BMW E36 oil consumption and blue smoke
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Why does the E36 use oil and emit blue smoke?
The oil burns in the combustion chamber. The causes are a broken diaphragm in the oil separator (separator), valve stem seals or piston rings. An external leak is not necessarily visible. Oil in the intake manifold points to the separator and a blocked breather.
Is the E36 smoke blue or water vapour?
Blue smoke that smells of oil is burning oil. Valve stem seals cause it especially when accelerating after engine braking. White vapour when cold is water vapour and does not mean oil is burning.
How do I read the E36 oil level correctly?
The dipstick reading is reliable only once the oil has drained to the sump, for example after standing for about three quarters of an hour. A broken separator can cause idle fluctuation in addition to consumption.
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