Get the latest advice about your car

Get Started
Advice » Q&A » 2000 BMW 528i

Q&A

Ask Your Question

2000 BMW 528i

Question: pcv valve replacement.

Question

Visitor, Columbia, SC, February 01, 2011, 13:06

mechanic told me that i need to replace the pcv valve.... i dont know how he came to this, but auto is running rough.
auto has 215m miles ... sometimes feel a miss, and sometimes a lunge(at stop light)... otherwise still going ok... must keep driving, but mech insist that performance would improve with this pcv thing.... approx est cost 550.00...... i cannot find pcv replacement on your website. thanks donwalters

1 Answer
Answer It
Flag This

  • Answer #1

    ZeeTech February 01, 2011, 19:01
    Profile_thumbnail
     Master

    Bad PCV could cause these symptoms, since unmeasured air enters into the intake.
    PCV (Crankcase Vent Valve) could be tested by a manometer.
    It's from the BMW repair manual:
    A properly functioning pressure control valve is designed to maintain a slight vacuum (approximately 10 - 15 mbar ) in the crankcase which assures reliable crankcase venting during all engine operating conditions.

    A malfunctioning crankcase ventilation valve may cause the following complaints:

    * Engine runs rough
    * Whistling noise from crankcase ventilation valve
    * Check engine light on - possible DME faults stored: misfire all cylinders, oxygen sensor/mixture faults, etc.

    You can do this:
    While the motor is running at normal operating temperatures, loosen up the oil filler cap and try to lift it up. If there is a strong vacuum sucking the cap back, the PCV valve is bad.

    I don't know if their estimate includes all the vent hoses, I'd strongly suggest to replace those also.

    Zee

    Flag This

  • Reply

    donwalters, February 02, 2011, 09:10
    Profile_thumbnail
     Rookie

    thanks Zee, this makes sense.... apparently this replacement involves getting to the problem....service center said it was a 4 hour job.. i guess that why is so expensive.... thanks again. donwalters

    Flag This

  • Reply

    ZeeTech, February 02, 2011, 09:44
    Profile_thumbnail
     Master

    Yes, they are correct. Make sure they will replace the hoses also.

    Zee

    Flag This

  • Reply

    donwalters, February 02, 2011, 10:34
    Profile_thumbnail
     Rookie

    zee, you certainly are a reliable source.....ie
    read your suggestion
    went home for lunch.
    parked in drive, engine on, remove oil cap
    and whatda you know....
    it had a 'magnet feel' to the cap held above the oil thing hole.
    or at least like a gravity pull.

    thanks to you, my mechanics suggestions are confirmed.

    thanks to you and repair pal...donwalters

    ps im trying to nurse 300000+ miles outta this ole ride...hopefully this pcv valve thing works toward that end.

    Reply
    Flag This
Answer Ranks

This week's top 10

1 globalhelper 6 Autohaus Lake Norman
2 milesauto 7 TimGoodreau
3 csubak30 8 raiderron
4 jose8889 9 Merrimack Auto
5 obdcar 10 Camster