Funny Smell & Steamy???

[pikey]

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

[Guest Mister Dabsy]

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...

[pikey]

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:

[Guest Mister Dabsy]

The smell will be like a fart but not as bad yet still pugnant !! A bit "metally" with a tint of rotten-egg...

[pikey]

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

[Guest Mister Dabsy]

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...

[pikey]

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?

[Guest DazH]

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.....

[Guest DazH]

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

[Guest Mister Dabsy]

^ +1

[pikey]

Ok. Thanks. Took it down to southampton on sat all on a roads. 32mpg. Well chuffed.