During/after light or heavy rain, just after I turn the car off. I would notice steam or smoke coming from the front or gill area of my car. Is this normal? The first time it happen was about a month ago at a Starbucks and not something I want to experience again. It involved an attractive young woman point it out to me. So What is going on here?

 

I have seen my 06' 530i do the same, but didn't think much of it, or investigate, other than smelling to make sure I didn't smell coolant, which I didn't. There are obviously some hot spots under there and I guess water gets around all the guards somehow...

 

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My 530 does this too, just water evaporating I guess.

 

normal my 550i does it after i leave the car wash...

 

that's speed smoke it makes the car go faster.

 

cool weather and steam from rain water evaporating off radiator

 

Did you get her #? Not everyone pays attention to these kinds of things.

 

I've seen my 08' 528 do this occasionally. Either at a light or after I shut it off in my driveway when it's raining or coming out of a car wash. Perfectly normal. The thermostats in our cars and most newer cars are set pretty high, around 200 I believe. Just some moisture on the outside of the radiator going to steam.

 

Tell her if she comes inside with you, you two could make it hot and steamy too.