1997 BMW 540i White smoke

1997 BMW 540I
98,500 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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RUBENROD61
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
On startup will run just a little rough. After about 2 miles a strong smell like a heater kicking on for the first time comes into the cabin followed by a large amount of white smoke billowing from the exhaust. Quits after about 15 seconds.
There is no coolant mixing with the engine oil and I sprayed the engine to see if there were any leaks and did not find anything. The engine runs fine and there are no warning lights.
Dec 17, 2009 at 1:20 PM
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DOCHAGERTY
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 9,606 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Your description sounds like a cooling system leak, a pressure test overnight with the spark plugs out will see if it is pushing coolant into the cylinders.
Dec 19, 2009 at 10:44 AM
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