I posted a while ago about a smoke problem and am now faced with replacing my valve seals.
The problem started last Sep. After reading up on the issue here, I replaced a torn CCV and thought my problems were solved - um....nope. Since then I have been trying to figure this out and it all lead to the valve stem seals. I live in CA and had to smog my car this last week. It passed smog levels but they failed it for visible smoke!! I had no choice but to take it to the dealer to confirm my (dread) suspisions of the seals....they did and quoted me $8205 for the repair. $7000 of this is labor.
At this point I am researching the special tools I will need to do the job myself (in car without removing the heads). The forum has been very helpful to me and I will promise to document prices, tools, part numbers, etc. Also, if anyone has gone through this, help would be appreciated for all of us out there that have or are going to have this issue. Seems pretty common to me!
I also tried to put "no smoke" additives in with oil changes and nothing really helped. I just tried to Bardahl product (super cheap) to see if it worked while I finish my research for the job. I will post results.
Also, FYI to all those that have a N62 engine. IMO, do not buy the Bentley Manual expecting to find any info on the engine. I looked on the Bentley site (after I purchased) and they recommend you go to
www.bmwtechinfo.com for info on the engine. $30 for a 24 hr subscription, $250 for 30 days. If anyone has a different source please also post.
The symptoms are after warm up and after sitting at a stop light for instance, it will smoke on take-off. Smoke is bluish in color - apparently classic sign of the seal problem and a CCV proble. My advise would be to start with the CCV and cross your fingers.
I am not an expert by any means but unfortunately by the time this is over I might be. haha
Thanks all!
02-18-2012, 05:52 PM
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