Cooper S R56 N18 occasional smoking

[motep]

Hi guys,
Picked up an N18 cooper s on Sunday. It drives lovely and is great fun. One thing I’ve noticed is when the engine is warm and sitting in traffic, I can get a puff of smoke from the exhaust when pulling away. Doesn’t happen on start up from cold and not everytime.
Is it something I should be concerned about (car has 3months warranty) or just keep an eye on it and the oil consumption?
Thanks

[E-bmw]

What colour is the smoke?

[motep]

Grey ish colour. Not white

[E-bmw]

So if it isn't white, it isn't steam.

If it isn't blue it isn't oil burning in the combustion chamber.

Grey is a bit harder as it could be a bit of oil burning off from the turbo, but is more likely to just be a bit of extra fuel after a quick throttle dab to pull away.

[TimmyMallett]

Just when pulling away mostly? That will probably be valve guide seals? Common issue. Can be done with the head in place nowadays, not terribly expensive. I had a quote ages back as I was researching common issues before buying, I was quoted about £300.

Google it, loads of threads, here's just one


https://www.mini2.com/threads/cooper-s-n18-blue-sm...

Edited by TimmyMallett on Wednesday 15th September 10:07

Edited by TimmyMallett on Wednesday 15th September 10:08

[motep]

Ah thanks. Yeah, was doing some reading and looks like valve stem oil seals or turbo.
Any recommended mini specialists in Bedford area??

[motep]

So, the smoking was pretty bad on the way home from work. Got a video when I arrived home. Smoke looks white

[stevemcs]

That looks a little bit poorly. What year is it ?

[CoolHands]

Is coolant going down? White would often indicate steam ie water problem rather than oil.

[motep]

It’s 2010 with N18.
Took it back to the dealer yesterday. They’re gonna sort it apparently.

[Maracus]

Please update the thread when you get a diagnosis

[motep]

The car has been back with the dealer for 12 days now. I’ve been ringing for updates on a regular basis but they’re just telling me that the workshop is really busy and they’ll get back to me soon. Got fed up with it yesterday and told them I want my money back (I need a car!).
Had to send the refund request in writing by e-mail and the said that they’d get back to me tomorrow. Anyone had any experience with getting money back on a faulty second hand car from a dealer?

[stevemcs]

Sounds like the right thing to do and you are well within your rights, however getting your money back does depend on the dealer no matter what laws are on your side.

Did you pay anything on credit card ?

[TimmyMallett]

motep said:

The car has been back with the dealer for 12 days now. I’ve been ringing for updates on a regular basis but they’re just telling me that the workshop is really busy and they’ll get back to me soon. Got fed up with it yesterday and told them I want my money back (I need a car!).
Had to send the refund request in writing by e-mail and the said that they’d get back to me tomorrow. Anyone had any experience with getting money back on a faulty second hand car from a dealer?

The fact that they've asked you for the refund in writing is positive, they haven't asked you to wait longer and you have evidence that you have requested it. I'd ask them to acknowledge receipt if you can. Just give them 48 hours and then call them. I suspect they realise it's a big job and probably have done a sniff test.

[motep]

Yeah, I paid on credit card. Due to hear back from the dealer this afternoon. After doing further digging with them, they owned up to changing head gasket and water pump before selling and hadnt told me that originally. I reckon it had a serious overheat and maybe has warped head.

[TimmyMallett]

motep said:

Yeah, I paid on credit card. Due to hear back from the dealer this afternoon. After doing further digging with them, they owned up to changing head gasket and water pump before selling and hadnt told me that originally. I reckon it had a serious overheat and maybe has warped head.

Yeah, there you go. Annoying that they knew this and sat on not calling you for 2 weeks. I'd be getting short with them now and mentioning money claims online if they fail to refund you within the next 5 working days.

[motep]

Yeah, escalated it and got agreement for refund in writing. Need to go there on Monday to return paperwork etc and get refund!