Unofficialbmw.com Forum Index Unofficialbmw.com
The UnofficialBMW BB, answers for your BMW questions.
 
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   RegisterRegister 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 

White Smoke from Exhaust - what does this mean $$?

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Unofficialbmw.com Forum Index -> 5 Series Forum

Support Unofficialbmw.com :: Download Free Healthy Habits iPhone app!

View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Zaftig



Joined: 10 Dec 2010
Posts: 7
Location: Bridgewater, NJ

PostPosted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 4:20 pm    Post subject: White Smoke from Exhaust - what does this mean $$? Reply with quote

Help! My 528i is sick. I have white smoke coming from my exhaust. She' sdrinking coolant and it's not leaking out on the ground. I've had the oil changed, oil separator changed, hoses, 6 spark plugs, along with the radiator top hose and main serpentine belt. I think my mechanic said that I've blown a gasket or cracked a cyclinder head(?), with which either one is very expense to fix. So here are the facts:
1997 528i
257,000 miles
So here are my questions:
1. Do you think it is the blown gasket or cyclinder head or something else?
2. If you think it's one of the above how much should it cost to repair?
3. Is it worth paying that cost to repair for a car with this many miles?
Thank you Sad
_________________
Thanks Zaftig!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message

walshja



Joined: 03 Apr 2001
Posts: 1139
Location: guilford, ct, usa

PostPosted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 5:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Zaftig, sorry to hear of your problem, and yes, does sound like a head gasket.

blown head gasket is better is better than a cracked head.

BUT, and 1997 with so many mile, I think you are wise to question if it is worth the effort. I'm going to guess the cost to fix the problem is as much as buying another used car of the same year.

is the car over heating? can you continue to drive the car as is? ensuring you keep the coolant level filled? I would drive it til it dies, and in the meantime start looking for a replacement.

I wonder why your mechanic did all that work you listed, knowing the head gasket was blown?
_________________
joe

1994 325iC, 195k miles
http://home.comcast.net/~walshja/index.html <--- check it out

Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Zaftig



Joined: 10 Dec 2010
Posts: 7
Location: Bridgewater, NJ

PostPosted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 5:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thank Joe - at this point I'm beginning to wonder too. Thanks for the info. Yes I can drive her and I'm checking the coolant level every day. Oh how one gets so attached to their cars!

With her being in this shape and evenually dying. When I replace her should I go to a salvage dealer? IF she's still rolling should I expect anything for trade-in?
_________________
Thanks Zaftig!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
walshja



Joined: 03 Apr 2001
Posts: 1139
Location: guilford, ct, usa

PostPosted: Fri Nov 25, 2011 8:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

if you are going to buy a car from a dealer, I would do it sooner than later. If you can drive the car to the dealer, you will get more for it. often they don't even test drive the trade in, and they will give you the low end of the wholesale price. don't feel bad trading in a car with a blown head gasket, they don't feel bad offering you crap money as trade-in
_________________
joe

1994 325iC, 195k miles
http://home.comcast.net/~walshja/index.html <--- check it out

Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
edjack



Joined: 04 Feb 2002
Posts: 3887
Location: San Jose, CA

PostPosted: Sat Nov 26, 2011 9:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Try a Bar's Leaks treatment. With that many miles, you have nothing to lose.

walshja,

He had a boat payment coming up!
_________________


Ed BMW CCA member since 1987 (Nr. 62319).
'97 540i 6 speed Aspensilber over Aubergine interior.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
walshja



Joined: 03 Apr 2001
Posts: 1139
Location: guilford, ct, usa

PostPosted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 9:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ed, having purchased my first boat this past spring, that makes perfect sense !!
_________________
joe

1994 325iC, 195k miles
http://home.comcast.net/~walshja/index.html <--- check it out

Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Unofficialbmw.com Forum Index -> 5 Series Forum All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum



Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group