Being new around here I need to ask a question (here we go I hear you say).
Up until recently I haven't had that much working knowledge of the M20 engine being a BMW 2002 entusiast with M10 engines. However I had the opportunity to buy a one owner 50,000 mile 1988 320i with absolutely no rust and near perfect overall condition. The idea being I would use it while I was working on the '02 over the winter.
Therefore I wanted to make sure the 320 was okey dokey and carried out a full service. My problems began after the oil change was carried out. Now the car produces blue smoke at idle and at revs, although it doesn't get any worse under high loads? like I would expect with valve seals etc.
The oil was correct semi synthetic 10 40 and was flushed first with 4 litres, drained and the correct amount added (4.3 litres). Obviously I ran it up, rechecked the levels. All good text book stuff.
After the oil change it began the smoking, bear in mind there was no smoke at all with it being a low mileage car prior to the service. I have considered valve guide seals or the possibility of a bad oil control ring brought on by the nice new oil but it just doesn't seem to fit.
I did the cam belt today and have noticed that the air intake hose from the airflow meter to the inlet manifold has a pool of clean oil in it. Which leads me to believe their may be a breather problem.
I took it for an MOT at main dealer yesterday and it went through fine hence the emmisons are ok. I definitely haven't overfilled the oil and am confident this is all tikkityboo.
Any suggestions please???
Hey thanks, I do have some other brands and think you've got a good point but I'm still a little concerened that there is an oil aspiration 
issue other than the normal problems. I refuse to believe the valve guides are at fault because the oil somke doesn't worsen under load..
