BMW 535i: Failed PCV Valve and Camshaft Adjuster — Valve Cover, Actuator and Relearn
A 2015 BMW 535i with two failures at the top of the engine: the camshaft adjuster valve and the PCV valve. On this engine the PCV valve is built into the valve cover, so the repair was a new valve cover assembly and a new actuator, followed by the camshaft actuator relearn procedure. Here is the engine with the cover off.
2015 BMW 535i October 23, 2026 4 min readDocumented by Alex
How it arrived
Brought in with faults on the camshaft adjuster valve and the PCV valve.
Reported symptoms
Camshaft adjuster valve fault
PCV valve failure
Outcome
The 535i’s valve cover assembly (with the integrated PCV valve) and the actuator were replaced, and the camshaft actuator relearn procedure was performed. The work carries our 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty on new parts, whichever comes first.
This 2015 BMW 535i came in with two failures at the top of its turbocharged six-cylinder engine: the camshaft adjuster valve and the PCV valve.
Why the PCV fix is a whole valve cover
The PCV valve controls crankcase ventilation — it routes the gases and oil vapor that collect in the crankcase back into the intake to be burned. On many engines it is a small separate part. On this BMW engine it is built into the valve cover, along with the oil separator, so a failed PCV valve means a new valve cover assembly. When the PCV fails, symptoms can include rough running, oil consumption, whistling noises and a check engine light. We explain the PCV in more detail in our Maserati Ghibli PCV valve write-up.
Valve cover off: camshafts, valve springs and the timing chain at the front of the engine.Working on the 535i at the shop, fender cover on to protect the paint.
The camshaft adjuster and the actuator
BMW varies the timing and lift of the valves while the engine runs, for power, economy and emissions. The camshaft adjuster valve and the actuator are part of that system. With the adjuster valve failed, the engine control unit cannot control the valvetrain the way it expects, and it flags a fault. The actuator was replaced along with the valve cover.
Close-up of the valvetrain the actuator controls.
The relearn — the step that is easy to skip
Fitting new parts is not the end of the job on this engine. After the repair we performed the camshaft actuator relearn procedure, which has the engine control unit learn the end positions and behavior of the new actuator. Skip it, and a correctly installed new part can still run badly or bring the fault back.
What to take from this
On a BMW, “replace the PCV valve” can mean a valve cover, and “replace the actuator” always means a relearn afterwards. When comparing quotes, ask whether both are included. More on our BMW service page and our guide on what the check engine light means.
From the job
What we photographed
The engine with the valve cover off.The valvetrain up close.At work on the 535i.
FAQ
Questions this job raises
Where is the PCV valve on a BMW 535i?
On this 2015 535i it is integrated into the valve cover, so replacing the PCV valve means replacing the valve cover assembly.
What are the symptoms of a failed PCV valve on a BMW?
Rough idle, higher oil consumption, a whistling noise from the engine and a check engine light are common signs.
Does a BMW need a relearn after replacing the camshaft actuator?
Yes. On this 535i we performed the camshaft actuator relearn procedure after the replacement so the engine control unit learns the new part.
Can an independent shop do BMW valve cover and actuator work?
Yes, with the right parts and BMW-capable diagnostic software for the relearn. We did this job at our Worcester, MA shop.
Do you repair BMW engines in Worcester?
Yes. We diagnose and repair BMW engines, including valve covers, PCV, actuators and relearn procedures, at our Worcester, MA shop.
