Expert: Josh Fields - 8/22/2006

Question
hi again, i have a 1987 325e and it has approx. 204,000 miles on it .
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Followup To

Question -
hi, i have oil in the intake . i'm also getting fouled spark plugs but only when i drive at higher speeds. it seems to happen when i drive the car at or above 70 mph. or over 2000 rpms for an extended period of time. no smoke from exhaust at all. any ideas this is totally out of my league. thank you

Answer -
Eddie,
 Could you provide what type of car you have, so I will know what engine you are talking about?

 Oil in the intake is NEVER a good sign.  It could be a small or a big problem.

 It's possible that the crank case ventilation system is clogged, and its pushing oil up the pistons (Blow By).  This would definately be a problem.  Also, your engine could be worn, and in need of a rebuild....

 Good luck,
 Josh  

Answer
Eddie,
 I noticed the mileage, and although it's high for most cars, the 325e's engine still has 100k miles left on it (depending on how it's been treated).

 I had an '84 with 325k miles on it.  The car didn't break down either, it was totalled by an intoxicated driver who couldn't keep his vehicle in his lane.  I would probably still be driving the car today if that had not have happened.  

 That car was pampered though, with regular oil changes and maintanence.  I only ran synthetic oil (Mobil-1) in the car, and it was very strong up until the accident.

 The moral here is that you potentially have MANY more miles out of that car, and if you take care of it and perform regular scheduled maintanence, you could have it for 5-6 more years (at least).

 So I would take a look at all the hoses running to the brake booster, valve cover, etc.. and make sure they are not clogged.  This should solve the problem.

 Good luck,
 Josh