Burning smell, smoke in engine bay

JohnnyC said:
Let me summarize, i got overcharged for a valve cover gasket replacement because i didnt want to do it myself :headbang: .
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Not to worry, I get it. Been there myself. Sometimes one just wants some issue gone and done with and life circumstance makes a more frugal path impossible at the time.
 
If it helps anyone I had this exact issue and was quite worried as the smell of burning oil is never good.

Took it into the garage and they changed the rocker cover gasket. Cost me about £50

This was about 3-4 weeks ago and haven't smelt oil since.


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Hi Guys. mine is doing this as well. Its the rocker cover gasket. Oil drips on the manifold near that heat shield. There is a video on youtube that shows the exact procedure if you want to do it yourself. Its 2 American dudes, Raj and Anthony. Really good how to except for the background noise. Its done in a workshop, but if you can get passed that its really detailed. here is the link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnz4utkonMo
If the link does not work just search youtube for BMW rocker cover Raj and you will find it. Hope this helps
 
JohnnyC said:
Let me summarize, i got overcharged for a valve cover gasket replacement because i didnt want to do it myself :headbang: .

I will probably go to local shop or do it myself from now on.
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So, you probably over paid. Big deal. Bottom line is that you are able to drive the car again and it's not still sitting in the garage rotting away while you find the time to fix it yourself. An indi repair shop might have just squeezed some sealant in there, charged you 30% less but you would be back in the same situation in a few months.

You got it fixed properly, should have a warranty on the work and you can drive the car again. I say good work.
 
Mine just started with the sporadic burning oil smell. There goes another $600. :headbang:

I'm assuming this isn't something that must be fixed ASAP? The oil level is fine and the smell is only occasionally noticeable.
 
wiseguy said:
Mine just started with the sporadic burning oil smell. There goes another $600. :headbang:

I'm assuming this isn't something that must be fixed ASAP? The oil level is fine and the smell is only occasionally noticeable.
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I would get get it looked at, a build up of oil on a hot manifold spells trouble, possible fire, it's only £40 ish for a new gasket and half an hours job.
Not worth leaving it.
 
Hi everyone first post,

Been looking at used z4s saw one example I walked away from couple of days ago, it was in IMMACULATE condition all around except after driving for ten mins burning smell and engine smoking, on inspection coming from same area as this, but it didn't smell just like burning oil it had more of a plasticy burning smell too

My current 3 series same year burns oil from the valve cover gasket and it didn't smell the same as that and more smoke bring produced -

Someone mentioned in this thread it could also be something to do with the transmission, what would that look like as a repair and would this explain the more intense/different/melting-plasticy burning smell? Worth mentioning car seemed to be about £500+ undervalued - 04 with 93,000miles for £2650 - any ideas?

Thanks!
J
 
Doubtful its transmission leak, it will be the cam cover gasket and thats easy enough to do. Buy a gasket set that includes the main cover gasket and the centre plug well gaskets and the 15 round rubber seals that fit under the main cover retaining bolts as they go hard and new ones will allow the cover to be torqued down correctly for a good seal. You will need some gasket sealant, I use blue Hylomar sealant, that needs to be applied around the half moon shapes at the front and rear of the cover where the gasket changes direction also between the vanos at the front edge. These gaskets all go hard after time having to go through so many heat cycles, thats why they leak.
 
If you change it yourself, in addition to the good advice above, I'd suggest blocking any holes in the head first. The old seals are likely to be closer to bakelite than rubber and they'll shatter into a thousand pieces and head off to find the sump!
 
Good point from @enuff_zed, the centre plug well gaskets do turn to bakelite and can shatter into many pieces so take care like he says about loosing some down the open oil drain holes when you take them off.
 
Okay thanks for the advice, I swear it smelled different to just oil burning though, like I said a plasticy smell, hesitant for purchase when it seems a grand undervalued for the overall good condition - before I make a call is there ANYTHING else it could be? Tia! J
 
Just checked my notes from the day, code reader found one coherent code 2741 - BMW: Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor "B" Circuit Range Performance

Could have been the fluid level, but previous problems / damage caused could be reason why it's priced low right? :o

Didn't feel particularly quick through the gears (automatic) now I'm thinking that's what's up with it - avoid?
 
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