Oiling System

Oil venting and circulation continues to be a problem on BMW engines and now even more so on the turbocharged N54 and N55 engines. The existing stock system does a very poor job of separating fluid and vapor and this leads to an oily film or even small pools of oil throughout the turbos and intake. We're seeing a lot more 135 and 335 cars with drivability and performance issues because oil has sneaked by the ring seals and is coating the intake piping, intercooler, intake valves, and other critical areas. The problem is worsened with higher boost levels. Oil is excellent for lubricating moving parts but terrible when it gets into the combustion chamber, effectively lowering the octane rating and reducing performance. Our own shop has gone the extra step and offers media blasting of the intake valves to strip away the oily buildup we have seen.

Our shop also strongly recommends an oil catch can be installed in the line for the crankcase vent. The oil catch can traps oil as it leaves the valve cover and holds it in a canister. This catch can is located on the cooler side of the engine where the oil will condense easier and stay in the can. Whatever minimal vapors are left over in the oil is then vented back through the canister and into the intake where it is safe to be burned up in the engine or recirculated back through the system again. This is the way the system was designed! At each oil change simply unscrew the canister and empty the trapped oil with your regular used oil. The Burger Tuning oil catch can is the best we have seen so far. Installing one of these will avoid costly repairs in the future and help maintain your boost and performance. It's one of the smartest modifications you can make because it demonstrates a well-thought out tuning strategy and care for the condition of your engine.

The BMS Oil Catch Can is made from aluminum and with a stealthy black anodized finish. It installs on the cooler side of the engine with a dedicated bracket and new oversized vent lines. The location is key as heat will evaporate the oil and send too much vapor back into the engine (where cooler air will turn it back into fluid). The BMS OCC also has a factory-like appearance. Since BMS designed their catch can from scratch they can guarantee it fits and performs correctly for the N54/N55 engine, unlike other catch cans on the market that are poorly retrofitted from other applications and under-sized for the N54 engine.

Note: Since the crankcase vent system is considered part of the overall emissions system, installing this may be a violation of local, state, and federal laws. While exemptions are made for track/race and off-road use, check with your local state inspection facility on using this in street-driven vehicles

BMS Oil Catch Can Features:
+ Increases air intake efficiency
+ Promotes engine longevity
+ Double-baffled design allows excellent air/oil separation
+ Large In/Out ports (no tapered sizes that slow flow)
+ Stealth mounting on cooler side of engine bay (promotes condensation of oil to vapor)
+ Anodized black lightweight aluminum
+ N54 version mounts out of sight under the cowl
+ Made in USA with a lifetime guarantee

Through experimentation and data acquired from our E36 World Challenge Touring Cars, it was discovered that in long corners and under heavy braking that there was an oil starvation problem in the M50 and M52 engines. This system was developed to keep oil in the sump and eliminate the starvation problem. After several iterations, further testing and data acquisition in the Touring Cars showed that this system eliminates the problem of oil starvation. This is a less expensive alternative to replacing the stock oil pan with the factory BMW M3 Lightweight oil pan, while still achieving the similar results.

*Requires Professional Welding

Installation instructions (E36/Z3 Oil Pan Baffle for M50, M52, S50, S52 engines)

This item fits the following BMWs:
1992-1999 E36 BMW 323is 323ic 325i 325is 325ic 328i 328is 328ic M3
1992-1995 E34 BMW 525i
1997-1998 E39 BMW 528i
1997-1998 Z3 BMW Z3 2.8
1998-2000 Z3 BMW Z3 M Coupe M Roadster S52

There are a few reason having a catch can is an upgrade for a vehicle, from a separator system that no longer works to one that was never there. Modern day emissions regulations require the use of a closed crankcase ventilation (PCV) system to recirculate combustion blow-by gases from the crankcase back in to the intake to be burned.  Unfortunately, these blow by gases contain water vapor (which is a byproduct of combustion) and pick up oil mist from and the windage cloud and cam lubrication system as they travel through the crank case.  Due to less than 100% effective air/oil separation in the stock PCV system, some oil mist and water vapor gets carried back to the intake tract and over time cause oil deposits and carbon buildup in the intake manifold, intake ports, and on the back of intake valves.  All will eventually lead to poor performance and reduced fuel economy, and the presence oil mist can in the intake charge even increase the risk of engine damaging detonation. 

With direct injected engines this problem becomes more prevalent, and the N54 in your 135i or 335i is no exception.  We're seeing a lot of N54 powered cars with drivability and performance issues due to significant carbon buildup in the intake ports and backs of intake valves.  The “factory fix” is a walnut blasting service that commonly needs performed every 30,000 to 70,000 miles.  Don't be part of this statistic!  Our shop recommends an oil catch can be installed in-line in the PCV system to help reduce the build-up of performance robbing deposits and greatly reduce the need for costly walnut blasting service and related repairs in the future.

​ The catch can utilizes a strategically designed 4 chamber baffle plate system engineered to create multiple changes in the direction of airflow to cause oil droplets to fall out of suspension, maximizing the efficiency of the PCV air/oil separation.  A dipstick is integrated into the cap so you can monitor the oil level, and the can is easily serviced.  At each oil change simply unscrew the canister and empty the trapped oil with your regular used oil.  The Turner Motorsport Oil Catch Can is CNC machined from billet 6061-T6 aluminum and with a stealthy black anodized finish for lasting durability and appearance, and includes everything needed for an OEM-like fully reversible installation. Another feature the Turner catch can has is the ability to add on a drain kit so you no longer have to fumble around getting the fill can out of a tight space. The drain can be run down to the belly pan of your car so draining can be done at the same time you change your oil or anytime in between.

*Click here for catch can instructions*

Features:

• 6061-T6 billet machined body, anodized black for lasting protection and appearance
• Strategically positioned 4 chamber baffle system maximizes oil / air separation 
• Knurled and black anodized oil dipstick makes inspecting oil volume of reservoir clean and simple
• Sealed with a pre-installed viton O-Ring
• 8oz reservoir
• Includes 2.5mm allen key to remove baffle plates for cleaning
• Engineered to create multiple changes in the direction of airflow within the separator to cause oil droplets to fall out of suspension before exiting the catch can
• Closed / recirculated design reduces oil ingestion and promotes cleaner emissions and odor-less operation
• Optional use drain hole - drain kit included!
• Passenger side mounting kit - Designed specifically for your N54!

These aluminum filter housings are prone to cracking, which can lead to oil leaks and serious engine damage. To avoid such issues, it's essential to replace the entire housing and cooler assembly.

Fortunately, Febi provides a top-quality reproduction unit at a much lower cost than genuine parts. If you require a replacement filter housing, opting for Febi-Bilstein ensures a cost-effective and durable solution.