Mayonnaise in E46

[lmc]

Gulp, I'm almost too scared to ask this question

The last couple of times I've checked the oil in my 330Ci (I do it every 2 weeks)there was a wee bit of mayo on the oil filler cap. Just a wee bit. The temp guage never goes past the middle and it has not lost a drop of water. I know that mayo is caused by engine oil being contaminated by water, but if there is water getting through the head gasket would I not know about it by now ?

I would like your views before I ask a garage, I'm not paying for the bugger's summer holiday if I don't have to.

Please help ! Please tell me it's normal and I don't have a thing to worry about !
Only joking, I'd be better with the truth, no matter how much it hurts

Les

[olf]

lmc said:

Gulp, I'm almost too scared to ask this question

The last couple of times I've checked the oil in my 330Ci (I do it every 2 weeks)there was a wee bit of mayo on the oil filler cap. Just a wee bit. The temp guage never goes past the middle and it has not lost a drop of water. I know that mayo is caused by engine oil being contaminated by water, but if there is water getting through the head gasket would I not know about it by now ?

I would like your views before I ask a garage, I'm not paying for the bugger's summer holiday if I don't have to.

Please help ! Please tell me it's normal and I don't have a thing to worry about !
Only joking, I'd be better with the truth, no matter how much it hurts

Les

Do you normally do short or long runs? You cn get this kind of accumalation on repeated short runs but it should clear up if you go for an hours drive.

[SJobson]

Don't worry, it's likely to be condensation forming inside the oil filler cap and mixing with the oil just there. Wipe it off - it shouldn't recur particularly quickly.

[MitchT]

olf said:

Do you normally do short or long runs? You cn get this kind of accumalation on repeated short runs but it should clear up if you go for an hours drive.

My E36 has always had a bit of mayo. Usually gets used for short runs. Never a problem.

[lmc]

Thanks guys, that has put my mind at rest !

Phew !

Yeah, most of my driving is in 15 - 20 minute bursts, sometimes in traffic, sometimes at 69mph +

I was trying to convince myself it was not a problem cos there were no symptoms, but getting confirmation on here really hits the spot.

Cheers, Les