Stinky 330d

[miniman]

My 330d stinks, specifically when stationary. Smells exhausty, both inside and out. There don't seem to be any blowing noises from the exhaust but I guess it must be a leak somewhere?

[MGZRod]

What does it smell of? Could be something simple like a bag melted on the exhaust.

[s p a c e m a n]

Is the back end of the car airtight? Bits of rubber missing and broken stuff back there normally ends in fumes coming into the car when moving.

[N Dentressangle]

Crack / leak in one of the cats, perhaps. A decent mechanic might be able to remove and re-weld it, which would save you the buggery without lube which BMW will inflict on you for a new one...

[littleredrooster]

Cracked/split crankcase breather (or hose) at the back of the cam box. If it's an early one, it's best to convert it to the later 'vortex' type.

[miniman]

littleredrooster said:

Cracked/split crankcase breather (or hose) at the back of the cam box. If it's an early one, it's best to convert it to the later 'vortex' type.

Interesting, thanks. Can it be checked, or is it easier to just replace? Looks to be a service part, pretty much.

[///ajd]

breather is easy to change once you have the air filter exposed. part about £30. i'd be surprised if not already changed, but depends on history / age of your e46

not sure that makes a smell though. is it an eggy smell?

[miniman]

Not really eggy, hard to describe really. I will fetch it down to the local garage next weekend and get it up on their ramp for a poke around the exhaust.

[littleredrooster]

miniman said:

Interesting, thanks. Can it be checked, or is it easier to just replace? Looks to be a service part, pretty much.

Service part, but often overlooked. I would be tempted to replace it anyway. Causes an oily, crankcase smell rather than an eggy smell.

[Toaster Pilot]

To check for an exhaust leak, hold a length of garden hose to your ear and point the other end along the exhaust - you'll soon find a leak