An interesting problem with my new daily driver:

[romario]

having picked it up from a local Indy's shop yesterday - shift linkage sorted out and Freon added - I noticed a lot of smoke coming from underneath the car and a burning smell.

I looked underneath (at the level just forward of the front seats) and saw something dripping on the middle(?) muffle from above (didn't seem to have any color to it and the AC has been off). Seems like it's some kind of liquid hitting the top of a very hot muffler, but if that's the case - shouldn't there be a shield between the body and the muffler? The muffler feels like it's going and the Indy claimed as much.

I am very perplexed by this and tired of the expenditures so far.

In the mean time, what would you recommend I do? I will absolutely avoid driving it until Monday morning.

[claylake]

'88 Dinan turbo M6
'90 325iS
'05 X3
'90 M3
'78 R100S

[romario]

[romario]

diagnosed the problem as the leaking Valve Cover gasket.

Hopefully, he'll get it fixed next week.

[romney88635]

Every time I had oil from that region it was a failed oil pressure sender. Pretty common problem, and since the crankcase breather maintains negative pressure in the engine possibly more likely.


Pacific Sharkfest '02 '03 '05 Veteran
Original Owner

[xing6666]

<I>Kai Xing</I>
<I>Southeast Sharkfest Co-Founder</I>
<I>85 M635CSi 5-speed *duh*</I>
<I>02 330Ci 5-speed</I>
<I>84 325e 5-speed "TRAC CAR"</I>

<I>"Either you stand for something, or you fall for everything."</I>.
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[mrGoodson]

I am Dave the neighbor and fellow 6er.

I was able to get underneath the car tonight and get a better look, I was hoping it was just a leaking valve gasket, but the oil seems to be coming from the rear main seal.

I've dropped Trannys before, but anyone have any tips for this one in particular?

[xing6666]

<I>Kai Xing</I>
<I>Southeast Sharkfest Co-Founder</I>
<I>85 M635CSi 5-speed *duh*</I>
<I>02 330Ci 5-speed</I>
<I>84 325e 5-speed "TRAC CAR"</I>

<I>"Either you stand for something, or you fall for everything."</I>.
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<center>
<img src="http://www.bmwsharkfest.org/images/sesf10/2010front.jpg">
<a href="http://www.bmwsharkfest.org"><b>Southeast Sharkfest 2010</b></a>
Greenville-Spartanburg, SC
April 30th-May 2nd, 2010
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[Paul F SCTech]

For those who may not know, the sender/switch is screwed into the head just at the rear corner on the intake side above the #6 intake runner. Shine a flashlight on it while the engine is running and see it drip oil from the wire terminal. A bit of a PITA to change, but WAY easier than a rear main seal.

[mrGoodson]

Ok, I will double check the oil sender...

I mean it is possible, I have been unable to see the oil dripping, but the "spray" is pretty excessive for a rear main seal.

Would it be the O-Ring for the oil sender or would it be the oil sender itself?

[romney88635]

The seal between the metal body and the porcelain (or whatever that is) fails. I was CERTAIN I had a bad head gasket when my first failed. :)
The air currents under the hood move the oil to strange places.
Pacific Sharkfest '02 '03 '05 Veteran
Original Owner

[Edgeman]

Yes, a major PITA!Cheers!
John
85 M635CSi
86 657CSi
08 XRunner

[mrGoodson]

That was the culprit.

New one is on the way!

[romney88635]

Pacific Sharkfest '02 '03 '05 Veteran
Original Owner

[craig]

I've found simply tighten the 10mm fasteners usually is the easy fix