[e46damirm3]

Hello guys. So I have a 2002 m3 and it’d smoke every now and then (~once a month.ish) because of a leak somewhere. But now it does it almost every time I go out for a drive. I drive it maybe like 3 times a week. But would anyone know where I might be leaking from?
extra info: I’ve gotten the valve cover replaced 3 times in the past 2years. So I don’t think it’s that… unless the shop over/under tightened the bolts? But they’re a good shop that work on Audis (r8’s), GTR’s, 240’s, etc… . The owner has r33 skyline, a 1100hp 300zx so I doubt they over tightened a bolt.
thankyou.

 

[Sapote]

Only you can check and tell where it is leaking. Get under the engine and look.

 

[e46damirm3]

I have. Looks like a rear main seal leak. But I’ve been told that cpv O ring leaks have been misdiagnosed as a rear main leak, oil pan gskt leak, or a valve cov. That’s why I came on here for help on what ppl here tHiNK. Jeez no need to reply in such a cocky way. Sheesh I’m just looking for help.

 

[Sapote]

I have. Looks like a rear main seal leak. But I’ve been told that cpv O ring leaks have been misdiagnosed as a rear main leak, oil pan gskt leak, or a valve cov. That’s why I came on here for help on what ppl here tHiNK. Jeez no need to reply in such a cocky way. Sheesh I’m just looking for help.

You didn't disclose any of these; I just gave a real advice based on what information you have provided. What do you expect -- point to the leaking source like a magician or fortuneteller, or a big God?

 

[Alan]

I have. Looks like a rear main seal leak. But I’ve been told that cpv O ring leaks have been misdiagnosed as a rear main leak, oil pan gskt leak, or a valve cov. That’s why I came on here for help on what ppl here tHiNK. Jeez no need to reply in such a cocky way. Sheesh I’m just looking for help.

You received reasonable advice. People that can't see it can't play "Guess whats wrong with my car". Either get it up on a lift or put it in the hands of a qualified shop. That is what shops are in business for. Would you call a shop and say "My car is smoking and has a leak. What is wrong with it?" ?

No, because it would be a ridiculous question.

 

[E46Tech9]

Grab some shop towels and rub around the valve cover where it seals, if you have oil on the rag it's time to do the valve cover. Easiest way to fix a leak is to work from the top down, if that's good start moving on to the next thing. Also a flashlight comes in handy , if you can try to see where the oil is hitting the exhaust to cause the smoking then look above there and see if it's anything obvious. Also why'd you have to replace your vcg 3 times in 2 years? Seems excessive.