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Thread: Petroleum-like odor

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Appleton, WI
    Posts
    168

    Default Petroleum-like odor

    Does the E34 use an exhaust manifold gasket? I'm getting a petroleum-like odor through the ventilation system. Can't tell for sure if it's fuel or exhaust. Just wondering what might be causing it. My first thought was maybe a leaking exhaust manifold gasket, but, I don't know if these cars use one. The car has the M50 2.5L 6 cylinder engine. This is my first BMW.

    Any suggestions would be appreciated.
    Last edited by 6670charger; 04-25-2011 at 04:01 PM.

    88 E30 325i Convert
    61,000 miles
    Cirrusblau

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2004
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    Japan
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    9,249

    Default

    would be nice if you could tell us which engine is installed. Then someone can answer

    you can also check the exhaust drawings with your VIN on www.realoem.com
    Last edited by shogun; 04-25-2011 at 06:36 AM.

  3. #3
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    Default

    It's the M50 2.5L 6 cylinder.

    88 E30 325i Convert
    61,000 miles
    Cirrusblau

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Oldham, England
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    3,078

    Default

    Smell it more when you just started driving it? If so check hoses 15 & 16 below when you start the engine from stone cold. Its common for them to leak with age but they seem to seal once things warm up:
    RealOEM.com * BMW E34 525i VALVES/PIPES OF FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
    Oct '00 E46 330i. Feb '92 525i (departed)

  5. #5
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    Appleton, WI
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    Yes, it's mostly right after start up, although I do get a whif every now and then while driving. I will probably get enough hose to replace 14-17. The diagram shows they are clamped to lines 12 and 13, which are presumably pre-shaped metal lines. Are they also clamped to whatever each of them attaches to at the other end?

    Thanks.

    88 E30 325i Convert
    61,000 miles
    Cirrusblau

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
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    Oldham, England
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    If you look to the right of the throttle body, you will see where the hard lines 12/13exit from under the manifold and connect to hoses. The hoses drop about a foot then connect to hard lines at the back of the inner wing near the bulkhead.
    Get your tape measure out and see how much hose you need. Then maybe have a word with your BMW dealer- when I bought a 'hose kit' from them I expected to get short lengths of pipe. In fact I got about a meter! I still use the extra when testing with a fuel pressure gauge
    Oct '00 E46 330i. Feb '92 525i (departed)

  7. #7
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    Mar 2011
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    Default

    OK, got it. The rubber hoses connect to hard lines at each end. Should be relatively easy to change them out then save for dealing with cramped workspaces.

    88 E30 325i Convert
    61,000 miles
    Cirrusblau

  8. #8
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    Feb 2006
    Location
    Oldham, England
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by 6670charger View Post
    OK, got it. The rubber hoses connect to hard lines at each end. Should be relatively easy to change them out then save for dealing with cramped workspaces.
    Yep. You could always do the bottom connections from underneath. But why fix it if it isnt broken? I'm betting the hose near the fuel pressure regulator is the culprit anyway. If/when you do the hoses, dont forget the fuel is under pressure - have a nice big rag handy to soak it up. And if its got the silly BMW hose clips on it, you will need a set of mole grips to back them off. They are designed to shear when they reach torque leaving you nothing to put a screwdriver or socket on

    PS Although you are in Germany, I'm guessing you are from the US?
    Oct '00 E46 330i. Feb '92 525i (departed)

  9. #9
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    Yes, I'm from the U.S. I'm in Germany for about a year for the Military. Bought a cheap BMW for daily wheels. Really like the car. Just trying to address a few small nagging issues.

    I'll take a look at the clamps tomorrow.

    Thanks

    88 E30 325i Convert
    61,000 miles
    Cirrusblau

  10. #10
    Join Date
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    The 'u' missing from odour is a clue After a year you will be able to look up parts in realoem in German. Some of the parts prices there are silly money. Hope you enjoy the stay and the car
    Oct '00 E46 330i. Feb '92 525i (departed)

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