Stinky

[FunfDreisig]

Originally Posted by XXX555

If accurate, this special BMW Diesel Odor Bonus after you park in your garage is exactly what will help drive people toward a Lexus hybrid....

Yeah that would be a bummer.

Ironically the new clean diesels are much better environmentally than hybrids, particularly in SUV/SAVs. But the image of diesels in the US puts them in a uphill battle. When we tell friends we got the X5 diesel they immediately comment on the torque for towing etc. They really have a hard time wrapping their head around the great fuel mileage, clean exhaust, etc.

Funf Dreisig

[FunfDreisig]

Just curious. Those of you who have smelled the odor in your garage...

Is the odor pretty strong/offensive?
How long does it last?
Would a simple exhaust fan (no pun intended) run for 15 mins eliminate the odor?

Thanks in Advance -- Funf Dreisig

And yes I do see the potential for yet another 'must have' X5 accessory -- the Funf Dreisig AG - Diesel Exhaust Fan for Dummies - Carbon Fiber Edition.

[Edge647]

I'm going to be first in line for that accessory since my rig is going to be parked underground all the time.

[Craig]

Originally Posted by FunfDreisig

Just curious. Those of you who have smelled the odor in your garage...

Is the odor pretty strong/offensive?
How long does it last?
Would a simple exhaust fan (no pun intended) run for 15 mins eliminate the odor?

Thanks in Advance -- Funf Dreisig

And yes I do see the potential for yet another 'must have' X5 accessory -- the Funf Dreisig AG - Diesel Exhaust Fan for Dummies - Carbon Fiber Edition.

Mine did it again today. It doesn't last long and I just left the garage door open for a few minutes and the smell was gone. I wouldn't go out and purchase a fan, just leave the door open for a few minutes and the smell will go away. When it was cold last winter, I just shut the door and went in the house. The smell was gone the next day. My car doesn't run rough when this happens like the manual says.

Craig

[XXX555]

Originally Posted by Craig

Mine did it again today. It doesn't last long and I just left the garage door open for a few minutes and the smell was gone. I wouldn't go out and purchase a fan, just leave the door open for a few minutes and the smell will go away. When it was cold last winter, I just shut the door and went in the house. The smell was gone the next day. My car doesn't run rough when this happens like the manual says.

Craig

I rather appreciate this oddity as a bit of character. Kind of how a Harley motorcycle vibrates at idle. Some look at it as rough but its just part of its character.... Kind of anti-Lexus...

[FunfDreisig]

Originally Posted by Craig

.... I wouldn't go out and purchase a fan, ...

Even the Funf Dreisig AG super cool, carbon fiber, black as sin, 10th anniversary, triple-turbo ////M edition with the monster air scoop?

Funf Dreisig

[Craig]

Originally Posted by FunfDreisig

Even the Funf Dreisig AG super cool, carbon fiber, black as sin, 10th anniversary, triple-turbo ////M edition with the monster air scoop?

Funf Dreisig

LOL, sure go ahead and get a trade mark and patent while you're at it...

Regards,

Craig

[JCL]

FunfDreisig provided the text from the owner's manual, but here is some more info on the BMW diesel particulate filter.

• It goes into a regenerative mode every 300 to 2000 km, automatically. The engine computer decides when to do the regen cycle based on how hot the vehicle is, how fast and how far you have driven it, etc.
• If it completes the cycle while you are driving it, you may never notice it (apart from the rough running and reduced power)
• When in regenerative mode, the engine management is altered to keep the revs up (like driving in DS). You may notice in manual mode that the vehicle won't go into 6th.
• Fuel management is altered, so the engine may be sensed to be running roughly during the regenerative cycle
• Regenerative mode provides additional restriction to intake air, so power can sometimes be sensed to be down slightly. Throttle response is also reduced, ie it can feel more sluggish
• The regenerative mode burns off the particulates trapped in the DPF. It does this at 600 C. No visible particulate emissions should be there, but the smell will be, as a residual effect of the process
• The smell is described as caramel, possibly slightly burnt. Heavy, sweet, not like raw fuel odour.
• E90 35d owners report that during the regenerative cycle, it is very easy to burn your fingers opening the hood due to the amount of heat retained. If you suspect the vehicle is in a regenerative cycle (which is normal, but perhaps you want to prove it to yourself), touch the airbox under the hood. It will be very hot to the touch. Not sure where the DPF is on the X5, it may be further back in the exhaust.

All part of the joy of BMW diesel ownership. Not sure I would call it a character stamp, perhaps more of an undocumented feature.

[Edge647]

Originally Posted by JCL

[*]The smell is described as caramel, possibly slightly burnt. Heavy, sweet, not like raw fuel odour.

I ran into this situation....was almost waiting for it to happen and for my wife to say "WHAT IS THAT?!?!?!". I had the "don't worry dear..." answer.

Thanks all.

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by JCL

All part of the joy of BMW diesel ownership. Not sure I would call it a character stamp, perhaps more of an undocumented feature.

Not just BMW. Self-cleaning DPFs are more or less the norm now on late model turbo diesels.