Blue Smoke

[hndshelton]

I have a 2001 525 with 60k miles on it. Recently upon starting the engine (though not every time) I get significant amounts of blue smoke out the exhaust. Occasionally upon acceleration from a standstill I get the blue smoke. There are no other symptoms except on occasion the yellow low oil light will come on. I check the oil and it is down about 1/8 inch from the full mark. This is my 5th BMW (third one bought new) and I have never seen or heard of this symptom. I have a 1985 3 series car that has 200k miles on it and have never experienced anything like this. I am concerned that it is serious.

Harvey

hndshelton@comcast.net

[billB]

200K miles ?Make sure the smoke is blue NOT white. Since Blue smoke=burning oil I suggest the head gasket to be replaced but NOT without performing a compression test. Also have a pro testing the radiator for the presence of carbon monoxide in the radiator, which may indicate the possibility of a cracked head.

note: bad valve guides and rings gives off blue smoke also.

[hndshelton]

Originally posted by hndshelton@Jan 17 2005, 09:25 AM
I have a 2001 525 with 60k miles on it. Recently upon starting the engine (though not every time) I get significant amounts of blue smoke out the exhaust. Occasionally upon acceleration from a standstill I get the blue smoke. There are no other symptoms except on occasion the yellow low oil light will come on. I check the oil and it is down about 1/8 inch from the full mark. This is my 5th BMW (third one bought new) and I have never seen or heard of this symptom. I have a 1985 3 series car that has 200k miles on it and have never experienced anything like this. I am concerned that it is serious.

Harvey

hndshelton@comcast.net

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I now have the car in the local dealer shop. Yesterday they indicated the problem was due to a cracked/split diaphram in the oil separator valve (which is much like a PCV valve). The shop indicated they have seen this previously, but not frequently.

Harvey