[Dakotya]

Hello,

After driving my car for a short period of it the engine bay starts to smell terrible. The smell is very strong. I looked all around for hours and couldn't see any leaks or melted plastic.

I took it to my local shop and they lifted the car. Checked under, did a coolant pressure test, and an oil dye test and came up empty handed.

I thought it smelled more like a burning smell. The tech said that it wasn't a burning smell to him. He's not sure what kind of smell but that the car definitely has a smell.

Any ideas?

2013 BMW 328i
110K

Thank you very much.

[helix247]

Originally Posted by Dakotya

Hello,

After driving my car for a short period of it the engine bay starts to smell terrible. The smell is very strong. I looked all around for hours and couldn't see any leaks or melted plastic.

I took it to my local shop and they lifted the car. Checked under, did a coolant pressure test, and an oil dye test and came up empty handed.

I thought it smelled more like a burning smell. The tech said that it wasn't a burning smell to him. He's not sure what kind of smell but that the car definitely has a smell.

Any ideas?

2013 BMW 328i
110K

Thank you very much.

Originally Posted by Dakotya

Hello,

After driving my car for a short period of it the engine bay starts to smell terrible. The smell is very strong. I looked all around for hours and couldn't see any leaks or melted plastic.

I took it to my local shop and they lifted the car. Checked under, did a coolant pressure test, and an oil dye test and came up empty handed.

I thought it smelled more like a burning smell. The tech said that it wasn't a burning smell to him. He's not sure what kind of smell but that the car definitely has a smell.

Any ideas?

2013 BMW 328i
110K

Thank you very much.

Probably Valve Cover Gasket or Oil Filter Housing Gasket.

[Billfitz]

Dead rodent on the exhaust?

[F32Fleet]

Coolant = Sweetish
Oil = Burnt
Wiring =Acrid

Most typical smell is generated by oil from around the passenger side of the valve cover.

From my own experience even a little oil seeping from the valve cover will cook off and generate a smell. Leaks will drop down onto the exhaust manifold and smoke.

My guess is valve cover on passenger side towards the rear of the engine. Look for faint signs of staining. You'll probably need a flashlight.

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by F32Fleet

Coolant = Sweetish
Oil = Burnt
Wiring =Acrid

Most typical smell is generated by oil from around the passenger side of the valve cover.

From my own experience even a little oil seeping from the valve cover will cook off and generate a smell. Leaks will drop down onto the exhaust manifold and smoke.

My guess is valve cover on passenger side towards the rear of the engine. Look for faint signs of staining. You'll probably need a flashlight.

Sound advice. It's surprising that the shop could not identify the smell if it's so distinctive. Did the mechanic perform a thorough examination of valve cover gasket? it might be prudent to find another shop.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

Sound advice. It's surprising that the shop could not identify the smell if it's so distinctive. Did the mechanic perform a thorough examination of valve cover gasket? it might be prudent to find another shop.

I had the same experience. Could only smell it from inside the cabin or around the wheel wells. Couldn't smell it with the hood open.

[Dakotya]

Originally Posted by F32Fleet

I had the same experience. Could only smell it from inside the cabin or around the wheel wells. Couldn't smell it with the hood open.

I have throughly inspected the Valve Gasket and do not see a single droplet or indication that oil was dropped onto the exhaust.

However the oil filter housing looking pretty sus, and the alternator beneath him is very dirty.

Lastly here is an invoice from the previous shop.