Hello all, I noticed that sometimes when my car idles for a few minutes and I pull off a little bit of smoke comes out, it goes away almost immediately when I drive hard any other time its not there either. I have a SES light for an 02 sensor that's abt it though and ticking lifters. Any input is appreciated thanks

 

It's oil being sucked into the combustion chamber. Blue smoke just off idle is usually a sign of bad valve stem seals. Not a cheap fix clearly, but if it's not bad you can probably just leave it alone for a while. Someone else have any ideas - clogged PCV?

How many miles on the car?

 

Thanks I was afraid that was comin just hit 108k its a 545i

 

Yep, unfortunately, blue smoke out of the tail pipe always indicates oil is being burned. Not a lot you can do about it without a big expense, usually means the engine needs a rebuild. Sorry Bro

 

There are other causes with BMW engines other than the valve guide seals. The #1 cause of oil burning is the crankcase ventilation valves. The V-8 has two - one on each valve cover. Inspect and/or replace the ventilation valve diaphrams before you do anything else.

 

Check that the oil level is not too high. Also make sure the cranked case breather is clean and no issues. other wise i would pull the plugs to see which cylinders are using oil.

 

Thanks for all the replies, oil is @ a moderate level, just had my plugs changed in Sept of 09. All these parts you guys have named arent expensive, is it the labor that will kill me ?

 

What exactly should I be lookin for?

 

CCV's were changed but I do think its the valve stem seals I will get a 2nd opinion Saturday

 

What oil are you using?
The burning oil could be affecting your o2 sensors.