White smoke???

[MiteshN]

Good day fellow Fanatics.

It has been a long time since my last post. I am still driving my F30 320i Sportline automatic. I have read a few threads on here about smoke on cold startup, but not sure if this is the same for me. I get a burst of white smoke usually every morning on cold startup, thereafter it is clear for the rest of the day, even under heavy acceleration or normal driving. The smoke is usually for about 30 seconds or so, and then clears up. I don't experience any power loss.

Someone advised me it could be the Low Pressure Fuel pump, that might need replacement. Can anyone advise accordingly? Also if it is the LPFP, can someone advise approximate costs?

Thanks
M

 

[individj]

white smoke usually means oil to me and with a turbo car i would think oil by the turbo but im sure the guys would comment.

 

[MiteshN]

Thanks. Was wondering if it is the turbo seals, but would expect that to cause smoke while driving as well not only on cold startup. Also wondering if it is Valve Stem Seals.

 

[KPM3_30]

My dad's old N20 had the same issue, went into BMW and they replaced the oil feed pipe and cleaned the ancillaries.. Smoke disappeared thereafter until the car was sold a few months later. Same symptoms as you've described.

If not, have a look at the turbo seals.. The worst case scenario would be the turbo may need some work (Gaby - Fastec).

 

[MiteshN]

My dad's old N20 had the same issue, went into BMW and they replaced the oil feed pipe and cleaned the ancillaries.. Smoke disappeared thereafter until the car was sold a few months later. Same symptoms as you've described.

Thanks KPM3_30, that is the same engine I have (N20) so might be a good thing to check. I assume that is not too costly a job. Is that the oil feed pipe for the Turbo?

 

[KPM3_30]

Correct, it is oil feed to the turbo. If I remember correctly, it was in the region of R8k.

This is most likely a turbo related problem, given the symptoms you've described. Some guys drill the oil feed lines themselves to make it larger, instead of replacing.. Would suggest you visit your mech and have him inspect.

My 2c, I would suggest you get rid of the N20 if you haven't replaced the timing chain, thrust bearing or even if BMW long service intervals have been followed.

 

[MiteshN]

Correct, it is oil feed to the turbo. This is most likely a turbo related problem, given the symptoms you've described.

Some guys drill the oil feed lines themselves to make it larger, instead of replacing.. Would suggest you visit your mech and have him inspect.

Thanks. Will take it to my mech and ask him. Hopefully it's not an expensive thing.

 

[Danny2]

Rather get it checked asap cause if the oil line is blocked and starving the turbo of oil it's going to break the turbo.

 

[MiteshN]

Thanks Danny. If it is blocked, wouldn't it cause power loss?

 

[Drewski]

Hi. Did BMW ever do a recall on these engines as it seems it was a manufacturer fault and apparently a non return valve was all that was required to stop the oil draining into engine when motor is turned off?

 

[yuveerpopat]

Hi Mitesh. What was the verdict on your F30 eventually? I'm having the exact same issue as you. My mechanic told me reconditioning the turbo will sort out the issue. Not sure if that will include replacing the turbo line feed.

 

[MiteshN]

Hi Mitesh. What was the verdict on your F30 eventually? I'm having the exact same issue as you. My mechanic told me reconditioning the turbo will sort out the issue. Not sure if that will include replacing the turbo line feed.

Hi Yuveerpopat

For me it ended up being the low pressure fuel pump. Had it replaced and all was fine. Haven’t had the same issue since.

Hope this helps you. A pointer to note if you doing the LPFP is make sure the oRing is not pinched when installing. Mine started leaking after a couple of weeks and ended up being a bad o-ring. Had it replaced again and all os good.

 

[tatendaak]

Hi Mitesh. What was the verdict on your F30 eventually? I'm having the exact same issue as you. My mechanic told me reconditioning the turbo will sort out the issue. Not sure if that will include replacing the turbo line feed.

Hi there. I once owned a 2013 320i with an N20 engine. Sometime, after parking the car for a week, I would get an alarming puff of white smoke on start up, then after 30 seconds it cleared up and all back to normal. Since I was under Motorplan, took it to BMW Sandton and they indicated that there is a technical service bulletin out on these engines were there is an oil feed pipe that needs replacement. The old pipe leaks oil into the turbo when car is parked and off so on start up, all leaked oil is bunt up hence puff of white smoke which clears when all oil is burnt up. After they replaced the pipe with a newer designed pipe, issue went away for good.

 

[Greenjustin]

I have seen another 2018 320i B48 on cold starts make white smoke.
Oil return pipe and seals.

FYI, I also had a turbo replaced as it was leaking oil on a 320i B48.