Is this bad??

Kissik · 10-02-2012, 01:05 PM

Hi guys, the last few times I started up my car I've been smelling something... exhaust fumes? gas? I don't really know, but it's very strong. Today I pulled the car out and looked at the ground where it was parked (picture attached) and it seems like there's a lot of leakage since the last time I moved the car which was 2 days before this. Any idea what this is and how bad it is? Is it safe to continue driving for now?

Thanks!!

DSilk56 · 10-02-2012, 01:16 PM

Only you can determine what it is. It could be oil, coolant, water, or gasoline. You need to touch it when it is fresh and smell it. Also, there is a big difference between the smell of exhaust fumes and the smell of raw gasoline. Either way, it is a serious deal, and merely begs the question of which way you prefer to die; asphyxiation or burns. You should get your car on a lift and examine the fuel lines and the exhaust system.

Kissik · 10-02-2012, 01:45 PM

It doesn't smell like raw gasoline. It must be exhaust fumes, just way worse than what's normal.
I also smelled the liquid on the ground and it didn't have any distinct smell to it.

Guess I need to find a lift and have someone look at it.
Thank you

dafoe · 10-02-2012, 05:52 PM

Check the crankcase ventilation piping, it could be oil/water blow off if the connection on the bottom of the intake plenum is disconnected.

I had that smell when the oil catch can I was using was hooked up wrong, the stuff smells TERRIBLE! Oil/Gas nastiness...

10-02-2012, 01:05 PM	#1
Kissik Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Boston Posts: 2 My Ride: M3 View My Garage	Is this bad?? Hi guys, the last few times I started up my car I've been smelling something... exhaust fumes? gas? I don't really know, but it's very strong. Today I pulled the car out and looked at the ground where it was parked (picture attached) and it seems like there's a lot of leakage since the last time I moved the car which was 2 days before this. Any idea what this is and how bad it is? Is it safe to continue driving for now? Thanks!! Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Kissik; 10-02-2012 at 01:11 PM.

10-02-2012, 01:16 PM	#2
DSilk56 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 664 My Ride: M-3 Convertible View My Garage	Only you can determine what it is. It could be oil, coolant, water, or gasoline. You need to touch it when it is fresh and smell it. Also, there is a big difference between the smell of exhaust fumes and the smell of raw gasoline. Either way, it is a serious deal, and merely begs the question of which way you prefer to die; asphyxiation or burns. You should get your car on a lift and examine the fuel lines and the exhaust system. Last edited by DSilk56; 10-02-2012 at 01:18 PM.

10-02-2012, 05:52 PM	#4
dafoe Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Frederick, MD Posts: 53 My Ride: LSB M3 View My Garage	Check the crankcase ventilation piping, it could be oil/water blow off if the connection on the bottom of the intake plenum is disconnected. I had that smell when the oil catch can I was using was hooked up wrong, the stuff smells TERRIBLE! Oil/Gas nastiness... __________________ 2001 M3, LSB 6spd, purchased 6/09 with 25K miles. Mods: Evolve Airbox & Tune, SGT swaintech coated headers, OEM Euro Cats, Larini exhaust, 3.91 gears, Turner Pulleys, TCKline S/A coilovers, H&R front sway Bar, Rear Sway Bar, RE Strut bar, PowerFlex RTAB's, Apex ARC-8's, subframe reinforcement, Laser Int:thumbsup2:

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10-02-2012, 01:45 PM	#3
Kissik Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Boston Posts: 2 My Ride: M3 View My Garage	It doesn't smell like raw gasoline. It must be exhaust fumes, just way worse than what's normal. I also smelled the liquid on the ground and it didn't have any distinct smell to it. Guess I need to find a lift and have someone look at it. Thank you