Smoke from engine bay

[d3matt]

Took the Z4 for a spin this evening. On the way back, noticed smoke coming out the front of the bonnet when sitting at the traffic lights.
Carried on home (as it wasn't far) and when I on the drive, it was still smoking. I took this video.
https://youtu.be/_vu3apdhrxk
(Excuse the audio - I was talking to my young daughter)

As the smoke appeared for a few seconds, then nothing for 30 secs, then repeats, I assume its something dripping that's burning.
I'll go out and have a proper look in the morning, but maybe all evidence will be gone then.
Does anyone have any suggestions from the video and the location of the smoke?

 

[mr nurburgring]

Rocker cover gasket is leaking onto the manifold.
Easy fix, I think the gasket set is £50 from Bmw, takes about an hour to diy.

 

[d3matt]

I'm driving to Belgium on the bank holiday weekend, so better get this done. I had seen this mentioned in adverts for Z4's when I was looking to buy one, so I guess this is one of the common problems. (Still very new to Z4).

 

[mr nurburgring]

Yes. It is a common issue. I did mine last year.
Use a small amount of silicone gasket on the half moons on the rear of the gasket.
There's a guide on how to do it on the net but pretty straight forward.

 

[Marlon]

Impressive diagnosis Mr. N

 

[Number5]

Or, if you're lucky, it may just be a bit of spilled oil that runs under the rocker cover toward the back and then drips onto the hot manifold.

Easily done when topping up, as any drips/spills go down between the oil filler hole and the engine cover. Only when the engine gets warm is it liquid enough to run to the back and drip on to the manifold.

Undo the two screws that hold the plastic cover on and check if there's any there.