[BMW_328xDRIVE_SS]

Hi Folks,

I am new to this forum, but I have a used 2011 BMW 335I (Xdrive) with almost 150K miles. When I bought the car, it had a couple of known issues such as a burning oil smell and smoke coming from the engine bay (on the passenger side). I changed the VGC, but the burning smell still exists and also smoke coming from the engine bay. I took it to a mechanic and he did his diag and said that the Oil level sensor is leaking which may be causing the burning smell as it may be splashing oil on the exhaust. The Oil Filter Gasket seems to be fine (no visible leaks).

I am very concerned about the smoke as it is getting worse. I can even see the smoke from inside the car after a 30-minute drive. The smoke can be seen coming out of the engine bay with the hood closed.

Any ideas what else may be wrong that is causing the smoke/oil leaks?

[marty1966]

Originally Posted by 2011_BMW335I

Hi Folks,

I am new to this forum, but I have a used 2011 BMW 335I (Xdrive) with almost 150K miles. When I bought the car, it had a couple of known issues such as a burning oil smell and smoke coming from the engine bay (on the passenger side). I changed the VGC, but the burning smell still exists and also smoke coming from the engine bay. I took it to a mechanic and he did his diag and said that the Oil level sensor is leaking which may be causing the burning smell as it may be splashing oil on the exhaust. The Oil Filter Gasket seems to be fine (no visible leaks).

I am very concerned about the smoke as it is getting worse. I can even see the smoke from inside the car after a 30-minute drive. The smoke can be seen coming out of the engine bay with the hood closed.

Any ideas what else may be wrong that is causing the smoke/oil leaks?

Did you ever get this sorted? I have similar smell, but only for a minute or two upon cold start. Valve cover looks a but wet in spots but it's on cold start???

[S65Hunter]

Originally Posted by marty1966

Did you ever get this sorted? I have similar smell, but only for a minute or two upon cold start. Valve cover looks a but wet in spots but it's on cold start???

It's the vcg. The headers get very hot within seconds of being started.

[mainbearing]

Initially that is what happens. Then as the leak gets worse smoke will start coming out from under the hood. This engine leaks like a sieve.

Look on the passenger side of the valve cover and see if there is oil leaking there and down to the exhaust manifold. A new valve cover gasket will not solve the problem, it will take a new valve cover.

Another leak spot would be the "football" valvetronic motor gasket. And oil will flow down to the cylinder head and the manifold too.

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1597467

Originally Posted by marty1966

Did you ever get this sorted? I have similar smell, but only for a minute or two upon cold start. Valve cover looks a but wet in spots but it's on cold start???