128i burning smell and occasional smoke from engine

[bryce71]

Recently bought a 2011 128i with around 60k miles, everything seemed fine on the test drive but ive noticed a burning smell when driving the car and have seen smoke coming from the hood a few times. The smell became much more noticeable after hitting the gas pretty hard. The car has not had its recalls completed, I think the PCV valve could be the cause but not sure and just wanted to know if anyone has had anything similar or can tell me where to look to find whats wrong.



Also, the car was in the shop before we bought it to get the roof repaired so I assumed they may have just done an oil change and spilled some but the smell hasn't gone away since (and at times has been even stronger) so I don't think it's that but could be wrong.

[Papa Popov]

VCG is leaking onto the headers

[bryce71]

Is this an easy fix or should I take it to a shop? Thanks

[jdt10768]

Take it in for the recall(s) to dealer, and get a quote
Then find local Indy to get a comparison quote
Or you could look up the DIY here

[Almuliman]

Originally Posted by bryce71

Is this an easy fix or should I take it to a shop? Thanks

Known as PITA (or "tedious", if you will), but doable. F.ex., https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show...2&postcount=43. Lots of videos and how-tos if you search.

Ultimately depends on your skill level and comfort with this kind of DIY, I suppose. When the time comes, I'll do it myself, but that's just me.

[bryce71]

Thanks for the help, scheduled an appointment for the recalls.

Just wondering how urgent or dangerous this is? I'm assuming its safe to drive until its fixed and I should just take it easy and make sure the oil levels stay normal?

[Papa Popov]

Originally Posted by bryce71

Thanks for the help, scheduled an appointment for the recalls.

Just wondering how urgent or dangerous this is? I'm assuming its safe to drive until its fixed and I should just take it easy and make sure the oil levels stay normal?

Drove mine for a couple weeks like this. Unless your car is recreating the BP oil spill it'll be fine. Definitely wouldn't recommend huffing synthetic oil smoke for longer than you have to tho.

[jdt10768]

Is VCG an SULEV warranty item? I can't recall yes or no
If your car is an SULEV car, you might ask about it

[mkeiser]

Originally Posted by jdt10768

Is VCG an SULEV warranty item? I can't recall yes or no
If your car is an SULEV car, you might ask about it

I think it is...

2011 BMW Emissions Related Parts List
Model = 128i Series SULEV-PZEV

LIST OF EMISSIONS PARTS SUBJECT TO PZEV WARRANTY

Part Name
CYLINDER HEAD COVER GASKET

Lucky for him looks like he's in Maryland soo....

Participating States Model Year(s)
Maryland 2011 and Newer

[jdt10768]

Originally Posted by mkeiser

I think it is...



Lucky for him looks like he's in Maryland soo....

ding ding ding
we have a winner
Print the SULEV doc before visiting Dealership, and be nice about it - they should replace under warranty

[Blau]

Originally Posted by jdt10768

ding ding ding
we have a winner
Print the SULEV doc before visiting Dealership, and be nice about it - they should replace under warranty

Anyone have a copy of this? Link?

[mkeiser]

Originally Posted by WeShallCallHerBlau

Anyone have a copy of this? Link!

attached

FWIW, last time I went to the dealer and asked about it, they seemed to have an internal system in place to check on the SULEV warranty. Unfortunately I'm in MN so it didn't apply to me, but the dealer is going to be paid by BMW if they perform the work. So it's beneficial to you AND the dealer...

quick edit; although you will probably have to pay the ~$200 diagnostic fee. not sure if they'll waive that.

[Blau]

Originally Posted by mkeiser

attached

FWIW, last time I went to the dealer and asked about it, they seemed to have an internal system in place to check on the SULEV warranty. Unfortunately I'm in MN so it didn't apply to me, but the dealer is going to be paid by BMW if they perform the work. So it's beneficial to you AND the dealer...

quick edit; although you will probably have to pay the ~$200 diagnostic fee. not sure if they'll waive that.

You're the man!

Also, I have used it in the past. They did charge me for the diagnostic. I'm also told that techs only make half-rate for warranty work, which sucks, but that's usually the reason for the sometimes aggressive pushback.

[mkeiser]

Originally Posted by WeShallCallHerBlau

You're the man!

Also, I have used it in the past. They did charge me for the diagnostic. I'm also told that techs only make half-rate for warranty work, which sucks, but that's usually the reason for the sometimes aggressive pushback.

ahhhh that sucks...