2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
 

2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 F10 Technical Topics Engine, Transmission, Exhaust, Drivetrain, ECU Software Modifications N55 catch can
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-17-2019, 06:48 PM   #1
ezaircon4jc
Major General
ezaircon4jc's Avatar
United_States
4259
Rep
5,285
Posts

Drives: 2019 540i M Sport
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (0)

N55 catch can

Has anyone installed a catch can on an N55? I just purchased one off of Amazon (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and was curious how to attach the outlet hose to the intake tube (the one with the electrical connection). It looks like the "flex" portion of the tube just slides onto the connection, but in my experience it isn't that easy! I will probably buy a replacement breather/vent tube in case I break the stock tube. I will also most likely need to reinstall the stock tube to pass smog.

TIA
Appreciate 0
      11-17-2019, 08:34 PM   #2
E92TTCoupe
Major
United_States
145
Rep
1,493
Posts

Drives: x335i/x550i/x640i/x540i/c750i
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: New York

iTrader: (7)

Interested in this. Keep us posted!
Appreciate 0
      11-19-2019, 10:07 PM   #3
ezaircon4jc
Major General
ezaircon4jc's Avatar
United_States
4259
Rep
5,285
Posts

Drives: 2019 540i M Sport
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (0)

Grrrrrr...….

I bought this off of Amazon on the recommendation from a purchaser on a forum I can't remember...

Seems the ports on the can are 5/8" NPT to 3/8" for the hose and the factory hose is 3/4". Do you think I can fine a 5/8" to 3/4" barb? Not so far! I hope I can return this can and get one with the proper connections. Good thing I bought 2 extra factory tubes!
Appreciate 0
      01-04-2020, 12:50 PM   #4
ezaircon4jc
Major General
ezaircon4jc's Avatar
United_States
4259
Rep
5,285
Posts

Drives: 2019 540i M Sport
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (0)

At this point I'm throwing in the towel. I refuse to pay $200 for the quasi-direct fit unit and I'm having little success at finding a way for the hoses to pass each other without one crushing the other. There's just too little room there. If I could find a short 1" to 3/4" hose with a 45º elbow there may be enough room for the hoses to pass. I'll have to keep looking but for now.....

This project is a no-go.
Appreciate 0
      01-06-2020, 10:06 AM   #5
burro_blasta
Lieutenant
130
Rep
441
Posts

Drives: 2013 535 M Sport
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: CO

iTrader: (0)

What have seen as far as the usefulness of this in n55s? I know n54s need walnut blasting and/or catch cans but whatever I found makes it look doubtful that this is such an issue with n55s
Appreciate 0
      01-06-2020, 11:04 AM   #6
ezaircon4jc
Major General
ezaircon4jc's Avatar
United_States
4259
Rep
5,285
Posts

Drives: 2019 540i M Sport
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by burro_blasta View Post
What have seen as far as the usefulness of this in n55s? I know n54s need walnut blasting and/or catch cans but whatever I found makes it look doubtful that this is such an issue with n55s
When I took the factory breather off to try and install the can, I stuck my pinky finger in the tube to check how much oily residue was in there. After ~56K miles there was a very, very light film on the metal part of the hose that attaches to the downpipe. The film was a light tan color and very thin. I easily wiped it off. I was a bit surprised (and pleased) that there was so little residue in the tube; especially considering part of it is corrugated plastic.
Appreciate 0
      01-07-2020, 08:27 AM   #7
baconbits
New Member
2
Rep
21
Posts

Drives: 2012 535i xDrive M-Sport
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Cleveland, Ohio

iTrader: (0)

My indy mechanic checked my intake valves when he had my intake manifold loose for a valve cover gasket. At 94k and said they were surprisingly clean (just a thin film like you noted) and nowhere near needing a walnut blast. The PCV system on the N55 valve cover works far better than the N54 system so catch cans are pretty much pointless.
Appreciate 0
      02-06-2020, 07:51 PM   #8
Gjohnson7
Lieutenant
Gjohnson7's Avatar
254
Rep
422
Posts

Drives: 11' BMW 535i, 12' Lexus RX350,
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Broken Arrow, OK

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
2011 535i  [0.00]
How to install A $25 Oil Catch Can
__________________
Checkout my YouTube channel, Like and Subscribe. https://www.youtube.com/user/Gjohnson7771
MHD Flash, RVG Catless DP, RVG CP, RVG Boost Pipe, Walbro 455 LPFP, Style 433 Wheels, BC Coilovers, Ebay Strut bar, M-Sport Front Conversion, RVG FMIC, 6WB Cluster.
Appreciate 0
      02-06-2020, 09:04 PM   #9
BimmerHausPerformance
Major
BimmerHausPerformance's Avatar
512
Rep
1,440
Posts

Drives: 2011 535i 6MT
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Chattanooga

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2011 BMW 535i  [0.00]
With how easy that is, throw a breather on the top of the catch can, don't have to worry about hood clearance, good to go.
__________________

2011 F10 S55 6MT
Website Insta @bimmerhausperformance YouTube
Appreciate 0
      02-06-2020, 09:43 PM   #10
Gjohnson7
Lieutenant
Gjohnson7's Avatar
254
Rep
422
Posts

Drives: 11' BMW 535i, 12' Lexus RX350,
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Broken Arrow, OK

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
2011 535i  [0.00]
Lol, I thought about getting a can with a breather, but I thought it might cause an issue with the pressure and the PCV system.
__________________
Checkout my YouTube channel, Like and Subscribe. https://www.youtube.com/user/Gjohnson7771
MHD Flash, RVG Catless DP, RVG CP, RVG Boost Pipe, Walbro 455 LPFP, Style 433 Wheels, BC Coilovers, Ebay Strut bar, M-Sport Front Conversion, RVG FMIC, 6WB Cluster.
Appreciate 0
      02-06-2020, 10:34 PM   #11
ezaircon4jc
Major General
ezaircon4jc's Avatar
United_States
4259
Rep
5,285
Posts

Drives: 2019 540i M Sport
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gjohnson7 View Post
How to install A $25 Oil Catch Can...
I've seen that. The thing he doesn't show just happens to be the hardest part; how does one get the two 3/4" hoses to pass in a space big enough for one?
How crushed are the hoses as they pass? Does the restriction cause any issues?
Appreciate 0
      02-07-2020, 08:33 AM   #12
Gjohnson7
Lieutenant
Gjohnson7's Avatar
254
Rep
422
Posts

Drives: 11' BMW 535i, 12' Lexus RX350,
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Broken Arrow, OK

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
2011 535i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gjohnson7 View Post
How to install A $25 Oil Catch Can...
I've seen that. The thing he doesn't show just happens to be the hardest part; how does one get the two 3/4" hoses to pass in a space big enough for one?
How crushed are the hoses as they pass? Does the restriction cause any issues?
Lol, that's my video. I did the install.

Getting those 3/4" hoses to pass each other was the hardest part of the install. They don't seem to be pinched at all or restricted. I am working on a intake cleaning video and I show the blow by the container has collected in only 1500 miles. It's a LOT. I believe I was getting excessive blow by, because of my PCV cap which has now been fixed.
__________________
Checkout my YouTube channel, Like and Subscribe. https://www.youtube.com/user/Gjohnson7771
MHD Flash, RVG Catless DP, RVG CP, RVG Boost Pipe, Walbro 455 LPFP, Style 433 Wheels, BC Coilovers, Ebay Strut bar, M-Sport Front Conversion, RVG FMIC, 6WB Cluster.
Appreciate 2
      02-09-2020, 10:52 PM   #13
BimmerHausPerformance
Major
BimmerHausPerformance's Avatar
512
Rep
1,440
Posts

Drives: 2011 535i 6MT
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Chattanooga

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2011 BMW 535i  [0.00]
Nice, I commented on your video
Appreciate 0
      02-10-2020, 07:22 AM   #14
Rob09msport
Lieutenant
United_States
128
Rep
489
Posts

Drives: 09 335 msport
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Mount Sinai ny

iTrader: (1)

Could always just upgrade the pcv valve. I wonder if you could find something on thingiverse to print that would work. If you find something that looks good I could print and send it to you. I havent checked myself but you would be surprised. I just printed jack pad adapters for my stands and jack.
Appreciate 0
      02-10-2020, 08:58 AM   #15
BimmerHausPerformance
Major
BimmerHausPerformance's Avatar
512
Rep
1,440
Posts

Drives: 2011 535i 6MT
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Chattanooga

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2011 BMW 535i  [0.00]
What kind of printer do you have? Link?
__________________

2011 F10 S55 6MT
Website Insta @bimmerhausperformance YouTube
Appreciate 0
      02-10-2020, 02:59 PM   #16
Gjohnson7
Lieutenant
Gjohnson7's Avatar
254
Rep
422
Posts

Drives: 11' BMW 535i, 12' Lexus RX350,
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Broken Arrow, OK

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
2011 535i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob09msport View Post
Could always just upgrade the pcv valve. I wonder if you could find something on thingiverse to print that would work. If you find something that looks good I could print and send it to you. I havent checked myself but you would be surprised. I just printed jack pad adapters for my stands and jack.
What kind of PCV valve upgrade did you have in mind?

Also, you plan on selling any of those jack stand adapters?? Lol!
__________________
Checkout my YouTube channel, Like and Subscribe. https://www.youtube.com/user/Gjohnson7771
MHD Flash, RVG Catless DP, RVG CP, RVG Boost Pipe, Walbro 455 LPFP, Style 433 Wheels, BC Coilovers, Ebay Strut bar, M-Sport Front Conversion, RVG FMIC, 6WB Cluster.
Appreciate 1
      02-11-2020, 10:19 PM   #17
SVTruong
Private
SVTruong's Avatar
United_States
46
Rep
80
Posts

Drives: '15 428i GC, '15 640i GC
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Saint Louis

iTrader: (0)

Honest thoughts

So I've been around guys that use catch cans and guys that don't in turbo DI daily drivers, track and drift racers. While it doesn't hurt and everything helps, it's not going to prevent blow by. You will still need to do a valve cleaning periodically every 50-75k as routine maintenance. Because of this, my friends that choose not to use a catch can tell me not to bother. Just sharing what I've seen/been told.
Appreciate 0
      02-12-2020, 04:48 PM   #18
BimmerHausPerformance
Major
BimmerHausPerformance's Avatar
512
Rep
1,440
Posts

Drives: 2011 535i 6MT
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Chattanooga

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2011 BMW 535i  [0.00]
Look at what BMWDoubles just posted regarding the VVT breather... that is why I'd do a catch can.
__________________

2011 F10 S55 6MT
Website Insta @bimmerhausperformance YouTube
Appreciate 0
      02-12-2020, 05:34 PM   #19
ezaircon4jc
Major General
ezaircon4jc's Avatar
United_States
4259
Rep
5,285
Posts

Drives: 2019 540i M Sport
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by SVTruong View Post
So I've been around guys that use catch cans and guys that don't in turbo DI daily drivers, track and drift racers. While it doesn't hurt and everything helps, it's not going to prevent blow by. You will still need to do a valve cleaning periodically every 50-75k as routine maintenance. Because of this, my friends that choose not to use a catch can tell me not to bother. Just sharing what I've seen/been told.
But manufacturers go about PCV systems differently. The N54 was notorious for valve build-up and needs "frequent" walnut blasting. The N55's PCV system was redesigned and doesn't need the walnut blasting the N54 did. In fact, I asked my SA about having it done and he told me they don't do it that often on the N55; NOTHING like the N54. He said they walnut blast the N55 only after all other avenues have been exhausted to solve a driveability issue.

From what I've read VW's are every bit as bad, if not worse, than the N54; Ford isn't much better. I haven't read anything on the other manufacturers as DI is relatively new to them. At least BMW have identified the issue and are correcting it.
Appreciate 0
      03-17-2020, 02:11 PM   #20
lsturbointeg
Lieutenant General
lsturbointeg's Avatar
United_States
9149
Rep
14,522
Posts

Drives: 2011 535i Jet Black
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Asian lost in OH

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc View Post
But manufacturers go about PCV systems differently. The N54 was notorious for valve build-up and needs "frequent" walnut blasting. The N55's PCV system was redesigned and doesn't need the walnut blasting the N54 did. In fact, I asked my SA about having it done and he told me they don't do it that often on the N55; NOTHING like the N54. He said they walnut blast the N55 only after all other avenues have been exhausted to solve a driveability issue.

From what I've read VW's are every bit as bad, if not worse, than the N54; Ford isn't much better. I haven't read anything on the other manufacturers as DI is relatively new to them. At least BMW have identified the issue and are correcting it.
have you eventually put one in brother? i'm thinking about going with one of the one's ECS Tuning sells
__________________
~F90Conversion~21"3Piece Forged AvantGardeWheels~KWV1Coilovers~CQUENCE slotted/drilled rotors~GoodridgeStainlesslines~MeisterschaftQuadEx haust~Akrapovic 4"tips~VRSF DP~VRSF CP~TurboSmart BOV~K&N filter~CarbonFiberExteriorComponents~GladenAlphaCo mponents~MatchUp7BMW~Punch P300-12T~
Follow me on Instagram: lsturbointeg
Appreciate 0
      03-17-2020, 05:29 PM   #21
ezaircon4jc
Major General
ezaircon4jc's Avatar
United_States
4259
Rep
5,285
Posts

Drives: 2019 540i M Sport
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by lsturbointeg View Post
have you eventually put one in brother? i'm thinking about going with one of the one's ECS Tuning sells
I'm waiting for my CPO warranty to expire. We've also been dealing with roof leak repairs. A job that should have taken 2 weeks tops is now in its 5th week! We finally got the carpet installed and are now waiting for a dry day to empty our furniture out of the pod that's been on our driveway since before Thanksgiving!

Anyway, hopefully I'll get it done by the end of next month...
Appreciate 1
      03-17-2020, 07:27 PM   #22
mangos86q
New Member
4
Rep
10
Posts

Drives: BMW 535i X drive
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Bedford, NH

iTrader: (0)

Clean install

https://youtu.be/nOSly841qVw
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:59 AM.




5post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST