How a Malfunctioning BMW PCV Valve Can Impact Your model’s Overall Performance

Knowing the worth of luxury models like your BMW, it is important to keep all its parts in excellent condition to avoid problems that could affect your model’s engine performance. A PCV valve is one of the most largely ignored parts that play an essential role.

Without a working valve, you can expect your BMW’s engine to shut down and fail in a couple of days. So, we have created this guide to help you understand the PCV valve better, its weak points, and how it affects your car so you can better care for it.

What is the PCV Valve and Why Does it Fail?

The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve is an essential part of your model’s emission system and it helps to get rid of blow-by gasses that result from your engine’s combustion process. When the engine runs, it is possible that some unburned gasses escape from the engine. However, rather than release these gasses into the environment, the PCV valve aids the return of these gasses back into the engine for proper combustion.

The PCV valve has two main functions—reducing the pressure in the engine crankcase and preventing gasket blow out from extreme pressure. It also helps to control emissions from your car’s engine.

However, the PCV valve could malfunction due to the two main reasons:

• Worn Out Parts: The top leading cause of failure or damage to many model parts is wear and damage which mostly results from aging. The older your BMW is, the more likely it is to have worn out parts due to continuous and extended usage. This is why manufacturers recommend servicing and maintenance to keep these parts in shape.
• Clogging: Another reason why the PCV valve could fail is clogging. The valves could get clogged by an accumulation of various contaminants such as carbon buildups, dirt, or oil sludge. Proper maintenance is essential to prevent this from happening.

The Negative Effects of a Damaged PCV Valve on Your BMW’s Performance

If your car’s PCV valve is faulty, it could lead to various complications that have an overall effect on your car’s engine and also performance. Some common issues are mentioned below:

Check Engine Light

The “check engine” light is a major indicator of any engine fault and once the PCV valve is faulty or clogged, it could lead to a host of engine problems that could trigger the CEL to come on. For example, a build up of gasses due to a closed valve could cause seal and gasket issues, which affect the engine.

Increased Emissions

The greater the emissions from a car, the higher the chances of a PCV valve failure. One major reason why your car has a PCV valve installed in the first place is to control emissions and keep both your engine and the environment safe. However, when this valve fails, the harmful gasses released from the engine’s process are not returned for combustion and could be released into the environment. An affected engine is likely to fail an emission test.

Rough Idling / Engine Misfires

A faulty engine means a poorly performing car. Rough idling or misfiring is a symptom of a faulty engine and this can be caused by a damaged PCV valve. If the PCV valve fails to operate as expected, it could mess with the air-fuel balance that helps to keep the engine running. This could happen in two ways—the valve getting stuck open and allowing too much air in or stuck close and building up pressure.

Decreased Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency means less fuel consumption and better model performance. A functioning PCV valve, along with other things can give you that. However, if this valve is bad, it could lead to an increased fuel consumption due to an air-fuel imbalance. This affects your car’s fuel economy.

The Best Auto Repair Shop for Your BMW PCV Valve Issues

German imports like your BMW are popular for their sleek services and luxurious features. So, it is only appropriate to offer the best services that you can provide when they run into problems. This is why we recommend Germany’s Best Inc. for all German model needs.

We offer a range of maintenance and repair services from regular checks and inspections to a PCV valve replacement. Our technicians are ASE-certified and we are fully equipped with factory-grade materials for all forms of services and repairs. For car owners in Berkeley, Emeryville, and Piedmont, CA save yourself some money and transport cost and visit us in Oakland today for all model needs.