Puff of blue smoke on start up

C

coupe-sport

Member
 Hampshire
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
 
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 :evil:
 
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
 
I've got an 03 30i and have never seen any smoke...get it checked :wink:
 
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 :oops: . Clever though it may be, i prefer checking the oil via the dipstick than the dash :|

James
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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
 
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.
 
Our Boxster Does it after being sat in the garage for a while.

Not a problem for the Box as a small amount of oil is know to drip down the valve seals.

I started it up the other day after maybe 3 weeks with out that garage door open and the smoke was crazy.

Not sure about the Z4 but would be good for the dealer to confirm its ok.

Cheers

PaulN
 
I guess it's normal on a Boxster engine to get a bit of smoke, as there is less chance for the oil to drain away without gravity.

I had the same issue on my previous Porsche 968, in the end after a expensive engine re-build ( for other reasons ) the only possible cause was condensation forming in the cylinder bores during temperature extremes, as it was always worst in the winter. The full cause of the smoke was because of the condensation it was possible for the plugs to get contaminated and not fully ignite, or if at all the fuel in the bores so you'd get a blue/white smoke. The solution was to fit a set of multi-point spark plugs, then all was much better. Not sure if it's of any help or use but you never know :cry:
 
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