2001 E53 Fuel Smell in cabin
 

Hello guys, new member to this forum looking for knowledge wisdom on the X5-E53 series.

I have a 2001 E53, 156K and I'm noticing a strong fuel smell inside the cabin a couple of minutes after starting-driving the car. I had a check engine light code P0444 which prompted me to replace the Evap purge canister. I purchased one, installed it, and so far after 10 days of driving, the code hasn't returned, however, I'm still having a fuel smell inside the cabin. :dunno:

Any idea what could be causing this? With it being a 2001, I'm sure the fuel pump under the seat probably needs to be replaced, and that's next on the list. You guys think Im moving in the right direction? Any insight would be helpful if anyone else has had the same problem

thanks

No fuel smell before the evap canister replacement?

yes, you could smell fuel in the cabin area before the evap canister change out

I would first pull up the rear seat and check the seals. There should be a sealed plate with a rubber gromet isolating the exterior from the interior. If someone worked on it and did not reinstall correctly that maybe the issue. Also check and see if the actual fuel pump pickup is installed correctly at the top of the tank. Others have mentioned they had problems ensuring the o-ring seated correctly.
Best would be to search for fuel pump repair to see what I’m speaking of. Pretty simple to remove the seat and check.

The back seat path not as likely as coming from under the hood.

Drive around with the HVAC on recirc mode and see if you notice less smell. Also just smell the engine.

Did you ever have any luck finding the solution to your gas smell in the cabin?

in two years, it either was repaired or burned.