I noticed fair amount of smoke and burning smell from engine compartment of my 2003 A4 3.0. Something is leaking from the rear, passenger side of motor, too cramped to see from the top, not much better view from underneath either. I believe its Oil leaking but I see some coolant lines running through the area in question. Any known/common problems from that area or is it gonna be another expensive trip to the shop!.. Any help appreciated.

 

I know on 1.8t its the valve gasket cover that goes (doesnt seal properly anymore) and oil will leak onto the exhaust manifold causing the oil to burn and smoke comes out of your engine bay.

Im not sure on the 3.0 but its probably the same thing. Part for the 1.8t is $50. Couple hours labour at the shop, so maybe $200 in labour. I did the work myself though, its an easy DIY.

 

my guess would also be valve cover gasket.look around on parts near it for oil drops or if its wet around the VCG

 

check inside where the spark plugs and coil packs sit for oil as well.

 

white smoke or blue smoke

 

OK. Update on the mystery leak. Had it towed back to my mechanic, showed him what was going on. After searching for better part of the day for the source he couldn't locate anything leaking and concluded that it may have been some oil spillage into the exhaust shrould from recent work thats burning off. Well I pick it up and sure enough no more smoke or burning smell. All seemed well until last night, stopped at light, it starts smoking again..after letting it sit for 10 mins I start it up and no apparent leak or smoking and was able to drive home(about 40miles) with no problem..oil level looks good..so now I'm really stumped..not quite sure how it can be intermittent..

PS smoke color is more white than blue..

 

could be coolant leaking and burning off before you can see any indication of where the leak could be coming from.

 

have you checked around the valve cover already? My car was having a bad leak several times already and this was due to that. I have it replaced two times already.