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      02-06-2020, 09:26 AM   #1
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Are oil catch cans worth installing?

I have a E60 535i with the N54 engine for about 10 years now and after 60K miles, I started to have sluggish accelerations and lower MPG's. I took it to my mechanic and he suggested getting a walnut blast procedure done to clean my valves. After he took off the manifold, he showed me the caked on carbon that built up over the years. After the cleaning, the car was like new again.
I'm sure carbon build up will occur for the S55 engine as well, but would installing a catch can really be effective? Has anyone here have it installed and how much gunk does it really catch. I'm sure the cost for a walnut blast is twice as much on the S55.
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      02-06-2020, 09:44 AM   #2
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I've got one on my S55 motor. I had some gunk and water in it after 5K miles. (about 1.5 fingers)

I check it every 5K oil change. It doesn't affect anything so why not add it for extra TLC?

I've run them on previous turbo motors with tunes and they helped even more.

I'll be tuning mine in the future and you usually will have more blow by with the extra few lbs of boost at WOT.
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      02-06-2020, 09:53 AM   #3
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I had one on my Supercharged BRZ and it helped especially on track days. I feel like for forced induction its just a nice thing to have even if theres no direct obvious benefit.
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      02-06-2020, 11:04 AM   #4
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I put 2 on my WRX and they are quite effective. Before I put them on, my intercooler always had oil in it. Once I put a new intercooler on I added the catch cans and the new intercooler has never had oil in it. The PCV is the main culprit on those cars. I should probably look into this too...
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      02-06-2020, 12:09 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kpham View Post
I have a E60 535i with the N54 engine for about 10 years now and after 60K miles, I started to have sluggish accelerations and lower MPG's. I took it to my mechanic and he suggested getting a walnut blast procedure done to clean my valves. After he took off the manifold, he showed me the caked on carbon that built up over the years. After the cleaning, the car was like new again.
I'm sure carbon build up will occur for the S55 engine as well, but would installing a catch can really be effective? Has anyone here have it installed and how much gunk does it really catch. I'm sure the cost for a walnut blast is twice as much on the S55.
Funny, I just helped my buddy over the weekend install new plugs and coil packs on his tuned e92. While we were at it we removed the catch can which he hadn't emptied in about 9mo. It was about 25% full of oil and sludge. So is it worth it? I think so.

P.S. The new S58 has a revised PCV system and has a filter for blow by gasses to help prevent buildup. If you love geeking out on technical guides like I do you may want to give this a read. The PCV section is from pages 20-22, but the entire document is full of great info on the S58. Technical Training Guide S58 Engine
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      02-06-2020, 01:42 PM   #6
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Funny, I just helped my buddy over the weekend install new plugs and coil packs on his tuned e92. While we were at it we removed the catch can which he hadn't emptied in about 9mo. It was about 25% full of oil and sludge. So is it worth it? I think so.

P.S. The new S58 has a revised PCV system and has a filter for blow by gasses to help prevent buildup. If you love geeking out on technical guides like I do you may want to give this a read. The PCV section is from pages 20-22, but the entire document is full of great info on the S58. Technical Training Guide S58 Engine
Wow, thanks for this guide. Is there one available for the m2 comp and s55?
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      02-06-2020, 01:44 PM   #7
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Wow, thanks for this guide. Is there one available for the m2 comp and s55?
There sure is... Technical Training Guide S55 Engine
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      02-06-2020, 03:07 PM   #8
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Yes they are. If they catch things, that means other components didn't have to, or that your engine did not have to burn it and thus dilute the octane rating of the fuel.
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      02-06-2020, 09:47 PM   #9
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Thanks for this manual a keeper for sure .

I have been searching for this and for one on the body , exploded view , panel construction ...etc

Anyone know where one of those might be ?
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      02-06-2020, 09:50 PM   #10
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As for the catch can , I would say it’s better to have then not too , I wonder if this mod would void the warranty ? I would assume yes ...
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      02-06-2020, 10:05 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by ROBM2C View Post
Thanks for this manual a keeper for sure .

I have been searching for this and for one on the body , exploded view , panel construction ...etc

Anyone know where one of those might be ?
This might provide what you're looking for.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ROBM2C View Post
As for the catch can , I would say it’s better to have then not too , I wonder if this mod would void the warranty ? I would assume yes ...
That's a bit of a stretch. Some dealerships however might have an issue with it. I'd say most don't care or even notice it. That said if you have a good reputation with your BMW service center it shouldn't be a concern. View the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act for more info on aftermarket parts and how it may affect your warranty.
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      02-07-2020, 05:39 AM   #12
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I definitely think it's worth while.


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      02-07-2020, 06:39 AM   #13
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Based on the S55 videos post here and other places they're collecting condensate not much oil.
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      02-07-2020, 01:30 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by omasou View Post
Based on the S55 videos post here and other places they're collecting condensate not much oil.
Yes a nasty emulsion of water, oil mist and other unpleasant corrosive combustion by products.

Better in a catch can than spayed all over your intake tract, charge cooler and valves...
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      02-07-2020, 05:59 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tag View Post
This might provide what you're looking for.



That's a bit of a stretch. Some dealerships however might have an issue with it. I'd say most don't care or even notice it. That said if you have a good reputation with your BMW service center it shouldn't be a concern. View the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act for more info on aftermarket parts and how it may affect your warranty.





Thanks for that second link ! Exactly what I needed ! Also thanks for the warranty law but I am from Canada I don’t think they would follow that specific law . Maybe there is one similar here .
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      02-08-2020, 12:25 PM   #16
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Which catch can is everyone purchasing?

I see two different brands available:

Turner CC ($299): https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-5...tem-f8x-m3-m4/

BMS CC ($199): https://x-ph.com/burger-tuning-oil-c...b58-s55-s63tu/
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      02-09-2020, 01:25 PM   #17
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I have the Bms one, no preference.

Works great
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      02-09-2020, 02:29 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisK View Post
Which catch can is everyone purchasing?

I see two different brands available:

Turner CC ($299): https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-5...tem-f8x-m3-m4/

BMS CC ($199): https://x-ph.com/burger-tuning-oil-c...b58-s55-s63tu/
Don't know about the Tuner one, but the BMS baffle is not that great. It's just a series of holes, but doubt the Turner one is any better. What you can do to make it filter better is put stainless steel scouring pads inside the can. As the oil and gas vents into the can the oil will cling to the extra surface area of the pad which will help separate out more oil before being vented back. There are higher end catch cans that have micron bronze filters etc., but they cost a lot more and doubt you'll find one specifically made for the S55. Just make sure the pad you're getting doesn't have any loose bits before installing, you don't want that finding it's way back to the intake. You find some people actually use steel wool as a filter. Do not go that route, the steel wool is way too fine and comes apart easily.
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      02-09-2020, 03:53 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tag View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisK View Post
Which catch can is everyone purchasing?

I see two different brands available:

Turner CC ($299): https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-5...tem-f8x-m3-m4/

BMS CC ($199): https://x-ph.com/burger-tuning-oil-c...b58-s55-s63tu/
Don't know about the Tuner one, but the BMS baffle is not that great. It's just a series of holes, but doubt the Turner one is any better. What you can do to make it filter better is put stainless steel scouring pads inside the can. As the oil and gas vents into the can the oil will cling to the extra surface area of the pad which will help separate out more oil before being vented back. There are higher end catch cans that have micron bronze filters etc., but they cost a lot more and doubt you'll find one specifically made for the S55. Just make sure the pad you're getting doesn't have any loose bits before installing, you don't want that finding it's way back to the intake. You find some people actually use steel wool as a filter. Do not go that route, the steel wool is way too fine and comes apart easily.
Steel wool also rusts. You don't want that in your engine either.

I'll try the BMS. The Turner has a useless dipstick.
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      02-09-2020, 04:13 PM   #20
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Silly question asked backwards:

Is there any possible DETRIMENT to installing this on a M2C/S55?

i.e. What's the worst that can happen?

R.
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      02-09-2020, 04:14 PM   #21
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Silly question asked backwards:

Is there any possible DETRIMENT/DOWNSIDE to installing this on a M2C/S55?

i.e. What's the WORST that can happen?

I'm sort of in the "might help, can't hurt" category.

R.
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      02-10-2020, 12:48 AM   #22
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Don't think there are any downsides and only possible upsides.. I've had one installed for 10k+ kms. During the break in period, it filled up a good amount (about half the can over 1000km) mostly consisting of condensation with some oil gunk, however after the break in period, I've been checking every 3k kms or so and it's either been bone dry, or small amounts of oil gunk splattered inside the catch can. So i'd agree with the statement that it can't hurt, but might help statement. I have the BMS one btw, only costs $200. Which in reality, is pretty cheap preventative maintenance for a $60k car.
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