engine problem/question
 

I HAVE A 95 318I. WHEN I TAKE OUT THE DIP STICK WITH THE CAR RUNNING THERE IS A SUCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE DIP HOLE? WHEN I PUT MY FINGER OVER IT , IT WANTS TO SUCK IT IN. AND IF THE DIP STICK IS IN THE HOLE A LOAD NOISE IS CREATED. PVC VALVE? EGR? PLEASE HELP ON A BUDGET, CAN'T TAKE IT IN THX MATT

sounds like a pcv problem to me.
looks like a posting problem to me

The cyclone separator is the BMW version of the PCV valve. They go out often but I don't know for sure if your symptom is indicative. I don't pull my dipstick with the engine running so I can't say for sure that the sucking is a problem however the cyclone separator does connect to the bottom of the dipstick tube.

Some of the symptoms I have heard of are a whistling sound from the separator at idle and increased oil consumption.

THANK YOU JERON FOR THE INFO. i CAN'T FIND ANY INFO ON THE CYCLONE SEPARATOR IN MY HAYNES REPAIR MANUAL, ANY IDEAS? ALSO I LOCATED THE WHISTLING NOISE COMING FROM WHERE THE GASES FROM THE TOP OF THE HEAD REENTER THE UPPER INTAKE. A CIRCLE BLACK BOX BEFORE THE INTAKE, I ASUM RECYCLES AND USES. I DID DISCONNECT IT AND PLUGED IT AND THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY. THX MATT

FYI, it is generally considered yelling when capital letters are used on the internet.

On the E36 M3 there is a ICV(idle control valve ) the controls flow between the intake manifold and the intake tube before the throttle body. But on my car unplugging this hose will kill the engine.

The four cylinder must be different here is the EGR valve on yours:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CC73&mospid=47490&btnr=11_1408& hg=11&fg=15

Here is the cyclone separator on the E36M3 it is called a "Pressure Regulating Valve"
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CD93&mospid=47504&btnr=11_1487& hg=11&fg=15

I'm glad you got it fixed.

Hey I got the same problem with my 97 m44 and i did the same thing but now my gas milage sucks. i found a bmw
TSB (technical service bullitin) if anyone can look them up it is
110598 sep 98 and it's to diagnose this noise. I think it's a tiny leak in the rear main seal sucking air.

That TSB is about checking the crankcase vent valve for proper operation. That valve is what I am calling the Cyclone Separator. The one on the M54 and S52 engines look like #1 in the diagram in the TSB

Not that there couldn't be but, why do you think it is a air leak in the rear main seal?

i get back there and listen with a piece of vacume hose and the noise gets louder at the bell housing

I recently replaced my intake boot. I noticed some oil in it , also some oil going into the throttle body/intake. Is this just a sign of a bad separator?