Smoke On Start Up And Squeal - BMW Forum

540i Quad pipe · 03-17-2008, 02:44 PM

I have a 98 540i with 129k miles. I have owned it for about 2 years (28k miles) with no problems until now. Last week the car developed a puff of smoke on start-up and then when warmed up, had a squeal from the lower end at the rear of the engine (sounded like belts but wasn't) accompanied by smoke from the exhaust (oily smell, but mainly white). When I pulled out the dipstick the squeal and smoke stopped. I presumed a blocked breather and left it into my garage. They cleaned the breathers and rocker covers (apparently sludge was present), but it still had a slight puff of smoke on start up. I had cause to floor it tonight in 1st gear and the smoke from the rear looked like something James Bond would have been proud of! When I take the dipstick out there is a loud sucking sound and the smoke diminishes, although does not disappear like before. Anyway, the smoke is still there, is mainly white but also smells of oil!! Does this sound like a major head gasket failure (oil AND water jacket perhaps), or something else? - no temp rises so far, but then I only travelled about 300 metres since I floored it and saw the major smoke tonight!

Any help/suggestions welcome.

Cheers.

loveless4577 · 03-18-2008, 12:16 PM

Sounds like your head gasket but I am not sure. You have alot of variables going on there. Good Luck!

AlpineSixAndSeven · 03-18-2008, 02:10 PM

..... I dont think it is the Head gasket

..... I think it is your oil seperator valve

...... seems like a common failure on the m62 engine

.... since you said you pulled the valve covers pulled you should be able to handle replacing this

.... heres some links from an e38 site but it is the same engine...

Notes/Photos for replacing the BMW E38 (M62) Valve Cover gaskets.
engine noise, whine, howling, oil separator valve
OSV [Oil Separator Valve] replacement enclosed.

loveless4577 · 03-18-2008, 02:37 PM

For your sake I hope he is right.

AlpineSixAndSeven · 03-18-2008, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loveless4577

For your sake I hope he is right.

I just doesn't sound like a head gasket.... ALSO check your oil level

if it is burning oil then there is less in the pan!

540i Quad pipe · 04-10-2008, 02:18 PM

10 out of 10 to AlpineSixandSeven!!! Went to the link you gave me regarding the OSV and printed off the instructions on how to change it without removing the manifold. Job done and the one I removed look identical to the one the guy removed from his own car in the link you posted. New one cost £75 and a day of my inexperienced time. With my local BMW dealer at £60/hour for a 540, I can't thank you enough.
Cheers fella.

AlpineSixAndSeven · 04-10-2008, 02:22 PM

lol friend had a 740 with that issue! BMW WANTED TO SELL HIM A NEW OEM MOTOR!!! $10,000 IN PARTS! glad to help out! comback anytime! hopfully by will not nessesity

CosmosBlack · 04-13-2008, 12:16 AM

Yeah, it is the Oil Separator, I've replaced 2 of those before on 2 of my previous 540i's