Losing oil & Excess exhaust smoke - Stem seals & Eccentric Shaft

rick_bubu

Member
Hi all,
Latest issue with my facelifted E85 2.0i. The car has been losing oil, with no obvious signs of a leak. I'm topping up around a litre every 10 days (usually do about 20k miles/yr). There is also excessive smoke from the exhaust under acceleration. Took it to my local bmw indy and they've diagnosed that the stem seals need replacing. Apparently even though the part is relatively cheap, this is a laborious job.
The chap also mentioned that the 'eccentric shaft' may likely need to be replaced too. So makes sense to get this done at the same time (if needed). He seemed to think that the part is quite expensive. I've tried looking online but the only thing I can find is Eccentric Shaft sensor. Is that the same thing?

Appreciate that the 2.0i isnt considered the best engine. But wondering if anyone else has had a similar issue?
Regards,
Rick
 
I had the same smoke etc, but no issue with the ES.

I had the timing chain done, Vanos cleaned, stem seals sorted and a few other bits done while they were in there for just shy of £1200.

That was on a E85 2.0L 2006 on 90k miles.

HTH :thumbsup:
 
Hi, Thanks for the reply.
I'm on 56 plate with around 98k myself. I've been quoted around £800 for the stem seals alone. Apparently it's mostly due to the labour involved. The BMW indy isn't cheap but he is trustworthy.

Has had anyone had Eccentric Shaft replaced? My chap seemed to guess the part would cost £600+ (although labour would be minimal). I've tried looking online and I can only see ES sensor. Hence being a noob, am a little confused.

Regards,
Rick
 
rick_bubu said:
Hi, Thanks for the reply.
I'm on 56 plate with around 98k myself. I've been quoted around £800 for the stem seals alone. Apparently it's mostly due to the labour involved. The BMW indy isn't cheap but he is trustworthy.

Has had anyone had Eccentric Shaft replaced? My chap seemed to guess the part would cost £600+ (although labour would be minimal). I've tried looking online and I can only see ES sensor. Hence being a noob, am a little confused.

Regards,
Rick

Why is your mechanic saying it needs changing? He’s not had the engine apart has he?
Rob
 
Hi Rob,
No he hasn't yet. I left the car with them to diagnose the issue and he strongly believes it's the stem seals causing the excess smoke issue.
He also mentioned that in addition there could be an issue with the eccentric shaft (which apparently is an expensive part). Hence, being on a budget - I'm just trying to do some homework beforehand to try and see if I could potentially source the part (online or second hand good condition etc) if needed.
 
Apologies, forgot to mention the most important bit - The car has been losing oil, with no obvious signs of an oil leak. I'm topping up around a litre every 10days or so (albeit I do approx 20k miles/yr)
Will amend the OP shortly

Kind regards
Rick
 
rick_bubu said:
Hi Rob,
No he hasn't yet. I left the car with them to diagnose the issue and he strongly believes it's the stem seals causing the excess smoke issue.
He also mentioned that in addition there could be an issue with the eccentric shaft (which apparently is an expensive part). Hence, being on a budget - I'm just trying to do some homework beforehand to try and see if I could potentially source the part (online or second hand good condition etc) if needed.

I get that, but what’s making him say there’s an issue? What reason did he give?
Rob
 
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