occasional diesel fumes in cabin?

[X5dieselfan]

Diesel fans:

Quick question for all of you - I have on two occasions in the past couple weeks caught a brief whiff of diesel fumes (raw fuel, not exhaust) while driving down the highway. At first I thought I had a leaking fuel line, or perhaps a loose vacuum hose. The smell came and went after a few minutes and could find nothing wrong when I inspected the car. Anyone else experience this? Is it likely there is a bad vacuum hose somewhere, or is it something else? There is the remote possibility that it was something from the road and not me, but I don't remember a smell that strong from before I bought the diesel.

[Penguin]

Well, the diesel does periodically burn-off the particulate filter, making a bit of smell, and perhaps a bit of smoke, which might explain what you're experiencing.

[ChuckG]

I had a 77 BMW that I had a gasoline smell occasionally. I took it to the dealer and they could not find anything. I made them change all of the gas hoses by the tank and the problem went away. There was a leak somewhere.

Chuck

[Craig]

Originally Posted by Penguin

Well, the diesel does periodically burn-off the particulate filter, making a bit of smell, and perhaps a bit of smoke, which might explain what you're experiencing.

No, the only time I smell the particulate filter burning is when I shut off my car. I never smell raw diesel fuel at anytime.

Take it to the dealer, you might have a fuel leak...

Craig

[X5dieselfan]

or at least an intermittent one...so far, it has just happened two times.

[jamesboags]

Take it to the dealer...

[HUK]

never smelled anything, and I have a famous nose...

[Fraser]

Perhaps you have diesel fuel residue on the soles of your shoes after filling up?

[X5dieselfan]

thought about that but was wearing different shoes. Smell was pretty strong, during the middle of a 30 mile highway trip, and then it was gone. If on shoes or floor mats, it would linger. If smell happened once, I would think it was another car. But twice....

will tell you what I learn when I get it to the dealer. Car doesn't even have 1000 miles yet.

[XXX555]

I could convince myself of a slight wiff of burnt diesel/exhaust once or twice in our less than 1000mile X5. Definitely not raw diesel fuel.


I have been to a significant number of forums (even when they were called bullitin boards) over many years, I must say this is the best collection of very picky owners ever. I fit in too well.