Clean your grounds

[Ilya]

I don't know if it's just my 'butt dyno' or a combination of the other stuff I did today, but while doing some typical maintenance (getting ready for a 20hr round trip road trip and also because I'm about to hit 100k) I cleaned a couple (I'm sure there is more) ground points in the engine bay and MAN DOES SHE RIP.

Here is what else I did today:

1) Replaced spark plugs (mine weren't terribly bad yet)
2) Replaced PCV Valve
3) Replaced air filter

If you take off your engine covers, you'll see 2 ground points right on the front of the motor, another one on the side IIRC, and two on the wheel well right in front of the battery. On the right side, there is another one on the side of the wheel well.

Just take a wire brush (small one) to those areas as well as the actual terminal ends themselves and then put it all back together.

Just figured I'd share.

[wingFeather]

Thanks for the tip! As for the pcv, did you buy one at an auto parts store or the dealer? How much?

[Ilya]

Auto parts store...like $15 at most. Takes me 5 minutes to change at this point. I do it every 30k...but 30k the little ball inside or whatever is barely moving (it's supposed to rattle when you shake the valve).

[cji4130]

Auto parts store...like $15 at most. Takes me 5 minutes to change at this point. I do it every 30k...but 30k the little ball inside or whatever is barely moving (it's supposed to rattle when you shake the valve).

hey ilya, can you post a how-to or some pictures on changing the pcv, im at 92,000 on my M and have never changed it. gas mileage sucks, thought id give this a try, also which PCV should i use? ive heard that non-oem ones also suck, lol. thanks

[Ilya]

I use the non-OEM ones but I change them ever 30k. Haven't had an issue.

The PCV valve is located on the left side of the motor at the front (if you're standing at the front of the car). It has a hose that comes from the front of the manifold and goes to the left then bends down. Just undo the hose clamps and take some pliers and try to unscrew the PCV Valve.

Installation is reverse of removal.

It's alot easier when you do it with a hot engine because the hose isn't stiff (it doesn't have much slack).

[wingFeather]

This weekend I set out to clean the grounds, but got distracted... instead I installed an oil separator inline from the PCV valve. I can already see oil accumulating, so I can't wait to see if the new PCV I ordered will make a difference.

Wix air filter installed! I thought mine was clean the last time I checked but it was coated with dirt. Glad I did this.

Now for those grounds...