[M-Powa!]

During the summer months after driving in stop and go traffic I will notice a burning rubber/plastic smell. Has anyone else had this issue? The smell will sometimes emanate into the cabin, but today I get smell it from outside of the car.

My vehicle is a 2014 335i with 18,000miles that I've had since new.

[jh_f30]

Originally Posted by M-Powa!

During the summer months after driving in stop and go traffic I will notice a burning rubber/plastic smell. Has anyone else had this issue? The smell will sometimes emanate into the cabin, but today I get smell it from outside of the car.

My vehicle is a 2014 335i with 18,000miles that I've had since new.

Check the valve cover gasket. If it starts to leak, it typically drips onto the downpipe and smokes. I had the same issue, replaced the VCG and no more burning smell.

[Ownnij]

omg me too!!!! i never really thought about that.. i thought it was an exhaust leak but it actually makes a lot of sense because i smell it more as i'm driving and i would think when your driving you shouldn't smell an exhaust leak or at least you would hear it when you rev.

[M-Powa!]

The odd thing is I only noted this burning smell two times. I checked for any oil drips or steam on/near the downpipe and couldn't spot any. Perhaps it's a very small leak that occurs only during high temps (ie traffic)? I don't track this car or drive it hard. My only other guess is perhaps my MPE is still breaking in after 10k miles ?!?

[Ownnij]

did you replace your downpipe by any chance? It could be an exhaust leak but I doubt it’s from exhaust parts wearing out. Plus if it’s in the rear of the car then it wouldn’t go inside the cabin. Specially when you’re driving.

[M-Powa!]

I spent some time inspecting the car yesterday and did not see any oil on the valve cover edges. I did however see oil on the high pressure line going to the oil cooler (m-sport). For now I have cleaned up the oil and will drive the car more to see if oil/dirt spots reappear.

[Ownnij]

Update... replaced valve cover gasket and still smelling fumes in the cabin. I feel like it got way better than before but it’s possible that I may have a little exhaust leak or maybe oil leaking from somewhere else that could be burning on the manifold? I have an appointment to replace my downpipe this Friday to see if that helps.

[DreamerJoe]

if your smelling something like burned plastic or rubber, check your lines and harnesses. one could be resting or routed in a way and making contact with a hot part of the engine maybe? do you also smell it under the hood? I would find out, if it is a wiring harness and finally burns through it might leave you stuck on the side of the road. and burned oil smells like burned oil, not plastic or rubber. GL man!