Hello all, newbie here and to older cars in general...Im hoping someone might be able to help me out here.
While traveling down 64Eeast to work I noticed a large plume of white smoke coming out the back of my 02. I didn't notice any difference in how it drove, and noticed no unfamiliar noises. In general the car runs great every time I use it. Anyhow, I pull over immediately pop the hood, and notice smoke coming off the headers from an oil leak, I then check the asphalt and notice maybe 8oz of oil on the street.
I have it towed home, and start it up once more just to see if I missed any unfamiliar sounds, starts right up, engine idle seems to sound normal. Total run time about 30-40 sec. After -- I take a look on the drive way, and there is a good amount of oil on the ground. (picture included below.)
Im hoping I just need to replace my gaskets. Im unable to fully check out the engine (at work now as I write, plus Im not really sure what Im looking at.) So my questions are (don't joke me!)
1. Is my engine a 2.0? The PO didn't really know much about cars either, and I bought it from him assuming I just bough a good running 1602. The block is stamped E21, with a date of 76. Im sure it is, I just 2nd guess myself on things I'm not familiar with.
2. Is this the head gasket set I should be buying? Since I should probably replace them all anyways.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-HEAD-GASKET-SET-2002_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2em20Q2el1116QQhashZitem29feedf5f3QQitemZ180370666995QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQQsalenotsupported#ht_1542wt_866
3. If the block did crack would it still run like it does? (I'm hoping this is not the case.)
4. Recommendations for a shop to take my car in the Norfolk/Hampton Roads area?
My engine bay after incident
Stamp
Pictures taken quickly at lunch of general area I think leak is coming from.
Found this in the oil leak on the asphalt
Oil soaked towels...
TIA Jason