Engine Cooling problem
2002 BMW 330 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 95640 miles
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When I start the engine cold there is a large amount of white smoke from the exhaust. After a short time it will stop. Then when the engine is warmed up, upon starting I will still get some white smoke still however in just a small amount. What is causing this? A blown head gasket?

I will make the assumption that this is something you have just noticed and it has not done this at all in the past. Does the smoke have a sweet aroma to it? Has the engine EVER been over heated? Is the cooling system nominal, has it ever been apart for cooling system repairs or replacement of components? Is the cooling system losing coolant? Is there contamination in the oil from coolant? Some steam from condensation in the exhaust system is normal, I will assume this goes beyond what you consider normal. A head gasket that is compromised will exhibit these symptoms as you have described and it is possible the cylinder head casting is cracked as well if the engine was overheated. I await your response. ♥

I am not sure if the smoke smell is really sweet? The engine overheated once about a year ago. I had a new radiator put in some time ago. I am losing coolant in small amounts, but it takes quite a while for it to happen. Contamination unknown? The car is well maintained. What would cause this to happen now?

Dr. Hagerty wrote:

I will make the assumption that this is something you have just noticed and it has not done this at all in the past. Does the smoke have a sweet aroma to it? Has the engine EVER been over heated? Is the cooling system nominal, has it ever been apart for cooling system repairs or replacement of components? Is the cooling system losing coolant? Is there contamination in the oil from coolant? Some steam from condensation in the exhaust system is normal, I will assume this goes beyond what you consider normal. A head gasket that is compromised will exhibit these symptoms as you have described and it is possible the cylinder head casting is cracked as well if the engine was overheated. I await your response. ♥

Pressure testing the cooling system and leaving it sit with pressure on the system overnight with the spark plugs out to see if coolant goes in the cylinders might be the thing to do. ♥

As I await possible repairs needed, is it smart to still drive the vehicle?

Dr. Hagerty wrote:

Pressure testing the cooling system and leaving it sit with pressure on the system overnight with the spark plugs out to see if coolant goes in the cylinders might be the thing to do. ♥

The damage may already be done and I would say driving the car should be okay, but I will let you make that decision.