buckleup

Need some help: My '03 SL55 with 30K miles has been smoking out the exhaust right at start after the car has sat overnight. This is getting worse. Some days however are not as bad as others.
Does anyone know if this has been an issue with these cars? Could it be valve guide seals? Need some ideas and suggestions on how to approach the dealer!!!
Thanks!!

jmf003

My guess is the same as yours: valve seals.

bltserv

This is an easy one.

Answer the following questions:

1. When you start it up and move it a short distance. Like pulling out of the driveway. Then let it sit for a day or 2. And it never came to operating temp all the way.

Does it kick a puff of blue/gray smoke at startup next time ? The answer is YES.

2. When you drive the car normally and let it come to operating temperature
and shut it down after driving at least a few miles. Then start it again normally after any period of time. Even weeks.

Does it smoke at start up. The answer is NO

This is the nature of the car if it is not allowed to come to operating temperature before you shut it down again. I know several people that have the exact same behavior with their SL`s.

If it is smoking other than this type behavior and using oil. Then get a compression test. And if it still is using oil its the valve guides.
But this would be rare with an AMG built motor.....

Good Luck...

buckleup

Thank you for the info...that helps a lot...I will try those things......!!!!!