Thick white smoke

[mistersungit]

Hi everyone.

I have a 07 E92 and lately, I see a thick white smoke coming from the exhaust. This thick white smoke appears after driving for about 30-45 minutes, and followed by a burnt smell in the cabin. The smoke eventually goes away after 10-15 minutes, but I'm still really concerned about what's really wrong with my car. I'm about to hit 100K on my odometer. I also have been adding oil more often than before. About 1 quart/ 1000 miles. Any ideas what this could be, or anyone have the same issue? Any help, suggestion, advice, and reference will be much appreciated. Thank you kindly.

[Nikojt]

Well it definitely sounds like oil burning... Could be the piston rings.
How does the car run?
Have you tried pulling codes yet?
There are quite a few things that could be happening...

[mistersungit]

Car runs properly. No codes, noises, abnormal vibrations, or any noticeable issue but the thick white smoke. Everything seems okay. It's starting to scare me thinking it's just gonna suddenly die in the middle of the freeway or something.

[Nikojt]

If it's what I think it is, your car probably won't just up and die... As long as you keep on the oil until the piston rings can be replaced you should be fine.
I'll let some other members touch base, but I think your piston rings are shot.
You may want to touch base with an independent shop as well.

Has there been any knocking in the past? Has the car ever overheated?
When you get the chance, if you can check the coolant for oil deposits that would be great as well.

[mistersungit]

No knocking and no rattling. I normally drive without turning on the radio so I can hear if there is anything unusual. Thanks brother for the sound advice, I really appreciate it. I'll keep an eye out and will keep you posted if there's anything I notice.

[Nikojt]

If you find oil deposits in the coolant, that could be where your oil is going, and the coolant does burn white... But usually you'd be prone to overheats then; unless you only drive really short distances.
Please do update, as I'll try to look for other key clues.

[Pyewacket69]

I'd guess a blown/leaking head gasket is the primary culprit in this case.

[trohde78]

I'd guess a blown/leaking head gasket is the primary culprit in this case.

+1 White smoke is coolant, and that combined with low oil is leaning towards a head gasket.

[mistersungit]

Thank you guys for being so helpful, I really appreciate it.

[Pilgrim]

White smoke is coolant, dark grey is gas, blue is oil. Check the engine oil and if it's turning grey and frothy, you have a coolant leak into the oil. In that case, park it and do not drive it until fixed.