318i e46 2003 - car uses oil, alot!, the top part of the dip stick is 'caramel' colour oil, it drips water right under where the gear lever is, the car doesnt over heat but misses when cold....what to do...mechanic says je dunno
water dripping under the gear lever is normal, it comes from the ac condenser above the gearbox, my car does the same.
I would be worried about that caramel dipstick, sounds like you might have a blown headgasket ?
[see, the aircon wasnt even on...hwnce the concern...i thinks its a gasket, gonna have a combustion test done monday....]
Using oil a lot , oil discoloured - head gasket blown .
Radiator places like Silverton can check water to see if head gasket is blown , will show if compression gasses get into water , would then expect overheating .
Compression test showing drop in pressure between two adjacent cylinders may be head gasket .
Good luck
thanks...will need someone to come out and check by my place if possible. The car doesnt over heat, the mechanic 'bled' the water system and found no leaks...im worried about driving it anywhere as i dont wanna cause any damage....