2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
 

2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 F10 Technical Topics Engine, Transmission, Exhaust, Drivetrain, ECU Software Modifications N20 still smoking after VCG fix
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      03-05-2023, 01:45 AM   #1
222jjj26
Registered
Australia
2
Rep
3
Posts

Drives: 528i
Join Date: Mar 2023
Location: Sydney

iTrader: (0)

Hey friends, been reading a lot on here about VCG leaks and seems now it's my time to encounter this problem lol... I have 2015 528i with an N20.

So around the end of January I started to see a bit of smoke coming out of the hood and smell burnt oil inside the cabin (currently at 120k kms). Took it to my BMW specialist and he replaced the VCG (only, not the cover) on the 10th of Feb. Fast forward to now, there's been a slight improvement but I'm still occasionally seeing smoke and getting the burnt oil smell inside the cabin, really seems to be no real pattern of when it happens...

I've read it could be residual oil burning off but is this an actual thing? Car is only driven on the weekends, usually short distances too so maybe it's taking me a little longer to get through the residual oil if any??? Or is it an unfortunate coincidence the gasket and cover decided to go at the same time???

Be good to get any other N20 owners insight into this!

Thanks friends!
Appreciate 0
      03-05-2023, 05:00 AM   #2
SWFLf10
Captain
SWFLf10's Avatar
United_States
372
Rep
639
Posts

Drives: 2016 Alpina B6, 2015 535i
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Florida

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I could be wrong here, but the gasket is usually what starts to leak from what I’ve seen. The cover is usually replaced even if it’s not cracked as it can warp and not seal right over time. Generally the best bet is to do both the gasket and cover together for peace of mind.

Could always use some degreaser around the low side of the valve cover when the engine is cold to clean it off better the. rinse. Could be residual, but sounds like it’s been a while since it was replaced so shouldn’t be much, if any still hanging around.
Appreciate 0
      03-05-2023, 10:52 PM   #3
222jjj26
Registered
Australia
2
Rep
3
Posts

Drives: 528i
Join Date: Mar 2023
Location: Sydney

iTrader: (0)

Thanks for the insight! Noted about using some degreaser. Mechanic has said he'll take another look at it on Thursday so shall see what he finds.
Appreciate 0
      03-18-2023, 04:17 PM   #4
rshabby
New Member
0
Rep
10
Posts

Drives: 2013 528ix
Join Date: Feb 2023
Location: indiana

iTrader: (0)

Same happened to me a few years ago. There was also oil getting into my vacuum lines and would spill out onto the exhaust. Ended up replacing the vacuum pump and vacuum lines. Smoke and smell improved by 90%. I would still see some fresh oil around the heat shields and ended up doing the valve cover gasket only, reused the same cover. This solved all my issues. Also the Valvetronic plug on top of the engine has a gasket and the screws are onetime use, small amounts of oil can leak from here too if they’re being reused. After a long drive take the black engine cover off and look at the plug and check for bubbles.
Here’s a picture, you done actually have to remove the valve cover to see this, just the black acoustic cover.
Attached Images
 
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:48 AM.




5post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST