Strange smell from the engine and leaking oil pan in BMW

Strange smell from the engine and leaking oil pan in BMW – how to fix?

October 9, 2015 | Author: Mirosław Bodera – Członek Zarządu BM Cars | No comments | Categories: BMW driver questions • Series 3 | Tags: N47

BMW driver question

Please advise me on a strange unpleasant smell coming into the cabin from the engine side. Most often it happens when I brake. In addition, I noticed that on the engine there are leaks from under the gaskets. It is leaking from the oil pan gasket and valve cover. Could this smell be related to these leaks? Or is there some excessive pressure in the engine and it pushes the gaskets out and gives this strange smell? Or is it the vacuum pump?

The problem affected a 2006 BMW 318i E90, but it happens in other models as well.

Response from BM Cars service

The case you described may be related to leaks from the engine especially from the valve cover gasket. Very often oil leaking from this place drips onto the exhaust manifold and other heated parts. This creates a very unpleasant burning smell. Additional brake-related odors can be caused by baked brake calipers and overheating brake discs, which can cause them to become dislocated and damaged.

Regardless of unpleasant odors entering the cabin, it is necessary to seal the engine (replacing the valve cover and oil pan gaskets) and thoroughly inspect the brake system.

We invite you to take advantage of our service.

Strange smell from the engine and leaking oil pan in BMW – how to fix?