eBay crank case vent kit review

[flyfishvt]

I recently picked up this 04 330 without much service history. First step was to replace the crank case vent system. It appeared to be original and I was trying to track down a pretty bad vacuum leak.

I bought an inexpensive kit on eBay. I would advise against it for anyone considering this job. There are 5 pieces to the system. only 2 of the original parts had insulation. BMW added insulating foam to all replacement pieces to help prevent clogging.

Dip stick tube drain back hose - no fitment issues
Valve cover vent hose - no fitment issues but no insulation
Cyclone separator - new OEM ones are insulated. This one wasn't
Curved tube from intake manifold - no fitment issues but no insulation
Stretcher tube that runs across the top of the intake manifold - lots of issues with this one. I ended up tossing it and ordered the OEM piece.

One end of that stretcher tube attaches to the intake manifold. I could not get this end to clip in until I replaced the oring with a smaller one.

The other end slides onto the curved tube that comes off the separator. I found it impossible to get this end to slide on. The rubber gasket inside was too small. Both ends of my OEM replacement piece fit like a glove.

[Honolulu]

thank you sir!