Sulphur smell and white smoke at cold idle.... (archive)

Yes, there is a TSB on the sulphar smell. Essentially it says that hydrogen-sulfide is produced by the catalytic converter under load and depending upon the sulphur content of the gas you are using. In other words, either don't drive the car hard or don't use high sulphur gas or both.

The white smoke coming out at cold idle SHOULD be steam. There is almost always condensation build-up during the night in the gas lines. This is normal and all cars do it. It can also make the car run a little rich until the moisture is all purged from the system. White smoke is not bad as long as it does not persist after the engine if fully warmed up. If so, then most likely a cracked head gasket or under REALLY bad conditions a cracked head or block (hope it isn't that!). Hope this helps.

Jim S.
'92 Laguna Green 850i 6spd

Follow Ups:

Re: Sulphur smell and white smoke at cold idle.... Kurt.G 18:57 8/28/2000 (0)
Bad O2 sensor should cause a fault code also..... Jim S. 11:04 8/28/2000 (1)
- Thanks g'men....one more question.. Puff 22:51 8/28/2000 (0)

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