vapour out exhaust

[wjwren]

any of you chaps had a similar issue? My 645 is quite "steamy" out the back. Ive never really noticed but had the tyres changed this week and while it was on the ramp the bloke said jesus she smokes a lot. Then was sat in traffic and notice smoke or steam not sure which was drifting past. This isnt just after short journeys either, but after 25 mile run. The car doesnt use any coolant and there is no coolant in the oil. Both pipes seem to have fair few droplets of water on.
Any clues or do BMW's just like to smoke!

[TheEnd]

They will produce condensation in cold weather, but once fully warmed up there shouldn't be much to see.

There is an issue with valve stem seal wear on the N62 engines, so keep an eye out for that.

[Dannbodge]

It's fine.

My E36 328i would leave a cloud of it when pulling away in cold weather or even when revved.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alSIrIfpdHQ

My 335i does it now too. it's just the amount of hot air they produce making it's way through a cold exhaust system.

[E-bmw]

Unfortunately, the laws of physics apply here (assuming there is no water loss, of course) when you burn hydrocarbons, one of the by-products is water, which comes out as clouds of steam on crisp days.

[Spuffington]

The N62's are pretty well known for it.

My 550i was a right old steam machine in the cold. I guess because it's such a big displacement.

But I agree, does look concerning when you first see it, but it was only steam with mine and not oil.

[4rephill]

Every single BMW I have ever owned (5 in total) has steamed from the exhaust at this time of the year like a steam train pulling out of a station! - And it's always been far more noticeable than with any other make of car!

Unless the steam never clears up at all - Even after a long run of 50 miles+ (in which case you've more than likely got a head-gasket problem), then it's nothing to worry about.

[gregs656]

Really noticeable on the 325 at idle now the weather is cold, apparently very common.

[toon10]

As above really, my E90 325 steams like a steamy thing.

[Wills2]

Yep mine is like something out of trumpton...