a few times recently i'v left my '03 320d idling, due to running a 240v power inverter or tyre inflator and not wanting a flat battery.

when i come to drive off there is lots of smoke out the exhaust for a few mins then returns to normal.

over the years leaving other diesels idling hasnt caused me any problems at all, until this car.

so my question is - is this causing any damage? or am i ok to continue?

It dont sound right mate, my 320d dont do that after idling..

Are you due for a service?

yeah its almost due for the oil change (in another 800 mile). would that cause this tho?

i was thinking that it could be burning oil, but at idle speed theres not enough pressure to push the thick smoke out the exhaust. its used 3litres since its last oil change 16months ago. is that normal?

might be a backup of unburnt fuel in the exhaust?

do you do many motorway miles? at a guess if you dont rag the car that much it will build up in the exhaust, evan more so when stood . then when accelrateing (sp!!) away it will blow it all out?

give it a good blast down the motorway once a week