I’ve not done this mod..I’m not sure how much it’s old wives tales…I use a high quality engine oil with low evaporation loss..high Noack numbers

When I did my turbo inlet job, there was oil in the turbo inlet pipe. So oil definitely is going in. There is a pipe which deposits it directly into the inlet. This pipe is rerouted to a catch can.

It needs manual inspection and emptying though.

 

[B21]

When I did my turbo inlet job, there was oil in the turbo inlet pipe. So oil definitely is going in. There is a pipe which deposits it directly into the inlet. This pipe is rerouted to a catch can.

It needs manual inspection and emptying though.

I’m not doubting the fact that oil vapours end up in the inlet track..I’m just doubting how much impact they have on the carbon build up…my 35is was walnut blasted at 50k miles stock and there wasn’t that much crap in there..

If you want to stop oil burning off then a better grade of oil that withstands heat is a good idea..imho

 

[Deepseaskateboard]

I’m not doubting the fact that oil vapours end up in the inlet track..I’m just doubting how much impact they have on the carbon build up…my 35is was walnut blasted at 50k miles stock and there wasn’t that much crap in there..

If you want to stop oil burning off then a better grade of oil that withstands heat is a good idea..imho

I suppose it depends what fuel you run too.

How did the car run after the nuts? Apparently the engine burns them off!

 

[B21]

I suppose it depends what fuel you run too.

How did the car run after the nuts? Apparently the engine burns them off!

It seemed to run fine prior to the walnuts..but..I wanted to baseline it so had the walnut blast then fresh plugs n filters ..did 348bhp and 507nm on stock parts..

Fuel does have an impact in terms of cleaning the inside of the combustion space but the oil catch can addresses oil coming into the intake ports where, being DI..no port cleaning takes place ..so in that context fuel has little impact ..

Most folks suggest better quality oil is the appropriate solution…eg ester based versions

 

[Envain]

I added mine around 9k miles and it was catching oil. Maybe .5 oz every month or 2? Even if there was no issue with oil making it through for the peace of mind id say its worth it. I change my oil every 4k miles which is about to come up in a weekend or 2.