BMW Z3 Power Loss: Failed PCV Valve Warning Signs

I had nearly identical symptoms with my 2005 BMW Z4 last year. My check engine light came on, and the car felt sluggish with irregular acceleration response. After taking it to the garage, they confirmed it was indeed a defective crankcase ventilation system. They found that the PCV valve was clogged with oil residue, and the breather hose had deteriorated. The mechanic showed me how the old valve was stuck in position, preventing proper ventilation. This was causing excessive pressure in the crankcase and affecting engine performance. The fix involved replacing the complete PCV system, including the valve and hoses. It wasn't a complex repair, but it was necessary to prevent potential long-term engine damage. The symptoms disappeared completely after the repair, and the engine ran much smoother. This is a fairly common issue with these engines, and it's good you caught it early. If left unattended, it can lead to oil leaks and increased engine wear.

Hey, glad to hear you got that sorted out with your Z4! I'm actually dealing with very similar issues right now. The symptoms you described match mine exactly, it's really helpful to know I'm probably on the right track with the PCV system diagnosis. Just wondering, do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the whole repair? Also, has everything been running smoothly since then, or have you noticed any other issues pop up? Just want to make sure I'm prepared for what might come next. Thanks a bunch!

Hey! Yeah, I thought I'd follow up since our Z's had such similar problems. I actually just had mine fixed last week, the mechanic confirmed it was exactly what we thought, a bad crankcase ventilation valve. Cost me 360 € total, and honestly, it was worth every penny. The car's running like a dream now! The sluggish acceleration is completely gone, and that annoying check engine light finally turned off. It's amazing what a difference fixing that PCV system made, feels like I got my Z4's mojo back, if you know what I mean! Since the repair, everything's been perfect, no problems, no warning lights, just smooth sailing. My mechanic did a thorough job explaining what was wrong and showing me all the replaced parts. The old valve was pretty gunked up, which explained all our symptoms. If you're experiencing the same issues, I'd definitely recommend getting it checked out sooner rather than later. The repair isn't too complicated, and it'll save you from potential bigger problems down the road. Trust me, you'll notice the difference right away!

Thanks for sharing your repair details! I actually just got back from the mechanic today. You were spot on, it was the PCV system causing all the trouble. My mechanic found the valve completely clogged up, even worse than expected. The repair cost me roughly 400 bucks, which included parts and labor. Bit more than I wanted to spend, but hey, the car feels totally different now! That annoying power loss is gone, and the engine's running super smooth. Took it for a test drive, and wow, what a difference! No more check engine light either. The mechanic was actually really cool about it. Showed me the old parts, explained everything, and even gave me some tips about preventive maintenance. He mentioned these issues are pretty typical for our BMWs, so I'm glad we caught it before it turned into something bigger. Really appreciate everyone's help here. Nothing beats getting advice from people who've been through the same thing!