Smoke and burning smell from middle heater vents.

[HANDJ]

I have a 2001 520I Petrol - Auto. After driving for about 15 mins and only when I slow down or stop a buring smell and sometimes smoke come through the middle heater vents. It smells like buring oil. No signs of leakage. Any advise on what it migh be or how to fix

[darkhorse737]

look closely at your exhaust manifold/s and exhaust pipe... it's only in that region where temps are hot enough for u to smell "burnt oil"

[HANDJ]

Thanks for the advice. I have checked as much of the exhaust manifolds as I can see but I can#t find any sign of a leak. However I did notice that there is still some staining left over from a leave on the power steering oil cylinder but its not so hot in that area.

[johnnybayonne]

Originally Posted by HANDJ

I have a 2001 520I Petrol - Auto. After driving for about 15 mins and only when I slow down or stop a buring smell and sometimes smoke come through the middle heater vents. It smells like buring oil. No signs of leakage. Any advise on what it migh be or how to fix

Hi! HANDJ, I had the same problem about 3 months ago, & I found a small amount of seepage of engine oil coming from the back of the valve cover right onto the exhaust manifold, burning very close to the firewall. Which is where the vents are located! Replaced the valve cover gasket & the problem was solved.....
johnny,

[HANDJ]

Thanks Johnny,

I did suggest this to the local repair shop but they could not see a leak so they are reluctant to do this. I can see a small drip of oil onto what I call a heat shield just where you described. I will get a valve cover gasket from the BMW dealer and I will have it fitted. Was it a big job? Expensive? My wife is keeping tabs on how mush I spend on this hobby car as she calls it. I just love the car and want it running perfect.

[johnnybayonne]

Originally Posted by HANDJ

Thanks Johnny,

I did suggest this to the local repair shop but they could not see a leak so they are reluctant to do this. I can see a small drip of oil onto what I call a heat shield just where you described. I will get a valve cover gasket from the BMW dealer and I will have it fitted. Was it a big job? Expensive? My wife is keeping tabs on how mush I spend on this hobby car as she calls it. I just love the car and want it running perfect.

No, it was not hard to do, & cheap, the cost of the gasket, it took me about 1 hour.... but I had this DIY to follow, the 2.8 & the 2.0 Are somewhat a like they are both inline...............Here is the DIY FOR THE INLINE 6.........
johnny,
Pelican Technical Article: BMW Valve Cover Replacement