[Bimmer-Bob]

Cross-post from 1Addicts, since there is a lot more traffic in the N52 section over here:

Anyone know how to remove the crankcase breather hose from the back of the valve cover? Supposedly, you're just supposed to squeeze the plastic tabs together and pull it off, but I can't figure it out.

It doesn't help that I can barely get my hand all the way back there, and definitely can't see what I'm doing - I feel like this is way harder than it needs to be. Really frustrating to have done everything up to this point, and then have to call it a day because of something so trivial.

[W37V]

Practice removing it from the oil filter housing. It's same concept. Also, once you squeeze it, don't be afraid to use a screwdriver to push it out. Sometimes it needs a bit encouragement to let go.

[Cdutch513]

When I took mine off I was putting on an OCC, so I just broke it off. I was trying to get it off correctly for over an hour trying different angles then said screw it and slammed a screw driver into it.

[tdavis42]

I actually had to get under a tab 90degrees from where you squeeze with a pick and then squeeze and pull with the other hand since you can't actually get your hand in there to squeeze in the two points.

I hope this makes sense.

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by W37V

Practice removing it from the oil filter housing. It's same concept. Also, once you squeeze it, don't be afraid to use a screwdriver to push it out. Sometimes it needs a bit encouragement to let go.

Dude, thanks so much! It was very helpful to take a look at that same type of fitting up by the oil filter housing and sort of study it a bit. Made me realize I just had to wedge a long skinny screwdriver down below to push in the lower tab, while I pushed on the other from above. Worked like a charm!

[W37V]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

Dude, thanks so much! It was very helpful to take a look at that same type of fitting up by the oil filter housing and sort of study it a bit. Made me realize I just had to wedge a long skinny screwdriver down below to push in the lower tab, while I pushed on the other from above. Worked like a charm!

Glad to hear.

[NJ | 330]

I had to do this on my car replacing the VCG, it's kind of a pain, but you have to be careful because they break very very easily. I would try and use a small flat heat and carefully push one side of the clip in and use your finger for the other side and slowly pry it back and fourth. If you break it, I got mine from bmw for around $80.

[tom.gnade]

I just did this last night. I removed the cabin filter and cowl under it, as well as the engine valve cover. It was pretty easy to access at that point. Squeeze the sides firmly with a pair of pliers, and gently pull the barrel out of the fitting with your fingers, assisting with the pliers. It might help to spray it with some silicon lube first, but mine popped out pretty easily.

[Efthreeoh]

I can't remember who it was, but a Member here posted a great idea, which is to put a hose clamp on it to gently squeeze the tabs and then gently pull it off. I broke mine (not using that technique). I've been wrenching on BMWs for over 30 years and knew the hose easily breaks, so my breaking it wasn't from hamfisting it. That hose is just a complete pain in the ass. I tried pliers, screw drivers, everything. The hose gets so brittle as it ages, it snaps apart very easily.

In case you break it, I fixed mine using a 1/2" copper pipe butt-joint fitting and JB Weld. The inside of the hose is coated in oil that you have to thoroughly clean before using my repair. I used brake kleen and denatured alcohol.

[El Cheapo Loco]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

I can't remember who it was, but a Member here posted a great idea, which is to put a hose clamp on it to gently squeeze the tabs and then gently pull it off. I broke mine (not using that technique). I've been wrenching on BMWs for over 30 years and knew the hose easily breaks, so my breaking it wasn't from hamfisting it. That hose is just a complete pain in the ass. I tried pliers, screw drivers, everything. The hose gets so brittle as it ages, it snaps apart very easily.

In case you break it, I fixed mine using a 1/2" copper pipe butt-joint fitting and JB Weld. The inside of the hose is coated in oil that you have to thoroughly clean before using my repair. I used brake kleen and denatured alcohol.

How difficult is it to replace the hose with a new one besides taking out the IM? Is it a good idea to get a new hose before tackling the VCG job just in case?

[matteblue3er]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

I can't remember who it was, but a Member here posted a great idea, which is to put a hose clamp on it to gently squeeze the tabs and then gently pull it off. I broke mine (not using that technique). I've been wrenching on BMWs for over 30 years and knew the hose easily breaks, so my breaking it wasn't from hamfisting it. That hose is just a complete pain in the ass. I tried pliers, screw drivers, everything. The hose gets so brittle as it ages, it snaps apart very easily.

In case you break it, I fixed mine using a 1/2" copper pipe butt-joint fitting and JB Weld. The inside of the hose is coated in oil that you have to thoroughly clean before using my repair. I used brake kleen and denatured alcohol.

It seems unlikely this would work but I've never tried so may be it does.

But you only need to squeeze 2 sides of the connector. Hose clamp would put even pressure all the way around which would most likely break it. The tabs form sort of an oval when you press the sides in.

I've always just used a set of channel locks to squeeze the sides and then finesse the connector off with a screwdriver.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by matteblue3er

It seems unlikely this would work but I've never tried so may be it does.

But you only need to squeeze 2 sides of the connector. Hose clamp would put even pressure all the way around which would most likely break it. The tabs form sort of an oval when you press the sides in.

I've always just used a set of channel locks to squeeze the sides and then finesse the connector off with a screwdriver.

I couldn't get channel locks on my tabs. I couldn't even see the f'ing thing.

[hassmaschine]

Just break the damn thing off and replace it. Screw messing around trying to get a cheap brittle plastic POS hose off without damaging it - sure, some people claim they are more skilled and its no problem, but I've probably been fixing my own BMWs longer than many of E90 post members have been alive, and getting those hoses off without damaging them is a nightmare.

I ended up "making" my own hoses, but if i did it again I'd just cut the fucking things off, knowing i already had replacements and didn't have to waste 3-4 hours of my life trying to save a plastic POS that is just as likely to break even if successfully removed.

[greenberet123]

Thanks so much for this! Saved my life!

Originally Posted by W37V

Practice removing it from the oil filter housing. It's same concept. Also, once you squeeze it, don't be afraid to use a screwdriver to push it out. Sometimes it needs a bit encouragement to let go.

[W37V]

Originally Posted by greenberet123

Thanks so much for this! Saved my life!

That's a little extreme statement , but glad to hear it