Replacing the left oil separator

Precondition

Ignition is switched off.

WARNING: Hot surfaces .
Risk of burning!

Perform all work only on components that have cooled down.

WARNING: Hot fluids .
Risk of scalding!

Conduct all work in the vehicle wearing appropriate personal protective equipment only.

CAUTION: Materials harmful to health .
Contact with fluids harmful to health!

Note and follow safety instructions on containers.
Conduct all work in appropriate personal protective equipment only.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Follow notes for repair work on the cooling system.
For additional information see:
17 00 NOTES FOR REPAIR WORK ON THE COOLING SYSTEM

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Immobilization period-long fill of coolant!
Do not reuse used coolant.
When replacing and removing components which rely on the corrosion protection effect of the coolant, it is essential to change the coolant. The cooling system must therefore be emptied and refilled.
In the case of other removal work involving the draining of part quantities of coolant, the coolant level must be topped up with new coolant.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Filling without the vacuum filling equipment (watering can filling) is not permitted .
If this is not observed, there is a risk of component damage or engine damage.
The filling specification must be observed.
It is essential to visually check the vacuum filling equipment before use to check that it is functioning correctly and clean.
It is not permissible to operate the vehicle if the filling procedure has not been fully completed. Otherwise there may be functional limitations (degradation) or overheating.
A bleeding procedure is required after a part has been exchanged in the cooling system and/or after refilling the cooling system.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Collect and dispose of emerging fluids. Observe country-specific waste disposal regulations.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
When the engine is stopped after the completion of trip, it may be necessary to run the electric fan. In rare cases, operation of the electric fan can last up to 11 min. This protects the components. In this case, replacing the electric fan will not remedy the problem!

Preliminary work

Refer to SUCTIONING THE AIR CONDITIONING .
Refer to DISCONNECTING ALL BATTERY GROUND LEADS .
Refer to REMOVING THE FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Refer to REMOVING THE TOP RIGHT AND LEFT COVER IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT .
Refer to REMOVING UPPER CROSS CONNECTION .
Refer to REMOVING THE TENSION STRUT AT THE SHOCK TOWER ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING THE ACOUSTIC COVER .
Refer to REMOVING BOTH INTAKE FILTER HOUSINGS .
Refer to REMOVING THE LEFT INTAKE SILENCER BRACKET .
Refer to REMOVING IGNITION COIL OF CYLINDER BANK 2 .
Refer to REMOVING THE RIGHT INTAKE SILENCER BRACKET .
Refer to REMOVING IGNITION COIL OF CYLINDER BANK 1 .
Refer to REMOVING THE UNFILTERED-AIR DUCT ON THE RIGHT AND LEFT .
Refer to REMOVING THE REAR TOP CROSS CONNECTION .
Refer to REMOVING FAN COWL .
Refer to REMOVING THE SOUND INSULATION OF INJECTORS ON LEFT .
Refer to REMOVING THE HIGH-PRESSURE RAIL ON THE LEFT .
Refer to REMOVING LEFT HIGH PRESSURE PUMP .
Refer to DISCONNECTING PLUG CONNECTIONS OF THE INJECTORS OF CYLINDER BANK 2 .
Refer to REMOVING THE INJECTORS FOR CYLINDERS 5 TO 8 .
Refer to DRAINING THE COOLANT FROM THE HIGH-TEMPERATURE COOLING SYSTEM .
Refer to REMOVING THE LEFT AND RIGHT UNDERSHIELD (TANK COVER) .
Refer to REMOVING THE REAR LEFT AND RIGHT TENSION STRUT .
Refer to REMOVING THE LEFT AND RIGHT REAR DIFFUSER .
Refer to REMOVING EXHAUST SYSTEM .
Refer to REMOVING THE LAMBDA OXYGEN SENSOR .
Refer to REMOVING THE LEFT LAMBDA OXYGEN SENSOR .
Refer to REMOVING THE LEFT INTAKE SILENCER BRACKET .
Refer to REMOVING UPPER HEAT SHIELD .
Refer to REMOVING THE LEFT OXYGEN SENSOR MONITOR .
Refer to REMOVING THE RIGHT OXYGEN SENSOR MONITOR .
Refer to REMOVING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FOR CYLINDERS 5 THROUGH 8 .
Refer to REMOVING THE CARRIER PLATE .
Refer to RELEASING LEFT CHARGE AIR LINE PARTIALLY .
Refer to PARTIALLY RELEASING THE RIGHT CHARGE AIR LINE .
Refer to DRAINING THE COOLANT FOR THE LOW-TEMPERATURE COOLANT CIRCUIT .
Refer to REMOVING THE COOLANT EXPANSION TANK FOR THE LOW-TEMPERATURE COOLANT CIRCUIT .
Refer to REMOVING LEFT CHARGE AIR COOLER .
Refer to REMOVING RIGHT CHARGE AIR COOLER .
Refer to REMOVING THE INTAKE PIPE THE ENGINE VENTILATION LINE .
Refer to REMOVING ENGINE VENT LINE OF CYLINDERS 5 TO 8 .
Refer to REMOVING LEFT CLEAN AIR PIPE .
Refer to REMOVING DRIVE BELT .
Refer to REMOVING THE EXHAUST TURBOCHARGER FOR THE CYLINDERS 5 TO 8 .
Refer to RELEASING THE WIRING HARNESS SECTION FROM THE LEFT HAND CYLINDER HEAD COVER .
Refer to REMOVING RIGHT RAIL .
Refer to REMOVING FUEL DELIVERY LINE .
Refer to REMOVING RIGHT HIGH-PRESSURE PUMP .
Refer to PARTIALLY RELEASING THE WIRING HARNESS SECTION OF THE RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD COVER .
Refer to REMOVING THE INJECTORS FOR CYLINDERS 1 TO 4 .
Refer to REMOVING VANOS SOLENOID ACTUATOR, EXHAUST OF CYLINDER BANK 2 .
Refer to REMOVING VANOS SOLENOID ACTUATOR, INTAKE OF CYLINDER BANK 2 .
Refer to REMOVING VANOS SOLENOID ACTUATOR, EXHAUST OF CYLINDER BANK 1 .
Refer to REMOVING THE VANOS SOLENOID ACTUATOR INTAKE OF CYLINDER BANK 1 .
Refer to REMOVING THE SEALING CAP ON THE CYLINDER HEAD OF THE CYLINDER BANK 2 .
Refer to REMOVING THE SEALING CAP ON THE CYLINDER HEAD OF THE CYLINDER BANK 1 .
Refer to REMOVING LEFT CYLINDER HEAD COVER .
Refer to REMOVING THE FRONT INTAKE PIPE PARTIALLY .
Refer to REMOVING RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD COVER .

Loosen screws (1) .
Remove liquid-vapor separator (2) .
Replace the oil separator (2) .
Parts: Liquid-vapor separator
Position the liquid-vapor separator (2) .
Tighten down screws (1) .

TIGHTENING TORQUES SPECIFICATION

Oil separator to cylinder head cover
M6 screw	tightening torque	10 Nm

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.