CCV and pre-cat O2 sensors problems

[chris.]

Hi Bimmerforums users

I posted here yesterday but somehow mypost didnt come through so let me try it again...

+- 4 weeks ago I bought a 325ci convertible with 170k miles on it. Everything was well, until the SES light came one last week. I brought it to the mechanic. They read the codes, did a smoke check and came to the conclusion that:
- 1 of the 2 precat O2 sensors failed intermittently. Both should be replaced.
- The CCV needed to be replaced

This diagnosis was based on:
- Codes that he read were 227+228 and 189 (BMW specific codes).
- Smoke test showed a leak in the CCV.
See also invoice here, were a brief description is given. https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ug...OTwN66q119cVLz

Before and after this diagnosis, the only thing that I could tell which was wrong with the engine was a very gentle / light air sound when running the motor (as if you're AC is running in the far background continuously).

So my first question is: what do you guys think of this diagnosis (taking into account the age, error codes, smoke check, your experience?)

Then:
They originally quoted me +-1100 dollars to get it repaired (see these quotes: https://drive.google.com/open?id=13L...1dcGSEq02U_68v, https://drive.google.com/open?id=1tK...LH0PGQ29jrYDj-). However, when I didn't want to do that right away, and thus they also offered me to get the price down by: 1) using cheaper O2 sesnsors (CCV replacement shouldn't be done with cheaper parts because the quality greatly declines with price I was told AND most of the costs is in labour anyway) and 2) they offered that the junior mechanic could do it at home for more or less half the labour price.

So using for instance these oxygen sensors (https://www.bavauto.com/bmw-oxygen-sensor-13477) and taking this offer would bring me down to about five to six hundred dollars.
What is your opinion in using cheaper O2 sensors, letting this work done in this 'unofficial' way? And are these repairs really necessary to keep the car going? I am going to sell it in 2 months because I am leaving the US again, and I would prefer not to spend my money on useless repairs. Also, I am going to make a 1000 mile roadtrip in one and a half week. Is it unwise to do that without these repairs?

This is my first car I have owned and I really like it. I would like to learn as much about it as possible thus any help is appreciated!

[johnjmurray]

Chris, your post showed up, you just had to refresh the page.
Never, ever use cheap knock-off parts on your motor. You can get the O2's and the wrench from any of the vendors on the forum. Not a difficult swap.
The CCV is very difficult. I would NOT trust a 'junior' or non-BMW mechanic to do that job. Google for "E46 CCV Replacement" to see what I mean. I recommend a reputable BMW shop like Alpha in Alhambra. I have two of these cars and performed this job on each. I hate it.

[charter21p5]

^ Very good advice


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[jclausen]

I did my CCv but pulled the intake manifold because I wanted to replace the plastic water pipes also, quite an involved job, use Bosch sensors