2004 BMW X5 SMOKE FROM EXHAUST

SKINTMAC

MEMBER
2004 BMW X5
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
43,000 MILES

This is the second x5 3.0 diesel I have owned and both have had the same problem although this one less so.
At start up the exhaust emits blue smoke but diminishes quite quickly. It appears again even when engine switched off for a short time. After a run if the engine is revved hard a faint blue smoke is emitted.
I am worried this could be the start of turbo failure.
The last time the problem was fixed by replacing the oil breather filter and air filter. It is of great concern to me that both cars have been serviced by BMW and I would not expect this to happen at this mileage.
Ian

5 Replies

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

You state "I would not expect this to happen at this mileage" I am curious as to what you would expect. Have the maintenance items (oil breather and air filter) been addressed as yet? Blue smoke is usually an indicator of oil getting in "behind" the combustion process for compression combustion engines, like a turbo issue. Incomplete combustion is usually indicated with white smoke. A diesel engine should have no visible smoke when conditions are nominal. What does BMW tell you regarding this?

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Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008 AT 10:10 PM

SKINTMAC

MEMBER
3 POSTS

So are you saying that I should expect blue smoke at 43000 miles? The car has been maintained by bmw from new. Pardon my ignorance but if there is a probem with the engine or turbo why would a breather filter and air filter help?

Please to explain.
Ian

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Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008 AT 4:01 AM

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

I am asking what BMW is telling you regarding this issue. I am unclear what you mean when you stated,

The last time the problem was fixed by replacing the oil breather filter and air filter. It is of great concern to me that both cars have been serviced by BMW and I would not expect this to happen at this mileage.

I would expect BMW to have something to say, and I do not believe this is normal operation.

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Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008 AT 4:32 AM

SKINTMAC

MEMBER
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I have no confidence in BMW and do not believe a word they say. I was only trying to find out if owners had similar problems or words of wisdom. Is the problem terminal.
Ian

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Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008 AT 9:01 AM

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

I do not blame you for your feelings about BMW. In the north American market there is a similar contempt for what is spoken at the dealership level. I am a shop foreman at a San Francisco Bay area dealership and have heard a fair amount of venom directed at BMW and at the dealership.