Strong burning smell
01-12-2005, 08:22 AM
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Anyone ever get a strong burning smell from the exterior of their car?
This is the 2nd time I have had this occur during my initial 2000 k.m.
Unfortunately, I haven't been able to pinpoint where the smell is coming from.
I'm hoping it's just something burning in, and not something serious.
Maybe the exhaust?
This is the 2nd time I have had this occur during my initial 2000 k.m.
Unfortunately, I haven't been able to pinpoint where the smell is coming from.
I'm hoping it's just something burning in, and not something serious.
Maybe the exhaust?
01-12-2005, 08:58 AM
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Unless you have covered 2000kms in a few days I doubt whether it is the exhaust as this usually on smells for a day or so when new. Are you braking hard at all or have you been driving fast? If it is dry where you are it could be either your tyres that you are smelling or your brakes.
01-12-2005, 09:07 AM
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My Ride: E90 M3
Model Year: 2011
Never had happen to my car, but my wife once unknowingly rolled over some trash on the road and a plastic bag like you might get from the grocery store got stuck under the car and melted on the hot exhaust pipe. Awful smell! Could be something got struck on the underside of the car. Just a guess...
01-12-2005, 09:20 AM
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It's strange that it's happened twice, today and about 8 days ago. Nothing excessive on my part from the driving.
The smell is very, very strong. So strong that my my first thought was that it was on fire.
The smell is very, very strong. So strong that my my first thought was that it was on fire.
01-12-2005, 09:33 AM
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One of my first thoughts too, but the car was not on at either time and the smell is outside. It was so strong it stunk up my house from the garage.
Also, forgot to add that each time it occured was during a drive of only about 20 km or 25 minutes. Car was cold prior to that.
Also, forgot to add that each time it occured was during a drive of only about 20 km or 25 minutes. Car was cold prior to that.
01-12-2005, 09:55 AM
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My Ride: MY 2004 545i; April build; 6 speed; silver grey metalic; black leather; poplar; sport package; cold weather; active steering; xenons .
I often start in second gear unless I am on a steep upward incline or want fast acceleration. Doing so makes the ride smoother. On a few occassions, I slipped the clutch a but too much and got a burning smell.
01-12-2005, 01:01 PM
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my car has the similar smell, but not as strong as you described, in the first week or two of ownership. some members mentioned that is probably from the cleaner/sealant or whatever they put to make the engine bay look nice. the smell disappeared after couple weeks 
. oh, btw, i could smell that after 10-15 minutes driving or the engine was warm/hot enough. no problem when it was cold.
. oh, btw, i could smell that after 10-15 minutes driving or the engine was warm/hot enough. no problem when it was cold.