Hi I have a bmw 318i msport 56plate.never having a bmw before I know nothing about them and I'm having some problems. It's done 89000 miles with full service history . First problem I got stuck in a traffic jam and after a while of start stop as i moved fawards i notice a cloud of white smoke this happend about 3 time but once i got going it stopped no change in engine performance it was smoke not steam i drove for about 40 miles and parked up . Started car after a couple of hours and the in the middle where your display for engine check comes up there was an engine pic in orange no change in engine at all smooth as allways no smoke had no choice but to try and drive home as i was on my way home from holiday. After ten mins light went off then came back on after 15 mins this time the engine management light came on as well i then drove about 60 miles to home with light on engine ran perfect. Next more read the code it said camshaft position timing over retarded bank 1 so I reset it and light stay off all day . I took out both sensors cleaned them and put them back light stayed off but after giving it some hard revs the middle light came on but the was no code came up this time but reset anyway and lights off now. I know this is a long thread but I am desperate for your advice thanks

White smoke after a period idling could be blocked EGR system however with the codes your getting I would get the timing chain checked in case it has stretched. If you are not capable a good BMW Specialist or Dealer are your best bet (Dealer will be expensive and if they diagnose chain stretch try to sell you a complete engine)

Thankyou I will have it looked at