E39 540i smoking (not the tyres!) - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

markrnorton · 12th December 2005, 23:13

Hi

new to this forum, but had a few V8 BMW's over the years.

Sold my 840ci for a 540i (1997) 4.4, but it seems to have developed a smoking habit.

Whenever i start it up, after leaving it for about 15mins+ or overnight etc, it burns blue/white smoke for about 30 seconds on startup.

It also has developed a 'warbling' sound whenever i park it on my inclined drive

has anybody on this forum experienced this, or can you shed any light on these 2 faults - or are they related in someway.

thanks

mark

Eduardo · 12th January 2006, 01:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by markrnorton

Hi

new to this forum, but had a few V8 BMW's over the years.

Sold my 840ci for a 540i (1997) 4.4, but it seems to have developed a smoking habit.

Whenever i start it up, after leaving it for about 15mins+ or overnight etc, it burns blue/white smoke for about 30 seconds on startup.

It also has developed a 'warbling' sound whenever i park it on my inclined drive

has anybody on this forum experienced this, or can you shed any light on these 2 faults - or are they related in someway.

thanks

mark

Hey Mark, welcome to the best web page for M5s. My wife has a 1998 E39 540i and we have no problem so far --although it only has 33,000 kilometers. In your car, does the oil level decrease due to the "smoking" you have suffered?

Lscman · 8th March 2006, 15:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by markrnorton

Hi

new to this forum, but had a few V8 BMW's over the years.

Sold my 840ci for a 540i (1997) 4.4, but it seems to have developed a smoking habit.

Whenever i start it up, after leaving it for about 15mins+ or overnight etc, it burns blue/white smoke for about 30 seconds on startup.

It also has developed a 'warbling' sound whenever i park it on my inclined drive

has anybody on this forum experienced this, or can you shed any light on these 2 faults - or are they related in someway.

thanks

mark

Very common with 4.4L. Your crankcase ventilation system is plugged.

Other tip and tricks on web show fix. It involves removing intake, flushing breather pipes under it clogged with goo and replacing a $100 rear cover assembly that bolts to the intake.

This problem can cause you to blow multiple engine gaskets and seals that can cost thousands to repair. This issue also abuses your $2K catalytic converters and they can fail. Get it addressed.