Hi Guys/Gals

Been directed here from BMW Land as I have a problem with my 04 530d SE. I originally asked about the turbo lag when joining traffic quickly as it can be a bit worrying waiting for the pick up but was told that this is quite normal. My main problem is the exhaust gas smell coming from under the bonnet when on tickover in traffic (you never notice it when moving) which someone on BMW Land said had been discussed on here. I have only had the car for 2 months and could do without a big bill this early on.

I would be grateful if anyone could help or has any ideas. Mant thanks Andy B

 

Hello Andy and welcome to the forum!!! That does sound like a serious problem, but hopefully one of our diesel owners can help you sort it out. THis is a very knowledgeable forum and you will find members very helpful to each other. Good luck.

 

Thanks for your reply but unfortunately you were the only one. It looks like the main dealer if no one on here can shed any light!!!

 

Do you hear any exhaust noises underhood (bonnet) that seem abnormal .. .. there may be an exhaust gasket leaking. If that is the case it could be a repair easily accomplished by an independent mechanic. If you've had the car only two months, did it come with any warranty/guarantee from the seller?

 

Check out this link:

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=...mp;#entry879211


Hopefully you don't have a cracked manifold but worth checking.
GL sorting it out!

 

Thanks Guys I really appreciate the help with this as there is no warranty. Will it be straight forward for someone like me (financial adviser not mechanic) to have a look and confirm if it is the manifold?.

Once again thanks very much for the help

 

One way is to stop the fan somehow (at the front of the engine) then take a piece of tissue paper and go around the exhaust gasket area and manifold area. If the paper starts to blow like a flag in a storm then you have found your leak. If it doesn't then we have to keep looking. Also you can use your nose, there should not be a significant exhaust smell under the hood (bonnet) - if there is then you have a leak somewhere - using the method above will help narrow it down though. Good luck.

 

This sounds exactly the same problem which i have had just fixed on my 2004 530d se also. i had a slight lack of power and could smell very strong gases from under the bonnet. After long investigation into the issue, we found it to be the exhaust manifold. It had 7 hairline fractures and cracks around the welds and on the branches. Its not the easiest of parts to get to. I have still got my old manifold, which i am yet to upload photos to show the damage. Since it has been replaced, the smell has gone, my economy is now back to normal and no lag or loss of power.

Keep me posted and give it a look.

Thans Ryan.