Jump to content
Ad: Genuine BMW parts & accessories from the BMW official store on eBay ×

1999 E46 320d

KNC

By KNC,
in BMW 3 Series Forum

 Share

Recommended Posts

KNC Newbie

KNC

Posted
Posted

Hello Guys, I'm new to the BMW world, and I'm facing some issues that some say might be quite expensive to fix, but the symptoms don't seem to match. I would love to get some feedback from some more experienced guys like you!
So, I currently own a BMW E46 320d 136hp, bought less than a month ago, and the car is driving ok, with no issues starting or idling. The previous owner did lengthy maintenance and replaced common wear and faulty parts, but I'm currently noticing some white smoke from the exhaust. 
I've noticed some coolant disappearing and some gunk building up but it isn't oil mixing, I don't notice any power loss or extra consumptions. Some say it might be a mixture of coolant in the engine, maybe a cracked head or a bad gasket, others say it could be the turbo bushing or seals and I've also heard it could be the injectors. 
Do you guys have any recommendations or advice for a newbie like me? 
Thanks in advance! 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Greydog Grand Master

Greydog

Posted
Posted

Hi Ruben

Welcome to the Forum

White smoke at this time of year is often condensation in the exhaust, does it clear after a short time running ( as the engine warms) or is it continuous? You mention Gunk where is it building up?

A pressure test of the cooling system and a sniff test for fuel/oil in the header tank will tell you if it is engine related. If you are not aware take a look at www.realoem.com put the last 7 digits of your Vin into the search box it will bring up your model. Then search the sections for the information you need take a look at all the coolant hoses and where they are so you can check for any leaks. Hoses wear and with age often get porous.

Good Luck

Dave

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
KNC Newbie

KNC

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Hey Dave

Thanks for the welcome and quick reply!

While the car is running it is smoking, idling and while on throttle. About the coolant, it's some black residue mixed with the coolant on the expansion tank. I checked it and it wasn't oil, looked a lot like melted rubber/plastic, but I did not notice any major leaks nor massive loss of coolant.
I will take a look at the site that you recommended. 

Once again, thanks! 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Greydog Grand Master

Greydog

Posted
Posted

Hi 

If it isn't oil in the header tank it could be lining from one of the hoses if any of them are soft it is normally an indication that they near end of life

Good luck

Dave

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Latest Deals

BMW Official Store for genuine BMW parts & accessories

Disclaimer: As the club is an eBay Partner, The club may be compensated if you make a purchase via eBay links

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing




  • Latest Topics

    1. 11

      Power Message

      Hello, How's the car been since then? Just had the same message pop up then smoke and loads of it, need to wait till Monday to get in contact with the BMW main dealer we purchased the car from which we have extended warranty with
      kor in BMW X3 Series Forum
    2. 1

      Folding mirrors

      Morning Damion I would say yes to the software update (but a Dealer will charge £££) this should be in iDrive try My Vehicle, Vehicle Settings, Doors/Key, then scroll down to mirrors and check Fold Mirrors when Locked If that doesn't work you need help from someone with a BMW capable diagnostic package (ISTA/INPA) to check if it is in a hidden menu. Be aware BMW are making it harder and harder to tinker with the cars mainly after 2019 year so you should be OK Dave
      • 1
      • Thanks
      Greydog in BMW X6 Series Forum
    3. 3

      Centre console iPhone charger

      Morning Rob His was in the car when he brought it and is OEM (car is BMW 330e 2019) apparently works well with his iPhone but not with our daughters Android phone. You could talk to your Dealer but make sure your wallet is in a protected spot 😁 as I have know idea of cost ££££. If BMW are fitting them then there will be Retro fit kits out there from the Far east so worth looking at the Auction sites but I have no knowledge of quality other than the screen in the X5 failed and I replaced it with a complete Android unit from Ebay at less than a 1/3rd of the BMW quote. Truly plug and play allows switching between the OEM CiC and Android gives better GPS and many other programs and has been totally reliable for the last 3 years (that's killed it ) Me I don't spend long enough in the car for my phone to need charging these days 😅 While the X5 has Android Auto and Carplay I have to say like a lot of gadgets they are rarely used. Bluetooth is the only thing I see as an essential Good Luck with the search for a solution Dave
      Greydog in BMW X3 Series Forum
    4. 1

      Folding mirrors

      My X6M has folding mirrors, operated from the normal button, situated on the drivers door arm rest. They don’t fold in when I set the alarm, having read the manual, there’s a setting in the idrive to activate this function but when I scroll down the menu, this option isn’t there. Can the software be updated to add this feature, surely if the button is there and the mirrors are folding ones there must be a solution, or am I missing something completely Thanks in advance
      Damion in BMW X6 Series Forum
    5. 3

      Centre console iPhone charger

      Dave, Thanks for coming back to me, would be really interested to see what he’s done 🙂 Thank you Rob
      Albert Burroughs in BMW X3 Series Forum

  • Recent Achievements

    • Week One Done
      bill gall
      bill gall earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • First Post
      kor
      kor earned a badge
      First Post
    • Reacting Well
      Damion
      Damion earned a badge
      Reacting Well
    • Conversation Starter
      Damion
      Damion earned a badge
      Conversation Starter
    • First Post
      Albert Burroughs
      Albert Burroughs earned a badge
      First Post

×
×
  • Create New...

Forums

News

Membership