[codymbrown01@gmail.com]

I have a 2016 535i and upon removing the intake to get to the spark plugs I noticed oil coming out of a tube into the intake. The tube comes from the PCV valve area and goes into air intake tube. Is that normal? It's running really great so took me by surprise. Attached is a picture.

Also do my old sparks look ok even tho they have white on them? I heard this could mean it's running lean? 52k miles on them from factory.

[Trainwreck914]

It's normal

[BurrNinja]

To much oil passing through no. Failing PCV system can cause excess oil, you can reduce this replacing valve cover and using a catch can to contain it from going into intercooler and beyond in future. The catch can will not catch a lot with replacement valve cover with good pcv. Inside the pcv is a diaphram that can wear out which is the circle piece in the center of the valve cover.

[codymbrown01@gmail.com]

Originally Posted by BurrNinja

To much oil passing through no. Failing PCV system can cause excess oil, you can reduce this replacing valve cover and using a catch can to contain it from going into intercooler and beyond in future. The catch can will not catch a lot with replacement valve cover with good pcv. Inside the pcv is a diaphram that can wear out which is the circle piece in the center of the valve cover.

Aren't their other symptoms if I have pcv failure? I heard it will cause stalling, rough idle or weird sounds. I don't have any of those symptoms though..

[BurrNinja]

Originally Posted by codymbrown01@gmail.com

Aren't their other symptoms if I have pcv failure? I heard it will cause stalling, rough idle or weird sounds. I don't have any of those symptoms though..

It can eventually lead to that. The odd sounds come from the main seals blowing out basically. Mine was failing didnt have a rough idle, but would stumble when I pulled oil cap. Mine also had the odd sound and oil throughout the intake. Some user had oil all in there intercooler. What I can say is clean up the oil and check it later on, or just purchase a catch can to gather that oil instead of letting it flow through intake. If you are really concerned bring it up to a mechanic to see if they can check for you. Read this and decide for yourself its a early warning seeing oil imo.

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/BMW...reather-system

[codymbrown01@gmail.com]

Originally Posted by BurrNinja

It can eventually lead to that. The odd sounds come from the main seals blowing out basically. Mine was failing didnt have a rough idle, but would stumble when I pulled oil cap. Mine also had the odd sound and oil throughout the intake. Some user had oil all in there intercooler. What I can say is clean up the oil and check it later on, or just purchase a catch can to gather that oil instead of letting it flow through intake. If you are really concerned bring it up to a mechanic to see if they can check for you. Read this and decide for yourself its a early warning seeing oil imo.

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/BMW...reather-system

Thanks for the info I really appreciate it

[BurrNinja]

Anytime! Thats what I'm here for to help others with things I've learned. I may not explain things to the best of way but I try. Hope the best for you in a solution.

[mashpotato]

A couple of us had similar issues with excessive oil back to the intake. When I changed the valve cover and I flipped the old one around, there was like a half liter of oil pouring out, I felt like something is stuck and oil isn't going back down. I didn't have any PCV issue but a gasket leak.

Oil catch can is certainly a good way to reduce the gunk but I think the issue originates from the value cover, it's not a great design only bc it's expensive to replace.

[codymbrown01@gmail.com]

Originally Posted by mashpotato

A couple of us had similar issues with excessive oil back to the intake. When I changed the valve cover and I flipped the old one around, there was like a half liter of oil pouring out, I felt like something is stuck and oil isn't going back down. I didn't have any PCV issue but a gasket leak.

Oil catch can is certainly a good way to reduce the gunk but I think the issue originates from the value cover, it's not a great design only bc it's expensive to replace.

I've been thinking of doing a catch can.. Thanks for all the advice and feedback

[BimmerHausPerformance]

Does your car only have 52k miles on them? This is blow by... wouldn't think you'd have that much if you only have 52k miles.

[5soko]

Just a FYI, the breather tube aka heating element, should be removed via 2 screws on the intake pipe, and not removed via the clips on the valve cover.
This is highlighted as a warning in ISTA

[ramman434]

This is normal. I had something similar, but a bit less in the pipe, when i did my plugs a couple months ago at 69k on my 2016. Just cleaned it up and good to go.

Your plugs do appear a bit more fouled up than mine were though.