Plastic tube/pipe.

[Andy Collings]

Hi, I have just been looking at my engine for a small oil leak which is leaking onto the exhaust and making a burning oil smell. I have found a small plastic tube / pipe under the plastic covers for the rocker cover on the right hand side looking rearwards. It is not connected to anything just sat there really loose. It goes down towards bottom of engine somewhere. Anyone know what it's for? A breather maybe? It's around the middle of the engine.

[Andy Collings]

Forgot to say it's an X5 E70 4.8 M Sport.

[marti]

Have a look on realoem.

[Andy Collings]

Thanks for reply, couldn't find it but I got in touch with the garage that I normally use and they told me it is a breather pipe for the diff and only connects at the bottom. The top end should be clipped in position near the valve cover but on mine the clip is missing. The top end just stays open to air as a breather. I just panicked a bit thinking I had knocked it off. All is ok, I will however tywrap it in position to stop it floating about.