328i e36 1995 auto smoking

[Rod Durban]

Hi. I drove up from Durban to Jhb and car went beautifully as usual. I have it for 13 years and I had no problems. I never topped up oil unless during a service. My manual says super(premium) leaded with minimum 93 octane. I don't know why everybody, including mechanics are surprised that it takes leaded. Anyway, I couldn't find LRP in Jhb so after some googling and asking around it seemed ok to fill 93 unleaded. I used a tank in Jhb and then another tank back to Dbn. I noticed the idle was rough and heat needle moving up very slow, so I just thought because of the cold. I had my car for 8 years while living in Jhb and had no such problems. I noticed huge puffs of smoke just past halfway down to Dbn. The power and fuel consumption were absolutely normal, but the heat needle was on quarter or below, so again I thought because of the cold. The idle was very rough when I reached Dbn and the idle was low(almost switching off). I thought of the fuel and immediately filled LRP and more a few days later, but I noticed smoke on the freeway and when stopping and taking off. The oil was very low and I filled 4 pints. The mech said many different things but said I should just drive and see what happens. Ok after extensive reading: It never heated up over half(normal), never took coolant or extra fuel, never lose power(compression). I read something about lead and protecting valve seats? What could it be? Thanks and sorry for the long post.

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Update. The idle doesn't seem that rough anymore but there's still some smoke on startup with drops of water which I read is normal condensation. Have not taken it on the freeway since topping up oil. The mech suspected a stuck thermostat on open position but the heat gauge works fine in Dbn.

 

[Yuben]

Welcome to the forum Bud, how abt a little intro on yourself and ride besides the issue of smoking:YesNo:

 

[Rod Durban]

Hi Yuben. Ok I'm Rod from Durban. I did this trip to Jhb 2 weeks ago. I Drive that same car as my heading.
An update. I did 70kms on the freeway last night and there was no smoking at all. I guess the unleaded fuel burnt off. There was a bit of smoke this morning though but I guess its normal.
I guess my problem is unique, judging by the lack of response. Its nothing like I've seen on google so thats why I tried this forum.
Anyway I've learnt not to use unleaded.

 

[ballisticz466]

judging by the lack of response.

Give it some time, it's only been a day.

Welcome to the forum Bud, how abt a little intro on yourself and ride besides the issue of smoking

Just to give the guys an idea of who you are, that's all.

As for the problem with your car, I fail to see how running unleaded can cause you to burn 4 pints of oil. You car should be able to run unleaded without issues.

 

[danieljames]

When I bought my 325i I use to fill up with unleaded......until I saw on the naamsa site that they recommend LRP(just under a year of after I bought it)......but I've had zero issues with regards to unleaded fuel.....