a bit of smoke...
 

Ok, my car (automatic) has been puttering at idle (just under 1k). I figured it needed a tune up (wires, plugs, oil). Well I ended up doing an oil change (ended up spilling at a little bit, while pouring it in). I then changed the spark plugs (Bosch platinum 4). The first two (forward) had a bit of oil (black in color, so not the oil I spilt) down the shaft where the actual plug is. I thought this was normal:confused: I continued to the other two (aft) and those were bone dry. Is it supposed to be like this:confused:

I then started the car..... a pillar of white smoke came out of the exhaust (that NEVER happend before). It still felt like it was puttering. I rev it up a bit and some more smoke came out of the exhaust. It cleared up, so I put it i sport mode and went for a short drive. It took off nicely with a little smoke every now and then. I pulled into my garage and noticed some more smoke coming from under the hood. I popped the hood and it was coming from the head. It kind of smelled like burnt oil (maybe from what I spilt)??

I'm going to buy Magnecor wires soon, and currently looking for a used MAF.

Can anyone offer any insights? I am not mechanically inclined, but I'm trying:smile:

Would a bad Cat or cause the puttering at idle? It sounds like it wants to shut off when at idle. I currently have no CEL, it was on just a week ago, and the code was for the MAF. Would the MAF cause the car to putput?

Sorry for the dumb questions...Its just getting me frustrated

Thanks,
Fernando

I think I found the problem....a broken hose

It is behind the throttle body. One end is connected the the back of the head and the other is connected to a little black cap on the throttle body. It seems like its a double hose. I tried to start it and it shuts off right after it starts.

I'll try to look it up on realoem and post it.

http://realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/d/m/1.png

Number 13

Is this easy to change? Whats invloved?

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthrea...ight=idle+hose

I love answering my own questions:tongue:


I'm off to the dealership....

All fixed now!!! Very smooth idle!!! Thanks ti.org!!!