E38 728i| Smoke at engine at startup

[Alexysc]

Dear Master Sifus....


I went to this car dealer to checkout the E38 728i on sale.

The condition of the car is very nice. However during the car initial startup, smoke can be seen at the left side of engine (standing infornt of car looking towards rear).

However I placed booking for this due to the nice condition rest of the car is in.

Any major concern master sifu expect?

Is this a major repair call?

Car plate is WKS2539 if would help.


Thank you!

 

[F10 CREW]

Hi Alex,

There was one for sale by our member. Just for your kind information...
http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/newforums/index.php?/topic/39196-wtsbmw-e38-728i-1997/?fromsearch=1

 

[Herbert]

Very likely the top engine valve gasket has seriously deteriorated causing leakage of lubricant oil onto the exhaust manifold. When engine is switched on, the exhaust manifold would be very hot thereby causing the spilled lubricant oil to burn creating smoke. If I were you, I would take the car to a BMW workshop specialist and have it thoroughly check out unless you are willing to spend thousands $$$$ for unknown issues later on.

Interior and exterior of the car can be nice but end of the day, if the engine is unhealthy, you could be spending all your time at the workshop.


Cheers

 

[moots]

sifu herbert has spoken....

my thoughts exactly on the probable cause for smoke.my car also when i just bought,the valve cover gasket koyak but not to the extent of seeing smoke but the smell was scary,especially so when you just got a second hand car.....

 

[alantiong]

I concur with herbert..

car of this age, should have the rubber parts in engine bay renewed anyway. its a beautiful car. a little elbow grease will do wonders. a 3-4K budget for this work. will give you a good 5-6 years clean engine bay.

 

[Alexysc]

It's been a while so i guess i had to report back.

i bought the darling and had the cooling system overhaul as the water pump kaput. now only squeks from bearing during cold start before up to temp. weird actually since the bearing was part of overhaul also.

i also request to changed the valve cover gasket and now no more smoke! yippie.

but there are some power error suggesting misfire due to air filter, spark plug, vanos or coil problem. being told this could be misdiagnose but did encounter some mid band dip in performance. spark plug and air filter still good. might pour in a bottle of fuel system cleaning solution before diagnose again.

other issue with this car include alarm which has been disabled (i pressume) as it would randomly triggered. been reading ard and will test disconnect bonnet sensor see if this isolates. if yes will get it replaced and (hopefully) re-enable the alarm.

also aux fan kaput. ordered one and is on its way here to replace. hopefully electrics and relays still works.

aircon micro leakage. tahan 1 month or so only. need get check up and hopefully able to repair, no need replace. else poket pecah lagi.

aircon temp control also doesnt work so really cold when got gas.

radio replaced and in progress to solve fm reception issue.

passenger seat power seat twist. finding time to do the youtube repair. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3cARB9RpPM

also minor oil leak. possible from power steering and engine oil. been told this is ok as only gasket leak. need to lift engine to replace so maybe wait a lot while longer before change along with engine overhaul and maybe performance upgrade.

i also crash my rear left door. hand itchy operate window before knock. resulted power window kaput. ordered new set still otw.

owning this car is work. it is a darling but it is work and money. is it normal? :hmpf:

still i hope it is a better deal than a new city or mazda3, especially for weekend drive. it's an e38 darling after all. :67:

 

[alantiong]

enjoy.... its a lovely ride