Oil breather assembly

[kjb1]

Guys how often are you changing crank case breather assemblies? any sure fire ways of telling if yours is blocked? Is there a certain mileage they should be changed at?

[X5Sport]

If you have the 'vortex' type it should not ever need replacing as those don't block.  If you have the older foam 'bog roll' type then change it now and never worry about it again....

Richard

[martin33100]

E70's should have the Vortex type, the only diesel I had with the bog roll type was a 2003 E46.
Our 2007 E91 had the Vortex type.

[kjb1]

ok will have to check.  What are symptoms of blocked breather? vortex's never fail no? or never need changing?

[kjb1]

I have read reports of the pipes to and from even a vortex style blocking up so I wouldn't say never check it really.  Its not unheard of. 

[martin33100]

[quote="kjb1"]
I have read reports of the pipes to and from even a vortex style blocking up so I wouldn't say never check it really.  Its not unheard of.
[/quote]From memory there is no pipe to it as the vortex filter assembly screws into the rocker cover assembly at the rear left when looking from the front.
I think the pipe from the vortex filter that vents the crankcase gases is the one that connects to the back of the turbo air intake.

[kjb1]

right ok, well my good friend who is workshop controller for local bmw dealership is doing following on friday night:

Oil and filter.
De swirl flap and fit blanking plates
Air filter
Fuel filter
Cabin filter
And cleaning everything up ie inlet manifold, oil breather assembly if needed and any associated pipework.

[kamb]

Kbj1

What vehicle did you get the swirl flaps blanked on?

[kjb1]

I'm having it done on Friday evening.  3.0d e70 X5. 

[kjb1]

3.0d 235bhp.  2007 57' plate july 2007 build.  Emissions 231.  Missed the cheaper road tax by a month on build date i think

[X5Sport]

M57 then.  The current 'N' series have a different system for the swirl flaps.  At least that will be one less worry, though there is little data on later 'M' engines have problems like the early ones from years before yours.

Richard

[kjb1]

ok just did a vin check and it gave this:

[kjb1]

in what way are the swirl flaps different for the N series engines Richard? rough guide lol.  Would you happen to know which diameter swirl flaps i need to do the delete? i have ordered the larger ones at a guess! lol. 

[martin33100]

[quote="kjb1"]
in what way are the swirl flaps different for the N series engines Richard? rough guide lol.  Would you happen to know which diameter swirl flaps i need to do the delete? i have ordered the larger ones at a guess! lol.
[/quote]Your car should have 33mm swirl flaps, I have a set ready to go in mine.
May be worth your mate checking your codes first as the glow plug control module is a very common part to fail and its a manifold off job to do it.
We had one go on our 07 325d (3L engine) and are 57 plate E70 3.0d has also got one gone down on it so that will get changed when I do the flaps.

[kjb1]

right ok! how much are the glow plugs each? and how much is module? i have inpa and dis but could never get the bloody thing to work!! could anyone help with that remotely? lol