Question on Smoke in Exhaust

[rilo2007]

First of all, merry X-mas to everyone on Xoutpost - the greatest auto forum in the world.

Quick question - I've got thick white smoke in the exhaust of my 05 3.0, that disappears after a bit of driving. I've checked the previous posts and found out about the oil separator issue (unlikely) and coolant leaking into the combustion chamber issue (more likely since the smoke smelled 'sweet'). However, checking through oil cap, dip stick I see no tell tale residues left by the coolant, and my coolant level is at the minimum (but ok) fill level. My engine seems to run fine - no loss of power. So the question is, could bad gas, maybe with a slug of condensation, caused the white smoke issue? I'm taking it to the dealer on Monday but wanted to see if I can get some knowledge beforehand. Oh and my Service Engine Soon light popped up so I'm thinking something in the smoke might have messed up the exhaust sensor triggers. Thanks all - and a Happy New Year!

[X5rolls]

White smoke is coolant getting into the chamber - that's what I'd put at the top of the list.

[ccarney]

Originally Posted by X5rolls

White smoke is coolant getting into the chamber - that's what I'd put at the top of the list.

I agree...

[amacman]

oil separator causes white smoke from exhaust also .
this happened to our X3 3.0i and E38 740i .
oil was drawn into cylinders because the OS diaphragm burst .
your coolant can be tested for hydrocarbons to tell if gasket leaking .

[X5rolls]

Originally Posted by amacman

oil separator causes white smoke from exhaust also .
this happened to our X3 3.0i and E38 740i .
oil was drawn into cylinders because the OS diaphragm burst .
your coolant can be tested for hydrocarbons to tell if gasket leaking .

The plugs would also get oil fouled if oil was getting into the combustion chamber.

[rilo2007]

Thanks for the replies. I'm guessing from researching the posts and the way the smoke smells it's coolant too, although temperature gauge hasn't moved and the coolant level seems fine. Oh well, I'll find out from the dealer and post back on Monday.

[BAX5]

Do let us know. I'm a 3.0 driver and am trying to keep up with what to expect, since I'll be driving this BMW forever.

[rilo2007]

Who would have thought - car lives in Southern California except for a couple of trips to Mammoth.

[ernaldamerican]

do a compression check. You could see if you have any cylinders that are reading low. not hard to do on the 3.0. Pull all the plugs so its not a strain on the starter.