Do you know that failure to maintain the PCV valve of your BMW could lead to serious engine issues? The PCV valve is one of the smallest parts in your BMW, but it is among the most vital ones in the engine. Its major role is to control the emission of gasses that come from the crankcase of the engine and to recirculate them to the intake manifold where they are burned off. This process assists in emission reduction and ensures that the engine oil does not get soaked in these gasses. When your PCV valve is not working, it will not be able to perform the above functions. Knowing what causes the PCV valve to fail and how to avoid its failure can be useful in keeping your BMW running for many years.

Possible Causes Of PCV Valve Failure

  • Wear: PCV valve is a relatively small component that is permanently under stress in the engine environment. It can be clogged after a long period of use due to the accumulation of carbon and other substances. These residues may hinder the proper functioning of the valve and it will not be able to control the gasses as required.
  • Lack of Maintenance: Failure to maintain your BMW regularly will compound the problem of the PCV valve failure. If the valve is not cleaned as recommended, it can give way before the expected lifespan. This neglect results in engine problems such as rough running, excessive oil consumption, and even possible severe engine damage.
  • Extreme Temperatures: The PCV valve is constructed of rubber parts and will deteriorate with time especially when exposed to very hot or cold conditions. Heat can degrade the plastic and make it crack while cold has the effect of making the rubber parts become rigid. These conditions can weaken the valve and cause failure of the valve. The conditions your vehicle is exposed to should be considered to shield it, so when you are in places with very extreme climate conditions use engine block heaters or park your car in a garage.

Preventing PCV Valve Failure

  • Regular Inspections: It is wise to have your PCV valve and nearby parts inspected occasionally, especially if your BMW has many miles on it. This is because as you drive your car, the PCV valve is likely to get blocked due to the formation of carbon deposits as mentioned above. When you allow an expert to inspect the components often you will be able to prevent them from having severe issues. Some of the signs that may make you realize that it is time to check the PCV valve include rough idle, or high oil consumption.
  • Timely Replacements: It is very important to replace the PCV valve as per the schedule of your BMW, even if you do not see any signs of it failing. The valve gradually wears out, and getting it replaced when due saves one the pain of having a damaged engine.
  • Use Quality Parts: When it is time to replace the PCV valve, it is wise to use only the best parts that are recommended by BMW. Substandard components may not perform optimally or for as long as they should and may cost you more because of frequent replacement. Using genuine or quality aftermarket parts means the PCV valve is able to do its job properly and gives better reliability and durability to your car.

BMW PCV Valve Check

Bring Your BMW To The Top Repair Shop in Heath

At Howland Autohaus, we ensure that we offer the best solution to the PCV valve problems in BMW. Our garage is based in Heath, OH and we offer our services to people from Buckeye Lake, Lancaster, Granville, Hebron, Newark, Johnstown, New Albany, Pataskala, Pickerington, and Zanesville.

A PCV valve that is not working correctly will cause more pressure in the engine, oil loss, and poor performance in your BMW, reducing the car’s efficiency and durability. When you bring your car to our shop, our technicians have the knowledge and experience needed to identify and fix such problems to make your vehicle run efficiently. Give us a call now to schedule your next service with us, and our team will have your BMW performing like new again.

* Black BMW M4 Car image credit goes to: Brandon Woyshnis.