Smoke From Engine Bay

jtmeyer · 11-09-2009, 03:37 PM

Hey guys, once in a while I will notice a smell while driving that kind of smells like burning plastic or something. Last night I opened the hood to take a look and there was a fair bit of white smoke coming from behind the engine on the passenger side as shown on the picture. Any ideas on what this could be? Also when I went to close the hood my drivers side kidney grill decided to fall out; is there any way to zip tie it in place or something, or do I just have to buy a new one?

|AW|NATALIE · 11-09-2009, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtmeyer

Hey guys, once in a while I will notice a smell while driving that kind of smells like burning plastic or something. Last night I opened the hood to take a look and there was a fair bit of white smoke coming from behind the engine on the passenger side as shown on the picture. Any ideas on what this could be? Also when I went to close the hood my drivers side kidney grill decided to fall out; is there any way to zip tie it in place or something, or do I just have to buy a new one?

Just buy new chrome kidneys or better yet black grills. Not that expensive. Only ziptie for a temporary fix while you wait for the new grills to arrive in the mail

rhm325i · 11-09-2009, 03:42 PM

It is pretty typical for a m54b25 too leak oil from the vcg where you illustrated

MysticBlau330Ci · 11-09-2009, 03:51 PM

seems like a little oil is leaking from your valve cover gasket onto the exhaust. That will cause smoke. Give your engine a nice clean up/wash and look for oil wetness in that area.

Bimmerboi325i · 11-09-2009, 04:44 PM

i think i may have the same problem, on the way to school today my a/c shutted off completely even tho i have it on max and when i lifted the hood i noticed white smoke comin from the passenger side, although the thermostat was reading normal. I'm also experiencing the burnt smell whenever my heater is on...any suggestions?

pat · 11-09-2009, 06:03 PM

I'd like to keep an eye on this one... I'm having a similar problem. At first I thought it was due to my new clutch but I also got the valve cover gasket done.... oil leak?

SaaDiesel · 11-09-2009, 06:09 PM

That is exactly where my valve cover gasket started to leak, right where the O2 sensors are

Change it asap!

mattcarle21 · 11-09-2009, 06:20 PM

Def VCG. That's the infamous spot.

Define ///M3 · 11-09-2009, 06:24 PM

VCG. fosho

jtmeyer · 11-09-2009, 09:37 PM

Okay, if there's a consensus that it's the VCG, is it dangerous to drive the car the way it is? I'm really busy with school right now and don't really have the time to take care of it just yet. I'll have more time in a few weeks. Also where do you guys recommend the best place to get replacement parts?

Sandman316 · 11-10-2009, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtmeyer

Okay, if there's a consensus that it's the VCG, is it dangerous to drive the car the way it is? I'm really busy with school right now and don't really have the time to take care of it just yet. I'll have more time in a few weeks. Also where do you guys recommend the best place to get replacement parts?

I have the exact same problem, white smoke with a plastic/rubberish smell coming from the hood and through the heat vents! I'll be ordering my replacement VCG this week from www.getbmwparts.com. It's only $30!
I'm going to have mine installed at my local bmw shop. Do Not go to the dealership.

The VCG is shown in # 7

jtmeyer · 11-10-2009, 03:19 PM

I know that you guys recommend changing some sort of washers as well with the gasket, does anyone have a part number for those, and how many? Also while I'm having the work done in there I might as well have the plugs changed too, will any generic plug work or is there a specific type recommended for our cars?

SaaDiesel · 11-10-2009, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtmeyer

Okay, if there's a consensus that it's the VCG, is it dangerous to drive the car the way it is? I'm really busy with school right now and don't really have the time to take care of it just yet. I'll have more time in a few weeks. Also where do you guys recommend the best place to get replacement parts?

Its typically not dangerous but keep an eye on your oil level, just search the DIY forum-all your questions will be answered.

andypandy_e46 · 11-11-2009, 01:43 AM

i have that same burn smell problem too, but theres no smoke comming out

pat · 11-14-2009, 05:42 PM

In my case... this started after the VCG was replaced.

Solidjake · 11-14-2009, 06:32 PM

Vcg

ricke46 · 11-14-2009, 07:02 PM

same here, but only happened once in the last month. exactly where your red circle is. i haven't done anything about it. should i?

pat · 11-16-2009, 01:36 AM

Actually... mine only did it for a while and it stopped. Hasnt happened in a few weeks. I noticed when it happened, that the wiper fluid was overflowing (bubbling) from the cap.... maybe it leaked into the header?

sahmed87 · 12-12-2009, 10:03 PM

Same smell and smoke in same place is coming from my car (2001 330ci sport cabrio), Engine light has come on, my local BMW specialist says engine light is most likely 'Lambda sensor' (they reset the light and told me to come back when it turns on again, which it has now, but I have no job and don't want to go to them and pay lots), I Haven't seen them about the smell or smoke, as I have no job at the moment and I think it might be expensive to fix it, can I fix the problems myself, can anyone help me and tell me what to do, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

( is it possible to replace the Lambda sensor myself? or the VGC thing? How much will it cost?, is it hard to do?, is there any way I can diagnose the car my self? does anyone know where I can get software and cables to connect my laptop to my car?) Thank you

Xeek · 12-12-2009, 10:21 PM

khoalty.com has a great price on matte black kidneys. That's wher I got mine, they look great.

11-09-2009, 03:37 PM	#1
jtmeyer Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Windsor, ON Posts: 8 My Ride: 325CI View My Garage	Smoke From Engine Bay Hey guys, once in a while I will notice a smell while driving that kind of smells like burning plastic or something. Last night I opened the hood to take a look and there was a fair bit of white smoke coming from behind the engine on the passenger side as shown on the picture. Any ideas on what this could be? Also when I went to close the hood my drivers side kidney grill decided to fall out; is there any way to zip tie it in place or something, or do I just have to buy a new one? Attached Thumbnails

11-09-2009, 03:51 PM	#4
MysticBlau330Ci Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: 170 to NOVAE Posts: 1,476 My Ride: 330Ci '04 View My Garage	seems like a little oil is leaking from your valve cover gasket onto the exhaust. That will cause smoke. Give your engine a nice clean up/wash and look for oil wetness in that area. __________________

11-09-2009, 06:03 PM	#6
pat Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: STL Posts: 1,066 My Ride: is waiting for boost View My Garage	I'd like to keep an eye on this one... I'm having a similar problem. At first I thought it was due to my new clutch but I also got the valve cover gasket done.... oil leak? __________________ FS: Facelift corner bulbs (LED+Stealth, amber) FS: OEM rear bumper, hood, trunk

11-09-2009, 06:09 PM	#7
SaaDiesel Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cleveland Posts: 1,231 My Ride: 02 330i ZSP View My Garage	That is exactly where my valve cover gasket started to leak, right where the O2 sensors are Change it asap! __________________ E46-7 years STRONG ZSP/ZPP/ZCW BFP Intake, Euro Cooling Ducts, Smoked Lenses, 8000K HIDS Matte Black-Grill, Headlight, Window, & Body Trim

11-09-2009, 06:20 PM	#8
mattcarle21 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: B'ham, AL Posts: 494 My Ride: is Breakin My Wallet View My Garage	Def VCG. That's the infamous spot. __________________

11-09-2009, 03:42 PM	#3
rhm325i Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 33 My Ride: 02 BMW 325i View My Garage	It is pretty typical for a m54b25 too leak oil from the vcg where you illustrated

11-09-2009, 04:44 PM	#5
Bimmerboi325i Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Houston Posts: 15 My Ride: 325i View My Garage	i think i may have the same problem, on the way to school today my a/c shutted off completely even tho i have it on max and when i lifted the hood i noticed white smoke comin from the passenger side, although the thermostat was reading normal. I'm also experiencing the burnt smell whenever my heater is on...any suggestions?

11-09-2009, 06:24 PM	#9
Define ///M3 OEM ///Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 1,457 My Ride: Dreams of an AA kit. View My Garage	VCG. fosho __________________ AKA Huggy1989 "I expect to pass through life but once. If, therefore, there can be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again."- WP

11-09-2009, 09:37 PM	#10
jtmeyer Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Windsor, ON Posts: 8 My Ride: 325CI View My Garage	Okay, if there's a consensus that it's the VCG, is it dangerous to drive the car the way it is? I'm really busy with school right now and don't really have the time to take care of it just yet. I'll have more time in a few weeks. Also where do you guys recommend the best place to get replacement parts?

11-10-2009, 03:19 PM	#12
jtmeyer Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Windsor, ON Posts: 8 My Ride: 325CI View My Garage	I know that you guys recommend changing some sort of washers as well with the gasket, does anyone have a part number for those, and how many? Also while I'm having the work done in there I might as well have the plugs changed too, will any generic plug work or is there a specific type recommended for our cars?

11-11-2009, 01:43 AM	#14
andypandy_e46 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: t-town Posts: 242 My Ride: 2000 bmw 323i View My Garage	i have that same burn smell problem too, but theres no smoke comming out __________________ -andrew (andypandy)

11-14-2009, 05:42 PM	#15
pat Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: STL Posts: 1,066 My Ride: is waiting for boost View My Garage	In my case... this started after the VCG was replaced. __________________ FS: Facelift corner bulbs (LED+Stealth, amber) FS: OEM rear bumper, hood, trunk

11-14-2009, 06:32 PM	#16
Solidjake Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Queens, NYC Posts: 3,984 My Ride: 02 330i/03 Cayenne T View My Garage	Vcg __________________ Jake - 2002 330i

11-14-2009, 07:02 PM	#17
ricke46 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: vancity Posts: 17 My Ride: e46 View My Garage	same here, but only happened once in the last month. exactly where your red circle is. i haven't done anything about it. should i?

11-16-2009, 01:36 AM	#18
pat Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: STL Posts: 1,066 My Ride: is waiting for boost View My Garage	Actually... mine only did it for a while and it stopped. Hasnt happened in a few weeks. I noticed when it happened, that the wiper fluid was overflowing (bubbling) from the cap.... maybe it leaked into the header? __________________ FS: Facelift corner bulbs (LED+Stealth, amber) FS: OEM rear bumper, hood, trunk

12-12-2009, 10:03 PM	#19
sahmed87 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: London England (United Kingdom) Posts: 3 My Ride: Bmw 330ci Sport Conv View My Garage	Same smell and smoke in same place is coming from my car (2001 330ci sport cabrio), Engine light has come on, my local BMW specialist says engine light is most likely 'Lambda sensor' (they reset the light and told me to come back when it turns on again, which it has now, but I have no job and don't want to go to them and pay lots), I Haven't seen them about the smell or smoke, as I have no job at the moment and I think it might be expensive to fix it, can I fix the problems myself, can anyone help me and tell me what to do, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you ( is it possible to replace the Lambda sensor myself? or the VGC thing? How much will it cost?, is it hard to do?, is there any way I can diagnose the car my self? does anyone know where I can get software and cables to connect my laptop to my car?) Thank you

12-12-2009, 10:21 PM	#20
Xeek Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Central Mississippi Posts: 506 My Ride: 2000 BMW 328Ci View My Garage	khoalty.com has a great price on matte black kidneys. That's wher I got mine, they look great. __________________ 2000 BMW 328Ci

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