White smoke on startup

lukemcmullen45 · 01-18-2020, 07:09 PM

I have a 2007 e92 335i with about 112k miles, original turbos. The problem I’m having is that about every other time I start my car, I get white smoke coming from the exhaust. Sometimes it’s a lot worse than other times. But it’s only about half, or less than half of the time, and it goes away after driving.

This all started about 3 weeks ago. And it was shortly after I used a fuel injector cleaner. I’ve used them before and I had no issue, so I don’t know if it would be an injector problem. Also I burned about a quart of oil since then.

About 2 months ago I replaced the Valve Cover Gasket (might not be seater properly cause I did it myself), Oil Pan Gasket, and OFHG all done. So the car should be leak free. Also When I got those gaskets done the mechanic put in 0w-30, when typically I use 5w-40. So maybe that could be why I’m burning oil because it’s a way thinner oil? Not sure.

I’m hoping it’s not bad turbo seals. I’m assuming I have a leaky fuel injector, but maybe you guys have some other opinions?

UPDATE: I have what looks like water coming out of exhaust for a few seconds on cold starts. I’ll provide a video. It goes away after about 20 seconds

ragingpanda · 01-18-2020, 08:14 PM

Pull out the downpipes and inspect your turbos to see if they are leaking oil.

MadDog89 · 01-26-2020, 09:00 PM

I was just about to post a thread, I am having the exact same problem. 2007 335i with 96k miles. I get a lot of smoke on start up, sometimes more than others. Once I start driving smoke is gone.

From what I read there are two most common culprits, turbo seals and valve stem seals, both would be a pain to replace. When I installed my DPs I found no oil in or around turbos, so I am leaning more towards leaky valve stem seal.

Shyzah · 02-20-2022, 01:09 PM

Did either of you guys figure it out? Having the same problem. 09 335i 101k miles
Been having the issue since 97k
as of last week I got the 30FF code. Don't know if its related to the smoke but I barely have any boost now. Also started hearing quite the rattle at low rpms

Update - It was a mixture of my turbos and PCV valve.

Upgraded to VTT OEM+ turbos and VTT PCV Valve upgrade.

01-18-2020, 07:09 PM	#1
lukemcmullen45 Luke McMullen 34 Rep 114 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Coupe Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Santa Clarita, CA iTrader: (0)	White smoke on startup I have a 2007 e92 335i with about 112k miles, original turbos. The problem I’m having is that about every other time I start my car, I get white smoke coming from the exhaust. Sometimes it’s a lot worse than other times. But it’s only about half, or less than half of the time, and it goes away after driving. This all started about 3 weeks ago. And it was shortly after I used a fuel injector cleaner. I’ve used them before and I had no issue, so I don’t know if it would be an injector problem. Also I burned about a quart of oil since then. About 2 months ago I replaced the Valve Cover Gasket (might not be seater properly cause I did it myself), Oil Pan Gasket, and OFHG all done. So the car should be leak free. Also When I got those gaskets done the mechanic put in 0w-30, when typically I use 5w-40. So maybe that could be why I’m burning oil because it’s a way thinner oil? Not sure. I’m hoping it’s not bad turbo seals. I’m assuming I have a leaky fuel injector, but maybe you guys have some other opinions? UPDATE: I have what looks like water coming out of exhaust for a few seconds on cold starts. I’ll provide a video. It goes away after about 20 seconds Last edited by lukemcmullen45; 01-19-2020 at 01:51 PM..
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01-18-2020, 08:14 PM	#2
ragingpanda Banned 340 Rep 751 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2012 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Pull out the downpipes and inspect your turbos to see if they are leaking oil.
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01-26-2020, 09:00 PM	#3
MadDog89 Second Lieutenant 57 Rep 250 Posts Drives: 2007 335i E92 Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: California iTrader: (0)	I was just about to post a thread, I am having the exact same problem. 2007 335i with 96k miles. I get a lot of smoke on start up, sometimes more than others. Once I start driving smoke is gone. From what I read there are two most common culprits, turbo seals and valve stem seals, both would be a pain to replace. When I installed my DPs I found no oil in or around turbos, so I am leaning more towards leaky valve stem seal. __________________ 2007 335i 17T EBAY Turbos, FBO, Stage 2 LPFP, Index 12 Injectors, 2 Step Colder Plugs, OEM Coils
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02-20-2022, 01:09 PM	#4
Shyzah New Member 0 Rep 17 Posts Drives: '09 BMW 335i '83 Toyota Supra Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (0)	Did either of you guys figure it out? Having the same problem. 09 335i 101k miles Been having the issue since 97k as of last week I got the 30FF code. Don't know if its related to the smoke but I barely have any boost now. Also started hearing quite the rattle at low rpms Update - It was a mixture of my turbos and PCV valve. Upgraded to VTT OEM+ turbos and VTT PCV Valve upgrade. Last edited by Shyzah; 02-28-2023 at 06:12 PM..
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