CCV replacement article DIY

[Ricardo Dude]

First time doing this job and after searching about a week ago (before I had parts) I found a link to a well documented DIY with pictures but I think it was from another club's site. I've searched for an hour and can't find that link. Struggling with trying to get the dipstick tube out and the Pelican parts DIY just says " now pull the dipstick tube out". It's an '04 325xiT with auto. Beginning to think I should have followed the advice I saw about pulling the intake....

[MarcoZandrini]

At what point in the job are you? I did the CCV replacement job 3x on my departed 3001 330Ci. I can help you.

[rbelton]

Last time I did one on our E46 it was very tough. The E39 had more space so wasn't as bad. I spoke with the dealer tech about how they do the job along with a quote as I was curious what they charge, and they confirmed they remove the intake manifold. Total with parts and labor is over $1000

[Ricardo Dude]

I found a pretty good two part video on youtube (about 10 min. each) that showed more steps than the Pelican article and I've managed to remove most everything except the actual ccv valve and yes it's been a challenge. The lower intake boot clamps were on facing the ground which made me curse a little and actually pulling the dipstick tube required removing the large plastic circle clip as it just wouldn't clear the coolant hoses on the inner fender. I can see that this car already has a cold weather type CCV so it looks like a snug fit...tomorrow the fun continues....
Here is the first part and the link to the second is in the text below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMwVe0NAcZs

[91e34M5]

I did my CCV about a year ago on an M54. I did it by pulling the intake and after doing so, would never consider doing it any other way. There's lots of gaskets, o-rings, seals, vacuum hoses, vacuum caps and coolant hoses/pipes that can be easily accessed with the intake removed all of which need to be examined closely and replaced if necessary. And yes...the dipstick is somewhat of a challenge any way you look at it. The overall project sounds daunting, but not near as bad as I feared it would be.

[mtnbimmer]

The best video currently out there is by the 50sKid:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDP8Dma0nUs

He has both a long and short method for this.

[Ricardo Dude]

After examining the parts and realizing the old CCV valve was enclosed in a foam sleeping bag which I could remove and transfer to the new valve and which was likely part of a cold weather package, I've come to the conclusion that getting the upper hose to turn and connect to the valve is going to be a frustrating and potentially impossible option and so I'm pulling the manifold. At this point I'm more than half way there and considering I'm working in an unheated garage at freezing temps the risk of breaking plastic hose connections seems too great.....I wouldn't call it the job from hell but it will be down the fun list quite a ways....