QuestionHi, I have a 2001 530i bmw and lately when I try turning it on it doesn't start the 1st time. Sometimes I have to try it 2-3 time and then it finally turns on or else I have to press on the gas for a few seconds. When it finally does turn on it, it starts shaking out of control. Once I start driving it, it doesn't seem to run normal. It take to long to shift gears and eveytime I come to a stop it shakes. This goes on for about 15-20 minutes. After the 15-20 mins it finally starts to drive normal. Also while I'm driving it for the first 10 mins while it's shaking white/smoke is coming out from the exhaust. What do you think could be wrong with it? My car has 115k miles.
AnswerWow, sounds like hell on wheels.
Don't despair just yet.
Not knowing the outside temperature and the fact that you haven't mentioned about any overheating issues lets not concern ourselves with the white smoke at this time.
Find somewhere who can just run a diagnostic scan on it.
How does it sound? Hissing noises? Like it has an intake leak?
Take the engine cover off and spray some brake cleaner near the intake manifolds where they attach to the heads, and especially at the very rear and middle of the engine. Any changes for the better would indicate a leak, hose fallen off etc.
I am assuming we are talking about a v8 engine. Here in England it was a 6 cylinder until about 1998.
Do these checks, possibly the intake leaks first then the scan and get back to me,also any more info would help.
Water loss, overheating, how was it running before, was it gradual or all of a sudden, that sort of things.
Tony
