A BMW is a wonderful car to drive when all the components are working well but a failing PCV valve can easily transform that beautiful experience into a hellish one. If you know how to know when your PCV valve is in a bad state, you’re in the right place. Below are five signs that your BMW’s PCV valve needs to be looked at so that you do not have to deal with expensive repairs later.

Importance of the PCV Valve

The PCV valve may be small but it is a very important part of your BMW’s engine. Its main role is to control the movement of gasses from the crankcase to the intake manifold. This in turn assists in cutting emissions and also avoids a build-up of pressure in the crankcase. A working PCV valve means your engine is running efficiently and is free of any kind of problems. When the PCV valve is faulty, the engine’s overall performance is affected. If you get your vehicle checked often and serviced, then you will be able to identify any problems with the PCV valve before they get worse.

Signs That Your PCV Valve Is Bad

• Poor Engine Performance: The first symptom that you are likely to experience from a faulty PCV valve is that your BMW’s engine will start to perform poorly. In some cases, it might be difficult to start the car, your BMW can shake while idling, or it may stall when accelerating. This happens because a faulty PCV can cause a vacuum leak that interferes with the air and fuel mixture in the engine. If the ratio of the air and fuel is not correct, the engine cannot operate as efficiently as it is supposed to.
• Oil Leaks: If the PCV valve is stuck, it leads to a buildup of pressure in the crankcase that is beyond the normal limit. This pressure has to go somewhere so it finds a way to go through the seals and gaskets which leads to oil leakage. If you see some oil stains on the ground underneath your BMW or observe some oil dripping from the engine, then it is high time you check the PCV valve. Fixing the valve early might help to stop the leak and save your engine from further damage.
• Increased Oil Consumption: Oil consumption is another bad PCV valve sign that one should look out for when diagnosing his or her car. If the valve is stuck open it can allow more oil to be drawn into the intake manifold and burned in the combustion chamber. This not only decreases the amount of oil in your engine but also may cause the build-up of carbon deposits on the valves and piston. If your BMW oil is being topped up more often, then the PCV valve might be the cause.
• Check Engine Light: Most present-day BMWs have complex diagnostic systems that keep track of different aspects of the engine. The PCV valve is one of the parts that is monitored by the computer of your car and when the valve is bad it can cause the check light to turn on. Since this light can mean just about anything, a diagnostic scan is necessary for the mechanic to find out what is wrong. If the scan reveals that there is a problem with the PCV valve, getting a new one will likely help the check light go off and make your car work as before.
• Strange Engine Noises: A bad PCV valve can also cause some unusual sounds in the engine. You may hear a whistle or hiss if there is a vacuum leak. Sometimes, you may also hear a popping sound coming from the engine. These sounds mean that air is leaking or getting into the engine in a manner that is not desirable. If you hear strange sounds, it is recommended to examine the PCV valve and other parts of the car for problems.

Where Should You Go For Your BMW Repairs?

At Das European Autohaus, we are passionate about providing BMW and other European car owners with the best care they deserve especially when it comes to parts such as the PCV valve. Our expert mechanics are skilled with addressing PCV valve problems and they know how to rectify them to enhance your car’s performance. We are focused on ensuring our customers get quality and affordable services at a small cost. Our garage is situated to ensure that it can be easily accessed by residents of Spring and The Woodlands, TX. Visit us now for your next appointment.