Problems with new car - BMW Forum

stracer · 06-12-2006, 08:27 AM

My new 540i, actually used with 100k, has a few issues. One thing is when I start the car up after letting a set for a while white smoke comes out, only just when i start it up then it immediately goes away. Second is the engine kind of has a Knocking sound, but not like a rod knock after running for a bit. Then lastly when turing the steering wheel while not moving and also moving it grinds or cracking sound, which I assuming might be the ball joints. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks

stracer · 06-22-2006, 07:28 AM

Well the smoke still is there. I finally got the dealership where I got it from to see it, and now they are going to fix it. It seems to me that oil or something is getting stuck near a spark plug and burning off when I start the car.

LOS · 06-22-2006, 09:03 AM

Tracer,

Please let us know what the dealer does to fix it...
As far as I know, the little knocking is common. I have been told it's your knock down sensors. I only hear it during cold mornings and only lasts for about 5 seconds. See question 7 on this link
Click on the blank box and select "spark plugs"

link...http://www.boschautoparts.com/RB.NA....=NoModifyGuest

The white smoke is usually cause by a coolant leak.... see below and read the different answers. In your case hopefully nothing seriuous.

http://www.2carpros.com/topics/whitesmk.htm

LOS

stracer · 06-22-2006, 10:00 AM

its actually grey, put white by accident. i can smell the oil.

LOS · 06-22-2006, 11:58 AM

Well, check out this link

http://www.baaqmd.gov/pio/smoking_vehicle_program.htm

Maybe all you need is a tune up... You can change the plugs/air filter. I can guide you on the process if this is the case. I just hope is not leaking so bad and getting into the plugs. The other thing, maybe all you need is a head gasket (the labor is expensive for this/parts cheap)

My car has 80k miles...

LOS

stracer · 06-22-2006, 02:31 PM

well here is what the dealership told. I can either return the car and get a different one, or get my trade back. Now I can tell the guy does not want to put the money into fixing the car from what it looks like. I saw a wrx 03. How would that compare to say like a 3 series. Real specs even though its not a bmw.

LOS · 06-22-2006, 03:05 PM

This is one of the things I hate about dealers. They sell you cars with problems which they don't want to fix. Maintenance on these cars can get expensive if the car was not well taken care of.

The Subaru Impresa, right? I have heard good things about the top of the line WRX STI-WR1... This car is uper fast. The regular model is ok, minor issues.

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/de...l=Impreza#used

If you're getting the top of the line I would go for it. Otherwise, the 3 series would be my other choice. What year? Just don't rush into things... Maybe get your old car back and do a research on bwm's. People on this forum will tell you what things to look for prior to buying.
LOS