QuestionYesterday (8/9/08) evening around 6:30 PM my 2001-740IL over heated with the cooling level low message coming on. White smoke came from under the hood. This is now the 2nd time this has happened. It first happened on 6/27/08 with the same situation and my mechanic found a coolant leak at the radiator and expansion tank, he removed both items and replaced them. He makes a note on the invoice that the valve cover gaskets overheating may damage headgasket. That repair was over $600. Now with this, I had to have the car towed back to my house. I looked under the engine and I can see where the overheating came from and dryed up white powder all over. Is this the same issue or something else going on? I am very frustrated at this point! Please help and give me as much details to what is going on. Thanks always...!!!
AnswerThe white powder may or may not lead you to where the problem is.
These engines are strong, but they HATE overheating.
Likely one of two items. Could be the famed "valley pan gasket leak". This is common. The valley pan sits between the two banks of cylinders on your V8. Getting to it requires removing the intake manifold, the water pump, and a whole slew of cabling and hoses.
The second possibility is that it is one/both of the head gaskets. This is more serious, and a very major problem. It can be diagnosed with a relatively easy test at many service centers, including some Firestone/Goodyear type places. I worked on a '96 740 that had this problem, and the dealer wanted $4100 to repair it. No independant would touch it.
You are going to need to get this checked out, and I would recommend either your BMW dealer or a good BMW independant.
After getting it checked out, write me back, and I can help you through the options.
Where (state) do you live? I may be able to point you towards a good BMW shop. SEND YOUR REPLY CHECKED "PRIVATE".
