pikey Posted October 27, 2011 Posted October 27, 2011 hi, i might be worrying about nothing but.....well i don't start my m3 for a while but when i do i get a lot of white smoke/vapour and a smell, i can't really describe the smell tbh. i have checked the oil(fine), i've checked the coolant level(fine). any ideas? or is it just a combination of condensation built up in the pipes and cold weather??? cheers :D Quote
Guest Mister Dabsy Posted October 27, 2011 Posted October 27, 2011 Could you be more specific, Ed... Sounds like you may have food-poisoning :lol:...Seriously though... If ALL the fluid levels are fine, then you may be right about the build-up in the exhaust... But, beware of the "failing" Cat as these will stink if they're expiring !! Any faults showing? Lambda fault may arise... Give her a decent runabout, leave it to cool and start her again to see if the smell is still evident. Best I can do today mate... Quote
pikey Posted October 27, 2011 Author Posted October 27, 2011 thanks dabsy, well, i personally think it sounds a little louder than some other m3's, especially when i put my foot down. what kinda smell would it give out if it was the cat? i just really can't describe what mines giving out :huh: i don't have any lights on or anything. i need to find a bmw specialist near me really as it ain't going to any main dealer at those prices :angry: Quote
Guest Mister Dabsy Posted October 27, 2011 Posted October 27, 2011 The smell will be like a fart but not as bad yet still pugnant !! A bit "metally" with a tint of rotten-egg... Quote
pikey Posted October 27, 2011 Author Posted October 27, 2011 hmmmmm, it is kinda that sort of smell i suppose :( whats the lifespan of a cat then? and do you know where i can get a cat from? don't want a second hand one, i've checked ebay etc and no luck there. will it do any damage to the actual engine if i drive it like this? (assuming its a fauly cat).sorry for all the questions dabs, i just wanna make sure bud :unsure: :D Quote
Guest Mister Dabsy Posted October 27, 2011 Posted October 27, 2011 Have it tsted by a non-BMW garage first... Maybe a tenner from yer wallet... (Better than a full code-up from BMW Stealer), and takes minutes... Depends if you wanna know if it is failing or, if you wanna over-compensate by throwing money at new sensors (not good)... Ask for a Lambda test, also ask about CAT deviations of their results... Quote
pikey Posted October 27, 2011 Author Posted October 27, 2011 ok mate, will get on it as soon as i get time. but just to be sure bud, am i gonna damage anything else if i carry on using it? Quote
Guest DazH Posted October 29, 2011 Posted October 29, 2011 The smell will be like a fart but not as bad yet still pugnant !! A bit "metally" with a tint of rotten-egg...Typical Sulphur smell. Tastes like chicken..... Quote
Guest DazH Posted October 29, 2011 Posted October 29, 2011 ok mate, will get on it as soon as i get time. but just to be sure bud, am i gonna damage anything else if i carry on using it?I used my E39 for months with a knackered Cat coz they so expensive to change. Should be fine buddy Quote
pikey Posted October 31, 2011 Author Posted October 31, 2011 Ok. Thanks. Took it down to southampton on sat all on a roads. 32mpg. Well chuffed. Quote
Recommended Posts
BMW Official Store
Sponsored Ad
Name: eBay
BMW Model: BMW Store
BMW Year: 2024
Latest Deals
BMW Official Store for genuine BMW parts & accessoriesDisclaimer: As the club is an eBay Partner, The club may be compensated if you make a purchase via eBay links
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.