[ricerider187]

Hi guys

I had my 2nd oil change on my 2011 335i wit hthe n55

it has about 43,000km

at the time oil change was being done (Ow30 German Castrol FTW)

the technician told me that the oil cap was missing a piece that holds the filter there....

he said the old filter looked used so it was filtering... but that i should get the piece

questions

1 - do I need this piece

2 - what was damage caused over past 8000km without this piece?

3 - where do i get this piece? do i need to buy the whole cap

4 - THANKS GUYS

[Abax335]

Thoroughly confused..... What does the oil cap have anything to do with the filter ?

From what you are describing I think you are saying the oil filter cup is missing the shaft the filter slides onto?

If this is missing yes its important, can cause pressure issues and vanos problems replace the cup if this is missing.

This ?


If you had no fault change it ASAP, generally see this when I get cars coming in from outside shops that use filters that colapse and can't get them off so they break it trying to remove. If you notice there is a little green gasket that will cause issues as well. But if you don't have any warnings on change and when you remove check for oil flakes or metallic color in the oil so you know something didn't starve

[ricerider187]

Originally Posted by Abax335

Thoroughly confused..... What does the oil cap have anything to do with the filter ?

From what you are describing I think you are saying the oil filter cup is missing the shaft the filter slides onto?

If this is missing yes its important, can cause pressure issues and vanos problems replace the cup if this is missing.

This ?


If you had no fault change it ASAP, generally see this when I get cars coming in from outside shops that use filters that colapse and can't get them off so they break it trying to remove. If you notice there is a little green gasket that will cause issues as well. But if you don't have any warnings on change and when you remove check for oil flakes or metallic color in the oil so you know something didn't starve

Thats it right there!! youre a boss

Thank you.

I got the car at 35000 put 8000km on it, now it has 43000km

no problems yet, but I am going to get the cap replaced now.

Should I be worried?

what does that stem thing do ? and what happens if it isnt there?

[Abax335]

If you don't have issues and when you replace it don't see any metal flakes or shinny/metallic oil I wouldn't worry but will effect the pressure of the oil system, seen it cause vanos issues

Definitely replace ASAP

[John 070]

It's pretty difficult to pry that o-ring off, meaning more difficult than it looks. So one would think that it actually has a job to do when it seats....

(it almost seems like overkill to replace the washer and 2 o-rings every change, but the filters come with them--just seems un-European to throw those pieces away every change)

[ricerider187]

Originally Posted by John 070

It's pretty difficult to pry that o-ring off, meaning more difficult than it looks. So one would think that it actually has a job to do when it seats....

(it almost seems like overkill to replace the washer and 2 o-rings every change, but the filters come with them--just seems un-European to throw those pieces away every change)

Thanks guys...

fuck... I dont know if I should sell the car or not... I really don't want to she's my baby and I've only had it a year but it makes me wonder how long this piece of poop has not been in there for

the BMW tech told me it will cause oil pressure and VANOS problems as well but again he says dont worry unless I see signs

what would the signs be?

again it has 43,000KM and Ive only driven it for 8000km

I did start to notice it rarely sometimes feels like the transmission is slipping in low revs but it may be poor traction or something hope thats not the VANOS

[Abax335]

Vanos is a relatively sensitive system and has a ton of faults they will throw. I am very cautious but it may have been caught before any issues formed.

Like I said before replace it, check for metal debri and if you don't see anything I'd go on your happy way. Don't over think it specially if the car has had few issues in the past.

I

[ricerider187]

Originally Posted by Abax335

Vanos is a relatively sensitive system and has a ton of faults they will throw. I am very cautious but it may have been caught before any issues formed.

Like I said before replace it, check for metal debri and if you don't see anything I'd go on your happy way. Don't over think it specially if the car has had few issues in the past.

I

Thank you, I had it replaced today,

By faults you mean error codes yes

I looked where the filter sits there was only oil no flakes (but I did just have a change yesterday)

What will my car do if VANOS is acting up (i can sell it before it gets out of hand)

[Abax335]

Yeah we refer to error codes as faults at the dealer.

Most of the time they are check engine light associated and will go into limp mode at the first sign of trouble and reduce engine power to protect the engine.

But stalling and crank no start are common at least on the n55.

[Abax335]

Yeah we refer to error codes as faults at the dealer.

Most of the time they are check engine light associated and will go into limp mode at the first sign of trouble and reduce engine power to protect the engine.

But stalling and crank no start are common at least on the n55.

[Three_thirty_I]

May I also suggest more frequent oil changes! The normal BMW oil service interval is way too far apart regardless of what oil is being used. All BMW is concerned about is that the car and motor is able to get past the maximum warranty/motorplan duration and mileage. So this does not guaranty that the engine will not end up being full of sludge and other problems.

With those filter cap parts missing, I would insist on having the Vanos tested or checked somehow, or have them understand that if a problem crops up later on, they're to blame since it's their poor workmanship that has resulted in the filter cap missing critical parts!

[Abax335]

Glad you mentioned that, there are system test for the vanos in ISTA/D that will check the adjustment range of the vanos gears on both exhaust and intake

And yeah more frequent oil changes are a good idea, not only the sludge but I personally feel that at 10-15k you start getting to much fuel vapors that I think cause the valve seal and gasket issues

[Three_thirty_I]

Originally Posted by Abax335

Glad you mentioned that, there are system test for the vanos in ISTA/D that will check the adjustment range of the vanos gears on both exhaust and intake

And yeah more frequent oil changes are a good idea, not only the sludge but I personally feel that at 10-15k you start getting to much fuel vapors that I think cause the valve seal and gasket issues

Exactly! And I am sure like the N52 engines, these things are quite fussy about the condition of the oil, so ideally halve the normal service interval at least, and you should be fine, and to save money, it's a really easy DIY!

[ricerider187]

Thanks again guys -- I sincerely appreciate it...!

I change at 8000km with the german castrol is that good enough?

[Three_thirty_I]

Originally Posted by ricerider187

Thanks again guys -- I sincerely appreciate it...!

I change at 8000km with the german castrol is that good enough?

That is perfect! Your car's engine will appreciate the extra care!