gas smell in vehicle.

[kimmy]

Hey. I have an 06 325i, and for the last couple days there has been a strong odor of fuel in my car. It comes and goes for the most part, but at times is pretty overpowering. When I got out of my car after 45 minutes last night I even smelled like fuel. I didn't know if anyone else has ever had a similar problem, and what the cause was. Thanks! :)

[mlweaver]

I don't have direct experience with the '06 model, but many BMW's experience cracks in the fuel supply tank outlets (which are just under the rear seats). This allows fuel to pool on top of the tank. Well, you can envision the possibilities from a puddle of gasoline under the rear seats in proximity to electrical wires!

If you can't/won't address the problem yourself - get it to a mechanic ASAP (towing would be advisable).Mark W in mid-MO
2008 335xi coupe
1993 850Ci 6-speed

2 turbos ..................or 12 cylinders, no waiting!

[HBWT]

filling your fuel tank, do you ever top it up past the first "click" of the auto shut off?

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2008 335i Coupe Alpine PP SP CP Saddle Heated Seats Comfort Access Sirius iPod

[kimmy]

Yeah I have done it before, but when this just stared about 3 days ago when I had about half a tank of gas into the car. I haven't had a check engine light or anything come on. I checked the gas cap, but everything seemed ok. There has been no mechanical change in how the car operates either.

[kimmy]

Yeah I have it at the shop right now. The car was put on a lift and has no evidence of a leak. As of right now it is believe to be a fuel injector seal, but I think it's too soon to tell still.

[Yrralis1]

I had an 06 330i and since the smell was infrequent and disappeared I thought that maybe I unknowingly stepped in gas, spilled a drop , or via an open window or door brought it into the cabin. I do recall it though upon reading your post .It was rare though and I didn't keep the car too long. My current 08 M3 does NOT emit the odor.

Please keep us posted. Good luck.

[kimmyanne]

Really? How long did you exprience the gas smell? Mine has been about 4 or 5 days now. I did notice that it seems you have to drive maybe 15-20 miles before you start smelling it. I took it in the shop monday and tuesday. They were able to smell the gas when they drove it but there was no evidence of a gas leak anywhere. They pulled out my back seat as well and drove my car to see if the scent would get stronger. Since the car is still operating properly they told me to contact them when it's not so here and there so it's easier to diagnos. Since I work with mechanics as well one of them suggested there could be a crack in my evaporator line. Any thoughts?

[HBWT]

be construed as over-filling. Fuel may find its way into the vapor recovery system and possibly the charcoal canister on "some" cars. I'm not sure if the E90 is prone to this or not...but it's entirely possible.

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2008 335i Coupe Alpine PP SP CP Saddle Heated Seats Comfort Access Sirius iPod

[Stinger9]

charcoal canister can become permanently damaged. Then you may fail an emissions test and have to bear the cost of replacement.

[Yrralis1]

When I would fill the car with gas I smelled it less than 5 times in the 18 months that i had the car. It did NOT always happen . There was at least once that I can recall getting into the car in my garage and smelling it . It may have been after a full tank of gas and a quick drive home . I never smelled it on 1/2 tank or below . That is why I thought I maight have brought gas into my car via spill . For instance if a little gas drips onto one shoe it acts like cologne in the cabin .

Strangely --I no longer have the car but I do have an M3 . I do not face this with the M and it's 10 months old.

[HBWT]

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2008 335i Coupe Alpine PP SP CP Saddle Heated Seats Comfort Access Sirius iPod

[Stinger9]

[kimmyanne]

Yeah, my car is actually due for an emissions test. I'm planning on taking it tomorrow. If the car does fail maybe it will give me a better idea on what and where the problem is.

[Stinger9]

around whether or not the SES light is on. It's a Federally mandated light made just for that purpose. That and the tailpipe test gets you a pass I think?
Let us know?

[kimmyanne]

I am taking it tonight for the emissions test so I will definitely let you know. I have pinned it down to the smell is coming out of the vents. But if I have the air cycle on recirculate you don't smell it as heavy, if even at all.