[sde318ti]

133k on the clock, E46 compact 318ti, automatic.

The last couple of weeks I have noticed white smoke coming out of the exhaust, mainly after pulling away from sitting at the lights or in traffic. Idling.

Just taken it to a garage to diagnose the problem.

They said the stem seals are faulty, there is oil in the spark plugs and will need replacing, gaskets, seals etc.
The head will need to come off and it will need to be skimmed too.

So they have quoted around £800-£1,000. Most of which is labour and said probably a 2 day job.

Can anyone else shed light on this? Is this a good price?
Could more complications happen after and it costs even more?
Would you recommend going to a specialist?
I read it can be changed without removing the head?
Any mechanics on here fancy some work? LOL, Really don’t want to pay that kind of money.

[jacbo]

I would find a good bmw specialist to diagnose this. I have heard too many stories of people going to garages only to be shafted by work that didn't actually need doing. Worth spending the little bit extra to get a second opinion rather than jumping in for a 1k job