Everyone doesn't say it's a PITA...I didn't...SolidJake didn't...guys who read many diys, got real confused from reading...drank heavily from all the conflicting info, studied thoroughly until nauseas didn't...

So, $150 in parts if you guy them...$250 or so if indy/dealer gets them...dealer prolly charges 3 hours...and it'd take 1.5 maybe...and indy who hasn't done a lot, maybe 2 hours and also charges for 3-4...or you...prolly 3-4 if first time.

Doug

 

Only PITA was getting the lower intake boot off (clamp screws were facing down :ben and getting one of the hoses to connect to the new oil separator.

Also, I broke the little F shaped connecter on the upper intake boot so it took me 2 days to put everything back together. Started on Sunday but had to wait till Monday to go to the dealership and get a replacement for the broken connector (Only a couple of dollars).

 

My Indy shop in Chicago recently quoted me $350 installed for the upgraded "winterized" CCV. This compared to $1495 that was quoted by the stealership.

 

Holy cow! $1500! My dealership quoted me $500 for a CCV change. Your dealership is out of control!

 

It's not a PITA to do ... tedious maybe, but not PITA difficult. To me, rebuilding an engine or transmission would be a 10, this is more like a 4 or 5. I got the kit from Tischer for $150 as well as the lower air intake boot, throttle body gasket, and 6 rubber o-rings for the top piece (see the DIY below that I used and you'll see what they go on). My 2001 didn't need a DISA gasket, as it's integral to the unit, but some years do use a separate gasket. When I did it, probably took me 5 hours, including going to the store to get another T-25 torx when the first one dropped out of sight, cleaning the ICV, and some etc.

There are several DIYs.
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=323335
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=536123
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=417819

 

My indy quoted me 4 hours labour... possibly 5. He charges out at $90 an hour. I wound up doing it myself though.

Don't get the winterized version. It makes install MUCH harder and it costs more (and I REALLY doubt the 1/8 inch of foam does jack shyt anyways, but don't quote me).

If you want to compromise, get the parts and then take it to your indy mech.

Make sure you replace your throttle body gasket while getting this work done.

 

I paid just over 100 for the entire kit.

The job is easy. Took me just under 3 hrs.

 

Jake is an impressive guy...and has good suppliers!

But, for anyone doing this, the real time it takes is greatly reduced the more time you spend studying up for it. Read tons of diys and watch the vids...and even then, prep well. Make sure you have the right tools, plan to do other things while you're there...like intake boot, rubber behind things, don't forget 0-ring for guide tube...if a DD, get the screws you'll drop...have a magnet on a pole and a black and tan for when you're done.

Also, if clean icv or tb...let it dry before starting the car!

 

I agree with Doug and Jake, it's not hard to do. If I can find the DIY I followed I'll post it. The one hose chathuranga mentioned can be tricky though. I spent around $120 and maybe 4 hours.

*Edit* Sansho posted the DIY I followed

 

If you are motivated and efficient with your hands, you can do it in 60-90 mins and <$100 in parts. For those taking 3 hours, are you removing the intake manifold or what? That is entirely not necessary. Here's the best DIY video i found:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSKuZFgAdWU

The other alternative is to completely bypass the CCV with a catch-can (I"m gonna do this soon) for <$50, and even less install time (30-60 min) and never worry about this stupid CCV/PCV abomination ever again. No more white smoke, oil in the intake, leaving you stranded etc.. You just have to drain and clean the can every oil change or so.