engine smell

I have an '04 325xi with +150,000 miles. Running great with regular maintenance. However, lately there is an odor coming from the engine compartment, at least that is where it is the strongest. It occurs after driving for about 10-15 minutes. It's more annoying than noxious, but has me a bit anxious. My mechanic couldn't find a problem. I have noticed that the engine hood fire suppression liner has shrunk, lost one or two attachments, and lays on the engine block a bit. Would this cause the smell in the car? Is there any harm in driving a few days without the liner in place?

I'd guess a little oil leak from the valve cover gasket onto the exhaust manifold. Everybody gets it.

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Might be water under the hood cowl. Is it a musty smell? Is the black part under your wipers cracked? And When did you replace your cabin filter last?

Just had the cabin filter changed last week which has eliminated the locker room smell we had going on. The smell is more of a 'mechanical' smell for lack of a better description. Less like oil, but definitely something else.

Thanks. I'll have my mechanic check the exhaust manifold area.

Originally Posted by eagledawkins

Just had the cabin filter changed last week which has eliminated the locker room smell we had going on. The smell is more of a 'mechanical' smell for lack of a better description. Less like oil, but definitely something else.

Check this out: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1334705

Is your hood cowl cracked like that?

The oil filter housing gasket is a common oil leak problem and difficult to see since it's on the bottom of the driver's side of the engine. An easy and cheap DIY.