Have a 2008 R56 w 53K on a factory rebuilt engine (timing chain went while still under warranty). Recently added Milltek Performance down pipe and Borla Exhaust. Shop that did it checked out engine and only thing they noticed was small leak in the vc gasket. Had them replace it.

After the mods got a lot of soot on the exhaust tips and noticed fine soot on the rear after a day of use. Thought it might be the tune so I got a flash tune and cold plugs. When I went to install plugs noticed oil on the treads and pooled on top (see photos).

Shop that did the mods is well respected - so possible it was a bad gasket r/r but worried this is something more. Suggestions on how to dx? Thanks guys.

Rob Mc

 

Could be just residue from before the gasket was replaced. The shop may not have cleaned everything while it was apart. I suggest you finish the plug change, cleaning everything as you go, and inspect often for oil in the plug chamber and on the threads. What's in the exhaust system will take time to burn away.

 

it would be great if that was it. Seem to be "blowin coal" on hard acceleration...don't know if residue would account for that...

 

The two issues probably aren't related. Clean everything up and install the new plugs(don't forget to gap them!). You've got a turbo four cylinder with what's probably a "safe" tune on it. It is going to run rich on full throttle, the soot will be normal.

 

Thanks. Looks like the VC itself was warped. Unless anyone thinks this is a symptom of something more (excess heat etc) will just replace cover and gasket

FYI Got my tune from Mario Kart great guy and would recommend him