About 3 weeks ago I purchased a 08 Clubman S with 35,000 miles it and the car has been driving and acting fine. Tonight we were sitting in the target parking lot when I noticed a good bit of white smoke coming out of the tailpipes. I automatically assumed that maybe it was the head gasket but the car hasn't ran hot not the first time. I bought the car from a honda dealership and they supposedly changed the oil a few days before I picked it up. What do you guys think us causing the smoke? Could it be the head gasket, could it be that the guys at the honda place put the wrong oil in it, or is it something else? Thanks in advance for any help.

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is it white smoke ( that is oil ) or steam ( from coolant ) ? Check your levels. The wrong oil should not come out exhaust unless it was like not designed for cars.

 

I started the car today to check it and it started smoking again just a little and no where near as my as it did last night.

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I mean if maybe they put non-synthetic in it. Also the timing chain is making a lot of noise now.

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I would bring it in now.. Before something really serious happens. If your timing chain is making noise also you want that looked at right away. You don't want to drive your MINI with a bad timing chain issue. That could easily lead to major engine failure. Also check to make sure you have the updated tensioner. good luck!

 

The closest MINI dealership is a hour and a half away from me.

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Suggest getting all the previous service records, to find out what, if anything has been replaced. I've been told by a Mini SA that the original tensioner can fail (if engine is stressed without a good warm-up) after a couple weeks of no engine use. Used car lots are typical examples of where this will happen.

However, this shouldn't cause white smoke. My issues with white smoke were caused by a faulty PCV system ('07 MCS), but oil related problems are the most likely culprit. If no satisfaction from your Honda dealer, try the nearest Mini dealer, for supposedly better diagnostic experience.

 

As previously suggested, check your fluid levels before driving the car. Some Mini's use oil, or you could have a leaking head gasket and may be low on coolant.

You mentioned that you bought the care three weeks ago. Any warranty? I'd contact the dealer you purchased the car, see if they will handle the problem.

 

No bought it as is. But haven't had a chance to call them yet because they are closed on Sundays.

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How cool is it? Outside temp?
We talking PLUMES of smoke?? Or like out your mouth on a cold day?
What does it smell like?

 

50s to 60s. Constant smoking and kinda has a burnt coolant smell.

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I think you may have found out why it was sold. If your coolant is low it sure could be a blown head gasket. Hold your hand under pipe and see if the liquid is green, blue or whatever color the coolant is.

Double check your oil is not getting water in it, if it's milky have it towed.

 

Even though you bought it as is Im sure there must be like a 30-60 day warranty of such. I would talk with them first. But how many miles have you put on the car after you bought it? But like others have mentioned check your fluids to make sure there full and also look for coolant in the oil.. Sure does sound like your burning coolant.. Good luck!

 

If it smells like coolant, it likely is coolant. The main suspect in that case would be the head gasket.

You may have been taken by that dealership...