Change the PCV valve (Crankcase vent valve) on E36 – M43 engine

Posted by in DIY | 4 comments

Change the PCV valve (Crankcase vent valve) on E36 – M43 engine

Apr 7, 2009

Hi guys,

I have noticed many people on internet were looking at how to change the PCV valve on E36 4 Cylinders engines.
So I decided to change mine because the hose were broken and my car is 15 years old, so it would only make things better.


Tools and parts needed:
- Allen key, size 5.
- WD 40 to grease the screws a bit before you put them back
- New PCV valve
- New hose

Step 1: Remove the hose from the engine and PCV valve. No screw, easy to remove.

Other steps are detailed below.

So there you go, here is some screenshots to help you out. HTH.

Picture 1. Shows the only tool you need really if everything goes fine.
BMW E36 PCV Valve DIY

Picture 2. Shows the valve, a little bit broken here, as I one of the two screw was seized. So I had to break the top of the valve and burn a bit to access the screw. Removing the oil stick screw is very useful too, as it gives you more toom to work.
BMW E36 PCV Valve DIY

Pictures 3 and 4. Shows the screw that hold the valve. There is 2 of them only, on each side beneath the unit. Easy to spot.
BMW E36 PCV Valve DIY
BMW E36 PCV Valve DIY

Picture 5. Shows the unscrewing operation. I have shown the screws first so you know how it looks like.
BMW E36 PCV Valve DIY

Pictures 6 and 7. Shows the unscrewing operation again once I have melted enough to remove the valve itself, this screw on the right side was seized, so I had to burn.
BMW E36 PCV Valve DIY
BMW E36 PCV Valve DIY

Picture 8. A bit of greasing will not hurt :-) See the picture of the new valve too…
BMW E36 PCV Valve DIY

Picture 9. Ok last step, put everything back together and you are sorted. Make sure you do not forget to reconnect the new hose and that everything feels strong and fits properly.
BMW E36 PCV Valve DIY

Popularity: 76% [?]

  • bmwdiyman

    Man these things are a HUGE problem on M54 motors! Also the M62 v8′s with the rear covers.. make sure to change the crankcase vent system with hoses!!!

  • Ross

    Just wanted to say thanks, guide really helped me.

  • Joseph

    Quick question, the valve does not have to let air out right? The reason I want to change mine is because I have heavy Idling and came to the conclusion that I have a vacuum leak, and I saw air leaking from the little part that pops up from the valve. Im wondering if that is normal, if not so I can proceed and replace it. Can you help me out? Thanks.

  • Poli

    Well, I can confirm that air should not let out from the top of the valve. Just have replaced that and idle changed from rough, heavy irregular 500-900rpm with misfires to smooth 800rpm. I dismantled the old one to pieces and there is just rubber membrane, spring and little plastic valve controlled by membrane inside it. Plastic valve in old one was broken to pieces and membrane has a hole in it.

    Many thanks for that guide, really saved me some time!