2001 4.4i white smoke and engine noise... HELP
 

Hello. I had a question if anyone here experienced what I'm experiencing on my 2001 4.4i x5. Recently had the Oil separator replaced, intake manifold gaskets since there was oil in them. Before i had the Oil separator replaced there was this sound on the engine and it puffs out white smoke. Had it replaced and still them same thing. Noise and smoke coming out where i cannot drive it around i might get a ticket. Funny thing is when i picked my car up from my mechanic (His not familiar with BMW's but had a BMW tech to check it) it was running great. BUt right when i was about to pull in the drive way rough idle and white smoke. Here is the video of the noise sounds like something spooling up lol or a whine. Any comments or suggestions would help me a lot. Thanks!

Andre

http://youtu.be/ZEtIOBhIfCc

Sound like your idler pulleys. See diagram below. The white smoke could be a your engine is burning coolant. Check your coolant.

damn, you are good :thumbup:

Everything I've learned is from this great forum;)

Thank you so much for the fast reply! So coolant burning is a sign of a blown head gasket? I wonder how much the part is and labor on that. I did have problems before that my water pump had a small leak, and then when i fill up the coolant i leave it overnight. The next morning i would see leaks under the car. What other parts should be changed for this?

It could be your head gasket or your coolant jacket in the engine block is crack. If that the case, you'll need a new engine only if your coolant jacket is crack(engine block is no good). Blown head gasket is also a very expensive job. It's very labor intent because all the upper parts of the engine needs to come out. If your water pump is leaking, check the hoses around the pump first for any sign of leaking. And if you are planning to tackle the water pump change your thermostat at the same time. when installing the water pump try not pinch the O rings(or replace) from the coolant pipes. Takes your time (patience) with the water pump gasket because it could be a pain in A$$! The thermostat install is a cake walk. Goodluck:thumbup:

Oh my new engine... OUCH! Thanks for the info. The idler pulley is that just a belt i have to replace or the whole thing? And i notice you live here in LA. You know a good BMW mechanic?

Here you go. Bavariaautoctr.com. Ask for Dom.