CHANGING 3.0d breather assembly

[Dan1502]

Does anyone know the torque settings for the bolts for this and for other jobs for that matter?

[X5Sport]

I don't think it's very much. I just tightened mine down gently and then probably applied no more than a slight pinch to them. Somewhere around 10-15nm. The housing probably won't need any more as there's a gasket and it's not taking/holding any real pressure. I got all four hand tight then worked middle pair to outer pair tightening up.

[Dan1502]

Thanks, probably more like 10 Nm then. I'm just paranoid about over-tightening things as I have a tendency to do so, hence buying a couple of torque wrenches (bought mainly for our mountain bikes). If there are recommended torque settings and anyone knows them I'd still like them please. (I'm just interested and am not going to touch anything )

[Dan1502]

I have a friend who has an X5 and I helped change the breather and air filter on his. There's no need for torque settings as it's pretty obvious how tight things need to be but we went for 8Nm on the breather with a wrench just to make sure it was tightened evenly. Just bear in mind you need a torx socket (small - need to check which size and female not male) for the bolts holding the loom in place. It took roughly two and a half hours including getting tools out and clearing up. Breather was old style on 08/04 build as expected. Only problem encountered was that one of the springy fixings that holds the plastic cover on (the first thing you remove) came apart and part fell down in the engine bay and god knows where the rest went. It couldn't have gone anywhere where it can do any harm so not to worry. None of the nuts and bolts were that hard to access if you have a 1/4 and 3/4 inch socket set with extensions etc though a 13mm ratchet spanner is also handy but not essential. Small dontation made to forum as a thank you.

Parts prices including VAT: New style breather assembly £44.24, Air filter £33.43

[nujon]

Just bought an 06 3.0d - is it advisable for me to service the breather assembly - and if so, is it sufficient just to replace the filter or does the housing have inaccessible pathways which cannot be accessed to de-gunge- hence better to renew the whole thing?

Also what's the best source of the part - BMW OEM or are there just as good but cheaper aftermarket units available?

[Dan1502]

I'm no expert on this but given that you should have the new style then it's probably ok to just change the filter (it's not a filter as such) in line with the service schedule and no need to do it beforehand. I doubt there are aftermarket units available and the genuine one's aren't a great deal and you should easily get 10% off at most dealers if you ask for it. If not, go to another.

[rps1969]

OK Let me see if I understand about CHANGING 3.0d breather assembly.

I have a 2004 3.0d. I do not know if it has the loo roll type filter fitted but I am assuming it has not because realoem.com claims the parts I have are (1127799225) Breather Hose & (11127799366). Do I assume correctly that the "newer" Vortex type plastic filter housing (11127799366) does not require changing upon 3rd oil change? Secondly, is the Breather Hose that requires changing every 3rd oil change?

Many thanks

Richard

[nujon]

Anyone know if there is a possibility that either type of breather may have been fitted irrespective of build year (e.g. according to availability at the assembly line) - or was the separator-type (no strainer medium present) definately fitted 100% after a certain build date?

[fenj66]

just thought i would check mine while doing an air filter change - production month jan 2005 and it had a well clogged foam type filter!
just been to the stealers for the updated part, maybe this will cure the foggy cold starts in the morning.....

rps1969 - realoem also shows my car as the new part 11127799225. i think it defaults to show the upgraded part and not the original part if it has been superseded.

[rps1969]

Thanks for that fen66.

Can onyone confirm which is the servicable part on 3rd oil change as surly its not the "vortex type" filter thingy?

[ozzyhufc]

can anyone tell me if there is a breather to change on my Bmw E53 X5 3.0 d manaul gears, if there is i have never change mine no garage has said anything but i have heard alot of people on hear say change them every 20k please let me know if one on mine and i will get change asap i have ask a garage about this and they said never heard of it.

[dirtymonkey29]

Will have to check mine to.

[X5Sport]

[quote=""ozzyhufc""]can anyone tell me if there is a breather to change on my Bmw E53 X5 3.0 d manaul gears, if there is i have never change mine no garage has said anything but i have heard alot of people on hear say change them every 20k please let me know if one on mine and i will get change asap i have ask a garage about this and they said never heard of it.[/quote]

Answered on your other thread

[malc1950]

Just picked up my X5 from BMTec Manchester they supplied and fitted a new oil separator, and a new air filter supplied by me ,Parts £19.45 Labour £27.50 not worth getting your hands dirty for, the car was blowing black smoke very badly when i put my foot down, but now no smoke at all on my drive home, i will give it a blast up the motorway later to see if it smokes then, will let you know the outcome,

[malc1950]

Well its 4 days since i had my engine breather changed and the car seems to run a lot better, there is still a bit of black smoke when i floor it but no more than you would expect from a remaped 3ltr diesel, overall very pleased Thank you BMTec Manchester