SubCool

Hey,
Looking for help-
I just finished driving my car a good distance. I was coming from Columbus Ohio, and going to Poughkeepsie NY. On my journey, i stopped for some gas. As i stopped, i saw white smoke coming from my rear passenger side of the engine. The smoke smelled of oil, but was only white. It wasnt a bad cloud- but it was a very consistent flow. I let the car cool down for a bit as i took a look- but that engine bay is quite cluttered. I dont know what it is. I drove another 130miles from there to get home. As i stopped off to get gas one last time- the smoke wasnt as bad, but it was still there. Then again, when i noticed it the first time- i was going 85ish for like an hour. I really have no clue on what it could be, and in less than a week i have to drive back to Ohio for work. - Any ideas?
There was NO smoke coming from the exhaust, although i have noticed that over the course of time i saw a black residue pile up on my tail pipes. The Exhaust doesnt smell oil or radiator fluid. The white smoke also doesnt smell of radiator fluid. I have gathered that it could either be my head gasket, or my turbo. I havent lost any power from my turbo's. but at the same time, even tho i drive fast, i dont usually have them kick in. (they do turn on at 3000 right?).
Please help!!!
I just got the car in Feb/mar- Mostly march because once i got it, it went back for new tires and an oil change. Silver Star Benz (NYC) is a POS!!!!!!

A6contem

White smoke could be a sign your turbos are on their way out. I'd ask in the B5 S4 or C5 A6 forum depending on which car you have.

CTAudiDriver

I would try and find someone with a vag-com and see if there are any codes stored. The black residue may be normal as long as its not extremely excessive, if it is it could be your O2 sensors failing causing your car to run rich, its hard to say without further diagnosis.

quickaudi:STFA

cam seals or valve cover gasket. replace and you'll be fine.