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Engine overheating and releases white smoke?

Tiny
KUBA
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 BMW 520
  • 2.0L
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
My car engine overheats and releases white smoke, however it doesn't have any gauge where it shows engine heat, nor on dashboard. It never showed any signal of overheating.
When there is white smoke I know, and sometimes I can smell if I am not driving fast and the window is open (usually on 20 and 30mil roads).
When I pull over and switch off the engine, it will not start again until the engine has cooled down, roughly takes 40 minutes.

What this could be?
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Monday, July 11th, 2022 AT 10:22 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

This model isn't offered in the US, but I will try my best to help.

First, when the engine is cold, check the coolant level in both the radiator and the reservoir. If it is full, then the next thing I would suggest is to replace the coolant thermostat.

Here is a link that explains in general one is replaced:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

Try this first and let me know if it helps.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, July 11th, 2022 AT 9:06 PM
Tiny
KUBA
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks Joe F,

i was on service and asked every point you mention. He did some water pump pressure, and some other checks, he believes the problem is with battery. On his battery test it shows battery health 36%. How true can be overheating related to battery health?

Thanks
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Wednesday, July 13th, 2022 AT 2:58 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

I don't feel that has anything to do with it. I guess, in some way a weak battery would cause the fans to function differently, but that is really a stretch.

I have a question. Will it overheat at highway speeds, or does it only happen in stop-and-go traffic?

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, July 13th, 2022 AT 9:09 PM

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