[Dr. Anthony]

Originally Posted by e90pilot

When you buy an OEM oil filter, it comes with new o-rings and crush washers. Aftermarket filters may not have these.

Yup, you're right.
I always buy OEM parts for the bmws. You pay a bit extra, but know its built how the manufacturer designed it.

They didnt even use the same size filter. The filter on the car was too tall, and so it got crushed when they put it in.

Previous owner didn't have a bmw dealership near them. They lived in Northern BC. (canada)

[smellthebeans]

I am willing to bet most of the vanos sensor failures are due to extended oil change intervals. I am surprised we dont see more examples of sludge & build up online.

[e90pilot]

Originally Posted by smellthebeans

I am willing to bet most of the vanos sensor failures are due to extended oil change intervals. I am surprised we dont see more examples of sludge & build up online.

Not entirely. Long oil change intervals compound an underlying issue. Sluge in these engines is commonly caused by short-cycling them. The engine needes to reach full operating temp for at least a few minutes to get most of the water out of the oil. If you live 3 mi from work that will cause you issues. People who have longer commutes have much fewer issues with oil and sludge even with long oils change intervals. If you only drive your car 10 min at a time, long oil change intervals will make the situation worse since you're only driving the car when the internal friction levels are at their highest. That's really hard on oil so it breaks down faster and you leave it in longer. No bueno.

[UncleWede]

I had a service light come on so took to local indy. Had P14-15 (I think) error where the vanos was "stiff" He said the oil had sludge, changed it out and no more errors.