02 330i leak question smoke and burning rubber smell

Hi, I mostly read in the forums here, but today I had a burning rubber smell and white smoke from under the hood rise out. I took these photos and found a leak. I had the oil changed 1000 miles ago. Does anyone know what is the problem? Will this be covered? The car is CPO warrenty until 100K or March 2008. Is it safe to drive , I don't want to damage the engine. Thanks, Rich[IMG][/IMG]

another pic with camera down inside[IMG][/IMG]

close up[IMG][/IMG]

and the car
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the engine

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is there anyway to edit the tiltle of this to delete the extra s

Should be covered. Make sure you have sufficient oil and drive to the dealer.

Originally Posted by KrisL

Should be covered. Make sure you have sufficient oil and drive to the dealer.

Thank you, I went in this morning. The dealer was great! I was told it is covered, and I am so glad it has the CPO 100K warranty.
I left the car at the dealer because the oil smell was getting into the interior, and also I didn't have an apointment, plus risk of additional damage. I miss it already Thank you KrisL!

Let us know where the leak was from. It might help us other E46er's with aging cars lol

Originally Posted by magbarn

Let us know where the leak was from. It might help us other E46er's with aging cars lol

Yes it's aging but i still love this 330i body. I was told it was the valve cover gasket.

I will be waiting for the call for when it is fixed.

Originally Posted by magbarn

Let us know where the leak was from. It might help us other E46er's with aging cars lol

Update- I was driving to work and all the sudden my radio and heater shut off. I was in M4 at the time. It turned out to be an alternator replacement and a battery charge. The car automatically shuts off everything that will drain the battery when this happens. There was a ! with a circle around it next to the M4 display, at this point you will need to drive in automatic only, the battery and check engine light also came on. I had the car back in a day. I am glad I love driving so much having gone from 28,000 miles to 62,000 since 2005 so these things can be CPO covered. Cheers

I'm having the same problem with my 01 330i w/55k. I can see smoke rising off of exhaust manifold so I think it is a valve cover gasket. I just noticed my power steering resevoir cap gasket is missing creating a lot of residue on the power steering resevoir. I can't imagine that has anything to do with it since it is nowhere near the exhaust manifold but who knows.

Brett,
Holy old theads and I dont have my car
Those res covers seem to collect the brake fluid. The smell I had was an oil leak. Good luck with the repair. I hope to be back soon. I found a 2002 330xi sport prem and got approved but trying to decide how and if to sell the other ride.
-Rich

Anyone have instructions to replace valve caver gasket? 03-330cic

Originally Posted by wildma_55

Anyone have instructions to replace valve caver gasket? 03-330cic

I used instructions that were for an e36 which I found online and the e46 service manual. However, looking back, I think all you really need is the e36 manual. They are similar and replacing the gasket isn't that hard. Do a google search and you should be fine.

Thanks!

Same problem here. Valve cover gasket, very common. Only $59 at the dealer, $39 online. Not too hard a DIY.....I'm just lazy and havent done it yet.

I had to replace my valve gasket cover 2 months ago. Had white smoke coming out and the smell of burning rubber. At first the dealer told me it was the brakes but after reasoning out and popping the hood the SA was able to determine it was the gasket. Since it was a CPO like yours, got it fixed in no time. the car had roughly 48k on it. 03' 325i sp pp. Good luck!

Originally Posted by e46_619

I had to replace my valve gasket cover 2 months ago. Had white smoke coming out and the smell of burning rubber. At first the dealer told me it was the brakes but after reasoning out and popping the hood the SA was able to determine it was the gasket. Since it was a CPO like yours, got it fixed in no time. the car had roughly 48k on it. 03' 325i sp pp. Good luck!

You freakin CPO people drive me bonkers! You drive to the dealer, get a loaner, and pay nothing. I have to get the part and spend my saturday's wrenching on my car! Not fair!

No loaner for me. CPO does not give you that. Then there is the panic of waiting to confirm the proplem is covered but the dealers in Hartford are good about it. I can't complain.