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      01-16-2022, 07:41 PM   #1
NeoBMW
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Engine oil burning and smoke

So as expected my 6 is getting to that “break-my-wallet” phase.
2016, 640iGC , 50k miles. Last 2+ Yrs of ownership have been great minus the normal wear and tear stuff but for the last few weeks, once I drive around for a bit (it was random but now becoming more regular) intense engine oil smells spreads around the inside and now has smoke included with it. It does dissipate but than happens again once I drive around. The smell is really bad and now the smoke is really concerning me. I parked the car in a shopping lot and opened the good and noticed the smell is coming for the bottom left side of the engine (?) area (when looking from the front) . It seems to me a leak is occurring. Smell seems to be engine oil burning and then the smoke inside and then from engine seems to validate it. Obviously I’m taking it in next week but anything y’all can share with me will be helpful on figuring this out. I have extended warranty for a bit so that’s a positive aspect in case sh*t goes sideway.

Thanks!
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      01-16-2022, 08:12 PM   #2
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Probably valve cover gasket or maybe oil filter housing gasket leaking and dripping down on the exhaust. Neither are huge expenses. Pretty cheap if you can DIY.
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      01-17-2022, 12:39 AM   #3
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The most likely cause is a valve cove gasket leak. The gasket leaks oil onto the exhaust manifold and it is particularly noticeable when the gar is stationary. If you open the hood while the car is warm the smoke will be coming from the passenger side of the engine towards the firewall. If it is really bad it will be along the whole passenger side of the engine. It is not a major issue. It has been a problem with practically all the BMW 6 cylinders and the none turbo V8 as well, although they have it on both sides. There are DIYs on YouTube on how to tackle it if you so desire.
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      01-17-2022, 12:14 PM   #4
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Thanks both. So here’s an update:

Took it to a local euro shop. They are indicating that the entire valve cover needs to be replaced! Approx $1300. Per advise here, I did ask about the gasket itself but was told that they can fix it ($700!) but the issue will continue unless I change the valve cover. Spoke to warranty and they might cover it but need the shop to provide more info. Thoughts?
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      01-17-2022, 12:48 PM   #5
Opie55
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The valve cover on that engine frequently cracks. But did the place explain to you why they needed to replace it? Any place that says they want $1,300 from me but does not explain why is not a place I am going to pay anything. As for the $700, I don't know if that is a lot or not for that job since I would do it myself, but if a $700 repair on such a sophisticated car earns a "!" from you then you might be in for a rough road ahead. When I said above that "neither are huge expenses" I did not consider $700 huge for somebody who cannot DIY on a $100k car.
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      01-17-2022, 07:16 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Opie55 View Post
The valve cover on that engine frequently cracks. But did the place explain to you why they needed to replace it? Any place that says they want $1,300 from me but does not explain why is not a place I am going to pay anything. As for the $700, I don't know if that is a lot or not for that job since I would do it myself, but if a $700 repair on such a sophisticated car earns a "!" from you then you might be in for a rough road ahead. When I said above that "neither are huge expenses" I did not consider $700 huge for somebody who cannot DIY on a $100k car.
Appreciate your input. So $700 is not a big deal for me but I’m always cautious to let go of my hard earned money, and yes very well aware of the cost of owing a BMW. I had few before and just got the ‘22 X4 for the wife last month

In any case, moving forward with the valve cover replacement. The tech indicated that he can fix the gasket but he has seen too many N55 coming back since the part is made of plastic as opposed to the current aluminium replacement. Moving with my extended warranty replacement seems to be the best option.
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      01-17-2022, 10:34 PM   #7
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Yeah, plastic is the reason they crack. Kind of odd some of the parts that are made of plastic these days. If they start making plastic pistons I may reconsider my disinterest in electric cars.
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      01-17-2022, 11:04 PM   #8
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If you have an extended warranty then it is their problem. Although a few of the valve covers crack, the vast majority of the leaks are due to the gasket leaking. This has been the case since the 90s. The rubber gasket hardens and eventually starts to leak. See attached pic.
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      01-18-2022, 02:55 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by arucano View Post
If you have an extended warranty then it is their problem. Although a few of the valve covers crack, the vast majority of the leaks are due to the gasket leaking. This has been the case since the 90s. The rubber gasket hardens and eventually starts to leak. See attached pic.
Thanks arucano .
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      12-21-2022, 01:49 PM   #10
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Piggybacking on this post. 2016 640igc 35k miles

I'll be doing my valve cover gasket replacement. What else is recommended to replace while I'm in there?
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      12-21-2022, 02:31 PM   #11
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NeoBMW you've got PM
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      12-21-2022, 08:24 PM   #12
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50k on a n55 is literally nothing. Definitely nothing to break your wallet but common issues
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      12-26-2022, 01:56 PM   #13
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Man I had the same exact issue from what op experienced. Smoke was also coming from the passenger side in the engine bay and was because of a small leak from the valve gasket. Had it replaced also replaced the pcv valve and in total was in the hole for $1300 (parts & labor)
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      12-27-2022, 10:20 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NeoBMW View Post
Appreciate your input. So $700 is not a big deal for me but I’m always cautious to let go of my hard earned money, and yes very well aware of the cost of owing a BMW. I had few before and just got the ‘22 X4 for the wife last month

In any case, moving forward with the valve cover replacement. The tech indicated that he can fix the gasket but he has seen too many N55 coming back since the part is made of plastic as opposed to the current aluminium replacement. Moving with my extended warranty replacement seems to be the best option.

i charge 450 for valve cover jobs so 700 is a bit much imho. also if you want a new valve cover. you can get a new one for about 100-140 online. n54 guys use it all the time with good testimonials. if you want to be baller you can upgrade to alluminum!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/35408103584...3ABFBM2vT1xaph

comes with the gasket etc. benefits of the 640 is the aftermarket support because the 3 series share the same engine.

so you can warranty the job or upgrade.
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John H.221.00
      12-27-2022, 12:26 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rogue75 View Post
Piggybacking on this post. 2016 640igc 35k miles

I'll be doing my valve cover gasket replacement. What else is recommended to replace while I'm in there?
spark plug, coils, mickey mouse ears coolant flange, oil filter housing gasket. if you do the oil filter housing gasket you will need a set of intake manifold gaskets and throttle body gasket. cabin and air filter since your all in!
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      12-31-2022, 04:53 PM   #16
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No need to replace cover imo. I did my gasket few weeks ago on my 2015 640i has 126k miles now. All OK. I'm happy to do the job again if when cover cracks, it wasn't too difficult. £50 part job done ! Did it as soon as I noticed the smoking from back left area.
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