mmakam2

just bought a 01 e55 amg, runs great, doesn't over heat, has all scheduled maintenance performed, but its seems to be burning some coolant. The exhaust has whitish smoke/steam coming out the exhaust and its sweet smelling. In all other cars this is usually an indicator of a head gasket thats blown. Is there anything else it could be?

edit: also the car has 140k miles on it if that makes a difference. Possible very light ticking sound coming from the engine, but it could just be the injectors firing.

mmakam2

anyone? I hear this is really rare to happen with these cars, anyone know what could have caused this?

tsquare

This is a rare event for the motors. Has it ever overheated?

Have you done one of the blue liquid tests that you can buy at Autozone?

mmakam2

It's possible it was overheated, not by me though. It doesn't overheat, the temp stays right in the middle all the time. I'll look into the blue stuff tomorrow.

I'm prepared to get the head gasket done, but i just don't want any surprises once its apart.

MBFLO

before you blow your money on a head gasket . Take it to a indi or a licensed MB shop and have it inspected . If its not over heating then it could be something else .

Peter_02AMG

Water pump?

Neanicu888

Mine was overheating when I got it. It turned out to be the AUX fans and the fan clutch.
From what I know,the white smoke is an indicator of a blown head gasket.
Also,what do you mean by burning coolant?
Did the oil level increase without adding oil?
You might also have a coolant leak. Did you check the radiator....hoses?
When you start it cold in the morning check right away to see if it's building pressure in the upper radiator hose. If you press on it...it should be soft right after you start it. If you feel pressure there when you just start it,that might be an indicator you have a blown gasket.
Hope this helps.
Good luck!

Schweinhund

Compression test.

RobertG

or a leak down test.

Jacko2011

have you checked for plugged cats