I've had my 1.7cdti over 3 years now and never encountered this problem up to this morning, but white smoke was being omitted from my exhaust (not at high revs) which the most awful burning smell similar to the DPF burning-off smell. I stopped the car with the engine running and it carried on smoking for a minute before I decided to continue my journey to Bradford and back to which it didn't happen again. Prior to the exhaust smoking, the engine had been running for around 20-25 minutes. Any suggestions and also has anyone else had this?
I had this on my 2.0 Zaffy, every morning weather cold or warm spoke to my mechanic and he had a look checked in case the head had gone etc but it wasn't overheating or using any water (I never had to put oil or water in it), so it was just left I can't remember the reason he gave.
Anyhow I still see her running around now with the same problem so can't be anything to worry about.
I guess the things to check is it getting too hot (over heating) have you had to put water in, does it look like there is oil in the water tank?
Never had to put water in and only needs oil during its service. Never seen oil in the water so maybe as you say its nothing to worry about. It really did smell like the DPF does though.
Is it still under warranty? if so get VX to check it for free or try a small interdependent always better to get it checked in-case it is something.
I never had the smell on the zaffy just the white smoke.
Its out of warranty but has a one year extended warranty (third party) on it. Reluctant to go back to VX at the moment due to the ongoing heated seat saga. Thanks for the input though.