1998 C180 Smoking Problem

[rockypaul]

Hi
This is my first thread after purchasing a C180 Mercedes sport Automatic.
A cracking car with a very smooth drive & its only done 50,000mls,
But there is one thing which seems to be wrong, once the engine has warmed up or I have been on a longish drive (with or without cruise control),
when I stop say at traffic lights or a roundabout when I pull away there is a big cloud of white smoke, I also notice this when I reverse into my Garage.
Has anyone any ideas as I want to get it sorted whilst still under the warranty?
With Thanks
Rockypaul rolleyes

 

[MondeoMan]

May be nothing... or perhaps it's steam (failed head gasket?) Is your coolant clean and the level not dropping?

 

[rockypaul]

I am not sure as looking a bit harder the smoke seems to be more bluey / Black?

 

[philharve]

Hi rockypaul

'White' smoke usually denotes 'water' and 'blue/black' smoke denotes oil or petrol.

The obvious question is why you have not taken the car back to the dealer, assuming you purchased it from M-B, or to an indepndent who should be able to diagnose the problem, if there is one.

Loss of water/coolant is easy to detect and is an oil leak. Loosing water as steam or burnt oil through the exhaust system in a 50kmile vehicle is a worry. These substances can damage the cat', if one's fitted, and that's another expensive item.

If the car is under warranty then take it back to the dealer as soon as possible. Has it a full M-B service history?

REGARDS Phil

 

[rockypaul]

Thanks Phil

The car is back with the dealer tomorrow, but I wanted to have some idea so they dont just fob me off. At least now I can argue the case

cheers

Rockypaul