Puff of blue smoke on start up

[coupe-sport]

I don't normally see my car started, but when my partner took it out instead of hers, i noticed a puff of blue smoke when it started. It's used a bit of oil since i've had it (normal i've heard for the 3.0 engine) but is the puff of blue smoke normal. I've not noticed it on other cars i've had. Other than that no smoke in normal running. Anyone else get this ?

Cheers

James

[ay8306]

I would have it looked into. You should not see any blue smoke on a new engine. How much oil are you using? To my knowledge, I have not used any oil since my last change (over 10,000 miles ago). Of course, with no dipstick, it is hard to tell for certain

[Z4 Forum AMW]

This may be a stupid question but why don't you have a dipstick??

[coupe-sport]

A dipstick ?

BMW saw it in their wisdom to fit an electronic one, so i press a button on the dash and it tells me oil level.

James

[highstream]

wow thats true evolution! I hate the dipstick feels like 1899

[zee42]

I've got an 03 30i and have never seen any smoke...get it checked

[Z4 Forum AMW]

So when was that brought in as mine has one!!

[coupe-sport]

Thanks folks - i'll speak to my dealer tomorrow.

Not sure when the electronic dipstick was introduced. I looked around the engine bay for the dipstick - didn't find it and then read the manual . Clever though it may be, i prefer checking the oil via the dipstick than the dash

James

[srhutch]

I had the exact same issue of my 2.5si.

I know you only just bought the car, but how long has it being sitting around.

Mine was built in august 06 and I bought in may 07 with 51 miles on the clock (pre registered)

I would get smoke pouring out of the exhaust on startup, but over time the amount reduced. I did book with dealer but it disappeared before I took it in.

I as do the dealer now believe it was just condensation.

http://www.b18srh.eclipse.co.uk/internet_dvd.mpg

http://www.b18srh.eclipse.co.uk/internet_high.mpg

(Right click on above links and save to desktop to view)

This video from memory was the last time it happened.

[Wondermike]

Electronic dipstick was new for the Si models when the facelift happened. My old 3.0 used to smoke a bit too, and also drank a litre every 4000 miles on average, which is the most I've ever put in a car.

[IMZ4N]

Z4 Forum AMW

Any car 2006 and after does not have a dipstick. Right vikinggod880?

[fire-n-ice]

I've been told if they sit for a long time they might do it, but my Z has sat for up to 3 wks.+ and never a hint of smoke when I start it. I've been so lucky with my car, really I can't complain.

[coupe-sport]

I'll be keeping an eye on it. It's not condensation smoke - appears too briefly and its blue / white in appearance so it's oil smoke. I'll mention it to my dealer and see what they have to say. Cheers for the help folks.

James

[BrossardZ4]

Cool no dipstick, however I like to be able to see and smell a sample of my engine oil at a moments notice, better control of maintenance and to know how the condition of your oil is.

[inTgr8r]

Z4 Forum AMW

Any car 2006 and after does not have a dipstick. Right vikinggod880?

The M still has one