Rear end burning smell?

Alright guys i know this is kinda of a weird question to ask...This is my first bmw, have had it for about 4months. everything in my e46 is mint been checked out from shop to shop (im a tech also) and everything on this car comes back amazing. even bought it from a 60 year old lady, and im the second owner.

The one problem im not even sure is a problem or not is if ive drove the car a reasonable amount of miles, or drove it hard for about fifteen mins i can park the car and walk to the rear of the car and lean down by eaither side of the rear wheels and there is a burning smell coming from the rear tires it seems like. not unusual tire wear, no leakage, idk wtf it is....please anyone any suggestions? 99 323i thanks.

First question... did you eat spicy food last night?

Is the parking brake adjusted properly? Any extra heat in the rotors? How about the bearings? Have you looked under it to see if a plastic grocery bag or some other FO might have got stuck on the exhaust?

Originally Posted by NinetyNine323i

Alright guys i know this is kinda of a weird question to ask...This is my first bmw, have had it for about 4months. everything in my e46 is mint been checked out from shop to shop (im a tech also) and everything on this car comes back amazing. even bought it from a 60 year old lady, and im the second owner.

The one problem im not even sure is a problem or not is if ive drove the car a reasonable amount of miles, or drove it hard for about fifteen mins i can park the car and walk to the rear of the car and lean down by eaither side of the rear wheels and there is a burning smell coming from the rear tires it seems like. not unusual tire wear, no leakage, idk wtf it is....please anyone any suggestions? 99 323i thanks.

Just a guess, but could one or both of the calipers be sticking slightly? When is the last time your brake fluid was changed? Put your fingers carefully on the rear rotors and rotor hats and compare them to the fronts. Your parking brake may also not be fully releasing. Edit: JVR beat me to it while I was typing.

Parking brake adjusted too tight or actuation cable sticking in its sheath? A caliper piston starting to freeze up in its bore? Piece of trash clinging to the exhaust?

I had similar issue last summer before i finally got it in order.
Burnt smell in rear, right rear brake in my case.

Dirt and rust can get them stuck so that they don't fully let go even when released.

As first aid could just try to open up those rear brakes and clean parts carefully, but if it doesn't help much then need to get new.

Thanks guys...i think my brakes may also be my issue because the pads are getting low and theres always so much brakes dust on my wheels it kinda gets outta hand....you guys think thats it? Should i replace the whole shabamg calipers, rotors, and pads? Or is it possible it has to do with the rear end? Thanks guys later

Originally Posted by NinetyNine323i

Thanks guys...i think my brakes may also be my issue because the pads are getting low and theres always so much brakes dust on my wheels it kinda gets outta hand....you guys think thats it? Should i replace the whole shabamg calipers, rotors, and pads? Or is it possible it has to do with the rear end? Thanks guys later

I doubt it's the rear end. Do you see any wet spots around or on the underside of the diff? If not, no worries, unless you just paid or did a diy and forgot to put fluid in. You have to find the exact cause before you can fix it. We gave you our advice. Did you try those things? We are experienced here, but we are not Kreskin.

When I had a leak from my oil filter housing gasket it always smelled like burning rubber. Why? I can't tell you but the OFHG is a VERY common problem and a cheap ($10 for parts) and relatively easy DIY repair.

Awesome! I figured out it was my rear brakes! Thank u guys!