Now happy!

[ph001]

I don't think you will have broken it so I wouldn't worry too much, although lots of smoke at startup is never a good thing - was it still smoking after the initial start up? You need to get that code read before you drive it again really.

[brillomaster]

well, the cluster certainly looks like a e85 cluster to me... which surely would have a dipstick? personally i'd be checking exactly how much oil is in it before driving anywhere - an engine goes bad very quickly if it has no oil. do you have a tube for the dipstick, but no dipstick? if so the hot oil could be getting out through the tube, which may also explain the smoking. but id get a proper oil level check before going anywhere.

also the engine light is usually related to emissions, most likely a failing o2 sensor, or worst case is a failing catalytic convertor. but a failing o2 sensor is fairly common. the one to worry about is the one next to it that actually says 'EML' cos that means the engine is unhappy, rather than just emissions.

Edit to add - yellow oil light is ok, that means theres some in there, but it needs topping up. red oil light is usually too late...

[ph001]

well, the cluster certainly looks like a e85 cluster to me... which surely would have a dipstick?

Nope, OP has an N46 which like the N52 does not have a dipstick and relies instead on an electronic oil sensor. I do think draining it all out and adding 4.25l (4l if you don't change the filter) of fully synth 5W-30 is certainly a good idea. If the electronic oil level sensor has gone faulty, you have no idea how much oil is in there.

[jock156]

Well it’s now at the garage so will keep you posted! Thanks for all the advice so far

[ZedM]

Fingers crossed X. Any joy from the seller? Hopefully, diagnostics will prove that nothing serious has happened.

[jock156]

Ok update!!!!

Oil/ filter all changed, turns out the oil filter had collapsed (probably never been changed).

Diag. through up an oil issue but now the fluids have been changed thats gone and according to The Gaffer is running like a dream!

£130 all in. Phew that WAS A RELIEF!

Thanks for all your input!

[adam04]

Good to hear. An oil service/change is never a bad thing either so the £130 is well spent and id put down to general maintainance rather than an outlay to fix something.

Good luck with the ownership.

[Marlon]

Great result - you can get back to enjoying it again

[ph001]

Sweet. I guess it must have blocked the oil returning to the sump, hence the low oil light. Probably screwed up the crank case ventilation and dumped some oil into the intake - hence the smoke. Hopefully no oil starvation damage done. Time to enjoy the car again!

[Darkangelv2]

Out of interest, what service history did the car purportedly have?

I ask as this could be another case of FSH or even FBMWSH meaning little...

[Looney]

Great Result Happy For You Man

[Mr Tidy]

Great news OP - now you can get out and enjoy it over the weekend.

[RustyZ4]

Really pleased for you, lets hope the sun shines this weekend