E46 breather cleaning

[RexRich]

Hi. My 320D smokes a bit if I floor it . Fuel consumption fine, 60mpg on a run. No other problems. Been told a breather may need cleaning . Anyone have details, pictures ? .

[iSore]

1999 or 2017? There have been many 320d's.

[SebringMan]

I'm guessing it's between 2001-2004 with an M47 engine going by the title ; he says it's an E46 .

IIRC these are known for it and the breather valve part is practically a service item. Clean the pipes and change the valve as well as any cracked pipes ; they'll all be the best part of 15 years old now.

What colour is the smoke? Blue can indeed be a breather. Black would indicate a boost leak somewhere.

[Elliot2000]

No pipes to change iirc- the breather unit is built into the rocker cover and u can replace the cartridge (cotton reel type or swirl type) as well as the diaphragm top section- once the engine cover is off it’s just 3 or 4 bolts

[RexRich]

Sorry, assumed it would show the car I have. 2003 320D Compact . Manual gear change .

[RexRich]

Thanks for replies .

[RexRich]

Black smoke.