My exhaust smells funny - F30 320d LCI

[MR_Y]

Hi,

I am beginning to notice that my exhaust smells a bit strange after I drive my car spiritedly (after a good distance, open road, no traffic run).

I like the smell of normal diesel exhaust fumes, when I start up the car in the morning. That smell is still there. However, after a spirited run, it smells like the diesel has "gone off", a stinky, pungent smell - hard to describe. I would say it is almost like sulphour, but not complete rotten eggs.

The car is still on plan, so I will ask them to check it at the next service.

I always use 50ppm from one garage and this smell is not noticeable on my normal commute.

Any views?

 

[SubLoaded]

Could be a "broken" catalytic converter.

This also happens when your car is running too hot or due to a broken fuel pressure regulator.

Doubt it's the latter but if it is then just replace the fuel filter which should resolve the smell.

Be glad it smells similar to rotten eggs and doesn't smell like protein farts :smilebounce:

 

[yush1]

DP :fencelook:

 

[MR_Y]

After some Googling, it seems to be a side effect of DPF regeneration after spirited driving.

I will ask it to be checked out at next service.

 

[S1NGH 911]

It's normal since you still have the CAT in place


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[mahome1]

Hi. None of the F30 diesels have DPF so it is not related to regeneration

 

[Jeremy.d]

Might wanna stop sniffing the fumes... You'll end up adding more stripes:fencelook:

 

[MR_Y]

Hi. None of the F30 diesels have DPF so it is not related to regeneration

https://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=57753

:fencelook:

 

[F21GP]

Hi,

I am beginning to notice that my exhaust smells a bit strange after I drive my car spiritedly (after a good distance, open road, no traffic run).

I like the smell of normal diesel exhaust fumes, when I start up the car in the morning. That smell is still there. However, after a spirited run, it smells like the diesel has "gone off", a stinky, pungent smell - hard to describe. I would say it is almost like sulphour, but not complete rotten eggs.

The car is still on plan, so I will ask them to check it at the next service.

I always use 50ppm from one garage and this smell is not noticeable on my normal commute.

Any views?

Hi

There may be no relation but interestingly took my F10 2.0d for service this morning and was advised there was a campaign on the EGR cooler.

Apparently leaking coolant onto exhaust creates a smell and car can catch fire or something along those lines. Not sure if this has any relation to your issue but your car is within that campaign parameter being a f30 diesel.

See attached.

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[MR_Y]

Hi

Reviving this old thread because I noticed the same smell on my 2018 X3 20d. Again, only after a spirited drive.

My Volvo V60 diesel did not have this smell. It had a DPF. My Macan diesel has no DPF, but smells similar to the Volvo.

Just checking if this is a common smell on BMW 20d motors?

Should add that I fill 50ppm from Caltex mostly.

 

[Stephanv]

Maybe try 10ppm from Sasol or MBT?

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

Your exhaust might smell funny if you eat too much beans. Maybe try eating something else for a bit 🤪

On a serious note I never had this on my 320d. Have you had the same effect with diesel form different places?

 

[MR_Y]

Your exhaust might smell funny if you eat too much beans. Maybe try eating something else for a bit 🤪

On a serious note I never had this on my 320d. Have you had the same effect with diesel form different places?

I use mainly Caltex from mainly one location.
Strangely, my ex Volvo (DPF) and Macan (no DPF) don't have this smell, even with fuel from same location.
My ex 320d was also filled with fuel from same location and had the smell I am getting now with the X3.

Anyway, will need to sniff other 20d exhausts to see if this is normal 🤣

I signed up for a Sasol rewards card, so will try that 10ppm and see if smell is different.

 

[Spanky]

Perhaps I'm speaking out of my exhaust but could it be AdBlu you're smelling?

 

[MR_Y]

Perhaps I'm speaking out of my exhaust but could it be AdBlu you're smelling?

I thought AdBlu was only added to cars in Europe?

 

[Spanky]

I thought AdBlu was only added to cars in Europe?

I think you're right. I was spit-balling since AdBlu is ammonia based.