The Leading Repair Shop in Pontiac to Fix a BMW’s PCV Valve Failure

A Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve is a crucial component of any BMW’s engine. It helps to regulate the pressure in the engine crankcase and prevents the buildup of harmful gases and pollutants. If the PCV valve fails, it can cause a variety of issues with your BMW’s engine, including decreased performance and increased emissions. In this article, we’ll explore the five signs and reasons for a BMW’s PCV valve failure.

Rough Idle

One of the most common signs of a failed PCV valve in a BMW is a rough idle. This is because the PCV valve regulates the flow of air in the engine, and if it fails, it can cause an imbalance in the air-to-fuel ratio. This can result in a rough or uneven idle, which can be especially noticeable when the car is stopped or in neutral.

Decreased Fuel Economy

Another sign of a failed PCV valve in a BMW is decreased fuel economy. If the PCV valve is not functioning properly, it can cause the engine to run inefficiently, which can result in decreased fuel economy. You may notice that you’re filling up your BMW’s gas tank more frequently than usual, even if you’re not driving more than usual.

Excessive Oil Consumption

If the PCV valve fails, it can also cause excessive oil consumption in your BMW’s engine. This is because the PCV valve regulates the pressure in the engine crankcase, and if it fails, it can cause a buildup of pressure that can force oil into the combustion chamber. This can result in increased oil consumption, which can cause your engine to burn through oil faster than usual.

Increased Emissions

Another potential issue caused by a failed PCV valve is increased emissions. The PCV valve helps to regulate the flow of gases and pollutants in the engine, and if it fails, it can cause an increase in harmful emissions. This can result in your BMW failing an emissions test, which can be a serious issue if you live in an area with strict emissions regulations.

Check Engine Light

Finally, a failed PCV valve can also trigger the check engine light in your BMW. This is because the PCV valve is a critical component of your car’s emissions system, and if it fails, it can cause issues with the sensors that monitor your car’s emissions. This can trigger the check engine light to come on, which can be an indication that there is a problem with your BMW’s PCV valve.

Reasons for a BMW’s PCV Valve Failure

Now that we’ve explored the signs of a failed PCV valve in a BMW, let’s take a closer look at the reasons why it can occur.

Contamination

Contamination is another potential cause of PCV valve failure in a BMW. If contaminants such as dirt, debris, or engine oil enter the PCV valve, it can cause clogs or damage that can lead to failure. This can occur if the air filter in your BMW is not changed regularly or if the engine oil is not changed on a regular basis.

Overheating

Overheating can also cause the PCV valve to fail. If the engine in your BMW becomes too hot, it can cause damage to the valve, which can result in failure. This can occur if the cooling system in your BMW is not functioning properly or if there is a malfunction in the engine that causes it to overheat.

Natural Wear and Tear

Like any other component in your BMW, the PCV valve can experience wear and tear over time. The valve can become clogged or damaged, which can cause it to fail. This is particularly true in older BMWs, which may have accumulated many miles on the road. All mechanical parts need replacement at some point, and this is why routine maintenance is important. It catches those worn parts before they break and cause major problems that are far more costly than an on-time replacement.

Nikolas Motorsport

If you suspect that your BMW is having PCV valve problems, call us today to set up a convenient appointment. We are happy to serve clients in and around Bloomfield Hills, Farmington Hills, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Troy, Pontiac, MI. You can also stop in to speak with our mechanics and staff, as we are always happy to answer your questions.

* Grey BMW M5 Car image credit goes to: Brandon Woyshnis.