[e28bmw]

hi guys, I'm looking for help with my n54. It started displaying symptoms after it had been run for 30 minutes and then allowed to cool for an hour before driving again. When driving it again it would start to put out blue smoke whilst sat at traffic lights or a junction until the oil was up to temp again and then it would appear to be fine. It has been asking for oil top ups during this time and the request for oil is becoming more regular. I also have oil gathering around the sump so there is an oil leak somewhere in addition to the blue smoke.
I suspected the turbo seals were gone and so it has been into a garage this week but I'm not sure on their suspected diagnosis as they seem to think that the turbo seals are fine and that it's rocker cover related. I believe the only oil sitting around the rocker cover is from spillage when topping up and I'm aware that thee only way to tell is to clean it up and review after driving it again but am looking for opinions on what you think the issue might be or some common areas to look into. I don't think it will be going back to the same garage so am on the lookout for a good indy near me now

[Chappers 71]

How many miles has it done?
As you probably know oil leaks at 80,000 miles plus are to be expected from ofh, sump & vc gaskets.
I've had mine done & I used to get a burning oil smell when the vcg started leaking quite badly.
I would do the gaskets or at least the vc & ofhg & see how it goes & then do the sump when you have to replace the turbo's, that's what I did.

I don't think oil leaks would cause blue smoke from the exhaust though, mine never smoked. I replaced the tubs because of the waste gates.

[e28bmw]

Originally Posted by Chappers 71

How many miles has it done?
As you probably know oil leaks at 80,000 miles plus are to be expected from ofh, sump & vc gaskets.
I've had so mine done & I used to get a burning oil smell when the vcg started leaking quite badly.
I would do the gaskets or at least the vc & ofhg & see how it goes & then do the sump when you have to replace the turbo's, that's what I did.

I don't think oil leaks would cause blue smoke from the exhaust though, mine never smoked. I replaced the tubs because of the waste gates.

Thanks, It's on 106,000 now. ofh was done less than 10,000 miles ago. I was thinking valve seals or turbo seals for the smoke and something else for the oil leak gathering. I'll check out the things you suggested though.

[Willygbr66]

Originally Posted by e28bmw

Thanks, It's on 106,000 now. ofh was done less than 10,000 miles ago. I was thinking valve seals or turbo seals for the smoke and something else for the oil leak gathering. I'll check out the things you suggested though.

Check your valve cover gasket for leaks and a possible hairline crack? Also I would recommend looking at replacing the PCV valve plus maybe looking at the vent hose (OEM 11157553949) which I replaced and significantly made a huge difference.

[e28bmw]

Originally Posted by Willygbr66

Check your valve cover gasket for leaks and a possible hairline crack? Also I would recommend looking at replacing the PCV valve plus maybe looking at the vent hose (OEM 11157553949) which I replaced and significantly made a huge difference.

I've actually seen a thread on n54tech that talks of the same issue with the valve cover being cracked. will definitely be looking into that over the weekend. Thanks