Expert: Josh Fields - 8/18/2006

Question
Hello, thank you for your time.

I have a  1986 BMW 325, my husband is the original owner.  The car was serviced at the BMW dealership while it was under warranty.  We had the transmission replaced, along with other repairs.

1st Problem  The air condition stopped working after the warranty expired.  It has never been fixed.

2nd problem.  all the gages except for the fuel gage no longer works.

3.  The car was driving ok.  It has been used as a spare car and was driven very minimal a few miles per month.  Ex. sometimes had to charge the battery because car sat too long.
The other day my husband drove the car 30 miles, and he said it was working ok.  However, on the way home the car began dying out each time he had to stop for red light.  He barely made it home.  NOW, when starting up, it sputters and eventually dies out, their is smoke coming out of the exhaust.  I looked at the oil stick and their is not mayonaise looking crud.  What do you think could be the problem.

Any helpful advise would be appreciated.

Answer
JC,
 You said "there is NOT mayonaise looking crud" on the dipstick, but I'm assuming you meant to say that there IS.

 If this is so, it seems that you are getting coolant into the oil (water + Oil).  This will give the oil a milky look, that I am assuming you are calling "mayonaise".

 I would have this checked immediately.  due to the fact that you cannot see the temp gauge, it may have run hot and caused the head gasket to crack, and this will allow water to mix with the oil.
 
 Good luck,
 Josh