Strange M3 Problem Today.

[bergerac]

Hey folks. This morning I drove my 98 M3 out of the garage and parked it out on the street with the purpose of washing my Dad's caravan(sorry!). About five minutes later I spotted what I thought was steam pouring from the kidney grills and strolled over to investigate. I then realised that this was not steam and was of course white whisps of smoke! No keys in the ignition and car locked! A quick inspection under the bonnet,only opened a little,revealed smoke creeping up from under the airbox area. My first reaction was to give it a quick hit with a powder extinguisher to prevent things getting worse,as I thought a full on fire was on the cards, but the only thing that stopped the smoke was disconnecting the battery. Five minutes later and with all the smoke cleared I reconnected and started the car,all was fine but after a good poke around with the maglite to hunt for any signs of burning the M3 then refused to start. The starer motor clicked furiously and only after a bump start would she run. Tonight the car is starting and driving fine but obviously there is a serious and possibly dangerous problem here. going to the Autosparks tomorrow. Anybody had any experience of this oddness? Cheers folks.

[thegreengoblet]

Sorry, can't help.

But please keep us informed.

[Mroad]

Most likely the starter motor solenoid had jammed on and was taking a constant starting current (i.e. lots!). You were lucky to spot it when you did or it could have been much worse.

[bergerac]

That's what I thought. drove to the Sparks this morning but the main man is away for the weakend. The apprentice just said,'don't drive that' and closed the door. Lovely!

[bergerac]

Just collected the car this morning from a different Autospark. He worked on it all day Friday and Saturday morning and has found nothing unusual going on. It started every time for him and has not done the smoke trick again.

All I can do is wait to see if it happens again..........