How to inspect and maintain the Vapor Canister on the BMW M3?

The big hose from the crankcase ventilation breather is attached to the engine's valve cover. Unplug hoses and check for obstructions and fractures in the hoses. Sealed Crankcase Ventilation (CV) system is used by all engines for that matter so as not to allow fresh air into the crankcase; this means that at all times, it is under vacuum such that any defects within the system are a vacuum leak. All hoses should be in good condition, also check dipstick 0- rings if they are in good condition and if the dipstick itself is sealing tightly within its tube. If it is not seated well enough a vacuum leak can occur which might cause engine oil being drawn into the intake manifold. The crankcase vapors are drawn through a connection on top of the valve cover and fed into the intake air stream where they are burned with air/fuel mixture reducing hydrocarbon emissions. The large hose near front of engine connected to a valve cover is called an oil separator or "breather." Remove hoses and inspect them for obstructions or cracks. Basically there is no maintenance for this crankcase ventilation system. There aren't any mechanical parts to adjust nor any components with scheduled replacements; there may be some checks on plugged/cracked up hoses and poor connections only that could still be made regarding this system . Once again making sure that you fully seat your hoses, remove them from their connecting points and examine for any kind of restrictions in them or inside valves leading replaceable ones, readily available at most retailers. It must be installed in reverse order using new clamps as necessary ensuring positive engagement of male fittings before restraightening tubing runs unless System Hoses figure 5 . The fuel evaporation system includes an expansion tank, carbon canister, fuel filler cap, solenoid activated purge valve and connecting lines/hoses Fill cap has vent hole(s) allowing atmosphere entrance but restricts exit of gasoline vapors. No scheduled servicing particularly on damaged hoses and leaks should include visual checks for this.

Genuine BMW M3 Vapor Canister

Fuel Vapor Canister

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9 Vapor Canisters found

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BMW M3 Activated Charcoal Filter
Part Number: 16137163596
$293.66 MSRP: $433.48
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Vapor Canister
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2008-2013 BMW M3 | Convertible(E93), Coupe(E92), Sedan(E90)
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BMW M3 Activated Charcoal Filter
Part Number: 16131180463
$357.17 MSRP: $456.42
You Save: $99.25 (22%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Vapor Canister
- Replaces: 16-13-1-180-261, 16-13-1-179-355
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1988-1991 BMW M3 | Coupe(E30)
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BMW M3 Activated Charcoal Filter
Part Number: 16117301243
$356.57 MSRP: $526.34
You Save: $169.77 (33%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2015-2018 BMW M3 | Sedan(F80)
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BMW M3 Activated Charcoal Filter
Part Number: 16131183906
$289.51 MSRP: $369.96
You Save: $80.45 (22%)
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Vapor Canister
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2001-2006 BMW M3 | Convertible(E46), Coupe(E46)
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BMW M3 Activated Charcoal Filter
Part Number: 16131180886
$141.27 MSRP: $178.99
You Save: $37.72 (22%)
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Vapor Canister
- Replaces: 16-13-1-181-217
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1995-1996 BMW M3 | Coupe(E36)
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BMW M3 Activated Charcoal Filter
Part Number: 16137464301
$356.57 MSRP: $526.34
You Save: $169.77 (33%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Vapor Canister
- Replaces: 16-13-7-408-409
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2015-2018 BMW M3 | Sedan(F80)
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BMW M3 Activated Charcoal Filter
Part Number: 16137466242
$466.10 MSRP: $688.03
You Save: $221.93 (33%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Vapor Canister
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2021-2025 BMW M3 | 6 Cyl 3.0 L GAS
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BMW M3 Activated Charcoal Filter
Part Number: 16131183509
$428.85 MSRP: $548.01
You Save: $119.16 (22%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Vapor Canister
- Replaces: 16-14-1-182-597
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1997-1999 BMW M3 | Convertible(E36), Coupe(E36), Sedan(E36)
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BMW M3 Activated Charcoal Filter
Part Number: 16136751759
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Vapor Canister
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2001-2006 BMW M3 | Convertible(E46), Coupe(E46)

BMW M3 Vapor Canister

BMW M3 Vapor Canister traps gasoline fumes before they escape from the tank, allowing the air to be kept cleaner. At the same time, the fuel is recycled into the combustion process. Inside the canister, activated charcoal contains vapors until engine vacuum opens the purge path and air sweeps the stored hydrocarbons into the intake where they burn like ordinary fuel. Early BMW M3 models applied a simple charcoal-filled Vapor Canister that was connected to a simple purge valve. In the OBD II era onwards, the Vapor Canister system had a canister vent solenoid and tank pressure sensor which created what is known as a self-checking style of Vapor Canister that allows the engine computer to test for any leaks and trigger a dashboard warning if vacuum falls short. Later editions of the BMW M3 tuck the Vapor Canister close to the rear axle for improved balance of weight and additional protection. Although both styles have the same core task, the later design features electronic monitoring for tighter emissions control and simpler fault detection. No matter the year, keeping hoses free and the shell uncracked will prevent fuel odor and that unwanted check engine light. Regular inspection of the BMW M3 Vapor Canister setup is simple but vital.

If you are looking for OEM BMW M3 Vapor Canister, we highly recommend to shop with us. Not only do we offer budget friendly prices, but we also provide fast delivery. In addition, we have a hassle-free return policy on all genuine BMW M3 Vapor Canister that come backed by the manufacturer's warranty.

BMW M3 Vapor Canister Parts Questions & Experts Answers

Activated Charcoal Filter
16131180463
Q:
How to inspect and maintain the Vapor Canister on the BMW M3?
Posted by Eva C.
A:
The big hose from the crankcase ventilation breather is attached to the engine's valve cover. Unplug hoses and check for obstructions and fractures in the hoses. Sealed Crankcase Ventilation (CV) system is used by all engines for that matter so as not to allow fresh air into the crankcase; this means that at all times, it is under vacuum such that any defects within the system are a vacuum leak. All hoses should be in good condition, also check dipstick 0- rings if they are in good condition and if the dipstick itself is sealing tightly within its tube. If it is not seated well enough a vacuum leak can occur which might cause engine oil being drawn into the intake manifold. The crankcase vapors are drawn through a connection on top of the valve cover and fed into the intake air stream where they are burned with air/fuel mixture reducing hydrocarbon emissions. The large hose near front of engine connected to a valve cover is called an oil separator or "breather." Remove hoses and inspect them for obstructions or cracks. Basically there is no maintenance for this crankcase ventilation system. There aren't any mechanical parts to adjust nor any components with scheduled replacements; there may be some checks on plugged/cracked up hoses and poor connections only that could still be made regarding this system . Once again making sure that you fully seat your hoses, remove them from their connecting points and examine for any kind of restrictions in them or inside valves leading replaceable ones, readily available at most retailers. It must be installed in reverse order using new clamps as necessary ensuring positive engagement of male fittings before restraightening tubing runs unless System Hoses figure 5 . The fuel evaporation system includes an expansion tank, carbon canister, fuel filler cap, solenoid activated purge valve and connecting lines/hoses Fill cap has vent hole(s) allowing atmosphere entrance but restricts exit of gasoline vapors. No scheduled servicing particularly on damaged hoses and leaks should include visual checks for this.
Answered by BMW Parts Specialist Javier / Dec 08, 2023