I picked up my new '07 MC this weekend, and noticed some whitish/grey smoke coming from the exhaust when I first started driving it. I figured this was part of the normal burn in of the exhaust system, and really wasn't worried about it. This morning however, when I left for work, my wife said she noticed the smoke when I first pulled away and when I shifted into 2nd. I have about a 100 miles on it, do you think it is normal I would still be seeing smoke? Any similar experiences? Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

 

white/grey is normally not a problem, especially if it dissipates right away. Blueish smoke that hangs in the air, however, is burning oil. If your smoking happens when you first start the cold car, it's probably condensation "smoke." After starting you car, go out and check for dissipation/smell.

 

More likely than not it's condensation when you first start the car. Does the exhaust smell like burnt oil? If so, that's a problem.

 

No, I did not notice any burnt oil smell, it had rained last night and was wet this morning, so the condensation makes sense.

 

Smoke without a bluish tint is usually gas rather than oil. White to light grey is too lean of a mixture, while dark grey to black is too rich.

I would imagine what your wife saw was condensation. If you have a problem otherwise, you'll usually get the smoke non-stop. If you're only getting it for a few minutes, I'd suspect it's water vapor from condensation.

We can't diagnose your car over the internet, so if you're really concerned... take it to the dealer. After all, the value of our advice is proportional to what you paid for it!

 

Did she notice any loud squelling or see any black marks on the pavement?

 

Hey, my advice is worth a lot. It might be wrong, but it's still worth a lot.

 

Yeah, I was trying to duplicate the burnout on you tube, it just appeared to be coming from the exhaust...

 

My Cooper S also had some smoke in the first few miles of ownership. I took it as things just burning off while the engine is seating in. It was all gone by the next day of motoring. I'm at 700 miles and it hasn't returned, and no it wasn't clutch/brakes/ or tire smoke