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Is your BMW exhibiting signs of engine problems? If you have been hearing a weird sound or if your BMW has been showing symptoms of a weak engine, then it could be that your PCV valve is on its way out. Despite being tiny and sometimes easily missed when checking the car’s engine, the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve is extremely important to BMW’s engine. Let’s look at why the PCV valve fails, how to identify and address its failure, and why it is important to fix it early.
Why PCV Valve Failure Happens
- Wear and Tear: As with any mechanically installed part, the PCV valve wears out with time due to constant utilization. It is subjected to constant vibrations and heat from the engine, which causes it to clog up, leak, or mechanically break down. Even if normal driving conditions are observed, the valve has a finite service life, is bound to wear out, and may require replacement at some intervals on the road.
- Oil Contamination: The PCV valve works under complex pressure and temperature conditions. As time passes, oil vapors may clog the valve. A clogged PCV valve will not be able to control the airflow inside the engine as it should, leading to pressure differences and poor performance.
- Lack of Maintenance: The PCV valve often fails because routine maintenance, like the oil change, is neglected. Dirty oil accumulates sludge and contaminants, which causes the valve to become blocked.
How To Identify And Correct PCV Valve Failure In Your BMW
If you have reason to believe that your BMW has a faulty PCV valve, it is very important to repair it as soon as possible to avoid further damage or deterioration. Here’s how a professional technician typically handles the problem:
- Inspection and Diagnosis: The first and most obvious thing to do is inspect. A technician should be allowed to check the PCV valve, the hoses, and other related parts for clogs, wear, and other related damages. This may also include signs of rough idle, increased oil usage, or other engine warning light signs.
- Cleaning the System: If oil or debris has built up in the PCV system, the technician will clean the affected parts. This can also include pressure rinsing the intake manifold, hoses, and all other related areas.
- Replacing the PCV Valve: Most of the time, the only reasonable solution is to replace the faulty valve with a new one. The technician will replace it with a superior-quality one that will fit the BMW because most of their engines are uniquely built. The PCV valve is integrated into a more extensive mechanism, so the replacement must be done meticulously.
- Addressing Related Issues: A broken PCV valve can also lead to secondary issues like oil leakages, wear of the gasket, or spiked pressure inside the engine. The technician will check for the above additional problems and fix them, if any. If related problems are not dealt with, they will worsen, and the situation may result in engine damage or expensive repairs.
Why Should PCV Valve Failure be addressed?
It might be tempting to ignore a failing PCV valve, but the consequences for your BMW are not something you would want to experience. High crankcase pressure can compromise the engine’s sealing capability, cause oil leakage, and, in extreme cases, lead to total failure.
Also, a faulty valve will affect your car’s fuel consumption and efficiency. If you pay attention to your PCV valve issues, you will be able to avoid expensive damages to your BMW and keep your vehicle performing the way it should.
Bay Diagnostic Offers Professional BMW Repairs
If you are having problems with your BMW PCV 
valve or think something is wrong with your car engine, Bay Diagnostic, located in Brooklyn, NY, is ready to assist you. Our technically skilled personnel are well-versed in handling BMW cars, and our goal is to see that each element in the car is in an optimum state.
No matter where you are in Brooklyn or the surrounding area, we are ready to help. Do not sit back and watch a small problem become a big problem that requires a big fix. Call us today for an appointment so we can help you keep your BMW at its best.
* BMW 330i xDrive Sedan image credit goes to: jetcityimage.