Strong Gas Odor...Can't find the problem
 

Hey Guys,

I have a 2012 E70 X5 35i drive with the N55. For the life of me, I can't figure out why I'm getting a strong, intermittent raw fuel smell coming from the right rear side of the vehicle (as dumb as that sounds given the fuel door is there). X5 is sitting at 75k miles at the moment. I get no codes, no misfires, truck runs great aside from what I would say is decreased gas mileage, around 15-16mpg. So far I've checked the fuel pumps under the rear seat, dry as a bone, no physical fuel leaks visible. I've changed the fuel tank breather valve up front, fuel cap, and charcoal canister (Albeit a used one for $40). Any time I scan the car, EVAP emission status is never completed so it tells me its got to be emissions related with the way the fuel tank vents possibly.

I've somewhat narrowed down when this occurs. Only happens in this hot as balls Vegas summer when the temps rise above 105*, never have the issue during the fall and winter months. Also noticed that it tends to happen more when when I drive it in sport mode as my wife typically drives it in regular Drive. Just cannot put my finger on what it could be. Symptoms point to possible charcoal canister as the pump will stop when it seems full however the gas gauge is still a line or two off full. Never been able to get the gauge to full. Now again I've changed the charcoal canister, but wondering if it wasn't good since I did buy it used. I will likely take it to a friend's shop and see if he has a smoke tester to smoke test the evap system.

If anybody has had similar issues, I'd appreciate your feedback. My son has bad asthma and I can't have him sitting back there with a strong fuel odor. Thanks guys.

Pull up the rear seat and remove the fuel pump cover. Is there gas on top of the pump? There was on mine when I bought it. The connectors overheat and create a gap between the connector pin and body. This allows fuel to pass up to the top of the pump.

I missed this too, first time I read his post.... was one of the first things to look for!

Yeah I’ve done that on two separate occasions and it’s been dry as a bone. I’m aware of the recall but my vin does not pull up for it. Apparently it only affected up to 2011 model years in which mine is a 2012. But the pumps are dry anyways, even unplugged the connectors and they are intact.