[norbert01]

Good Afternoon,

My car is a N43B20A E90 320i (2007). The exhaust pipe smokes at operating temperature (it also smokes when cold, but not as visibly). Unfortunately, there are no really knowledgeable mechanics in the area, and so far they haven't been able to help much with this issue. Three mechanics said that they think it's normal, but I don't agree. There is oil consumption, roughly 1 l/10,000 km. Could the smoke be caused by a tear in the PCV valve membrane? When I remove the oil filler cap, I can feel a strong vacuum, the engine starts to shake and the RPM drops, and it may even start to smoke more. Parts replaced recently: timing chain/tensioner, vanos unit, vanos solenoid, thermostat, 2 injectors, an O-ring at the oil pickup tube; oil pressure has been fine since then. Also received a software update. I'm not a mechanic, so I apologize in advance if I write something stupid.

Thank you!

[NZE90]

So you're only using 1L of oil every 10,000km, is that correct??
Can you post a video of the "smoke"

[norbert01]

Thanks for your reply. I tried to make a link about the smoke with warmed up engine:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/iyxHFzRWui9kVzey5

I checked the breather hose, is it normal to have this amount of oil in it?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/mv2mEXKSwfSKXiW99

[NZE90]

Originally Posted by norbert01

Thanks for your reply. I tried to make a link about the smoke with warmed up engine:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/iyxHFzRWui9kVzey5

I checked the breather hose, is it normal to have this amount of oil in it?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/mv2mEXKSwfSKXiW99

That's steam, not smoke. Very normal if the temperatures are cold. Yes, oil in the breather is normal. Also using 1L of oil every 10000km is completely normal. I think you're panicking over nothing.

[norbert01]

Thanks!