Question:

Hello, My recently acquired 87 325e emits a kinda burning smell (most probably from the exhaust) when I drive it for a long  time on the highway (more than 100 miles continously, with an average speed of 75mph). Is there any possible reason for it? Is it a very serious thing? I recently replaced the timing belt and the driveshaft center bearing. Thanks in advance.. — Sourav

Response:

I have the same problem on my 95 320i. Always near the rear driver side wheel. Mathy 95-320i

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello, > My recently acquired 87 325e emits a kinda burning smell (most probably > from the exhaust) when I drive it for a long  time on the highway (more > than 100 miles continously, with an average speed of 75mph). > Is there any possible reason for it? Is it a very serious thing? I > recently replaced the timing belt and the driveshaft center bearing. > Thanks in advance.. > — > Sourav

Response:

>My recently acquired 87 325e emits a kinda burning smell (most probably >from the exhaust) when I drive it for a long  time on the highway (more >than 100 miles continously, with an average speed of 75mph). >Is there any possible reason for it? Is it a very serious thing?

Could be oil that is leaking onto the hot engine and burning. With a long drive you will notice it more. It’s not really a big deal if the leak isn’t a lot. You can see how much it is on the top of the engine. Otherwise you would need to re-seal the engine and that may cost some bucks since I don’t know anyone that I would let do that except for a BMW service center. Juan G.

Response:

> I have the same problem on my 95 320i. Always near the rear driver side > wheel.

Hmmm, same problem, same place, similar conditions. It’s a burning rubber smell, but the tyres are in A1 condition. Very puzzling, since it’s only at the back and on one side. This is on a ‘97 323i SE.

Response:

Would not be some plastic touched the Catalytic converter? They’re known to be hot! Have to figure it out soon!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have the same problem on my 95 320i. Always near the rear driver side > wheel. >Hmmm, same problem, same place, similar conditions. >It’s a burning rubber smell, but the tyres are in A1 condition. >Very puzzling, since it’s only at the back and on one side. >This is on a ‘97 323i SE.

Response:

Could be slight tranny fluid leak onto exhaust pipe by converter.  Check  for rear seal leak. I had similar problem on mine Ralph 85 BMW 325e (best vehicle i’ve ever had) 96 Ford Explorer XLT 89 Ford Tempo (piece of crap) 00 Yamaha Warrier 79 Honda XR125

Response:

possibly oxygen sensor is broken,. i noticed this on my E36.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Would not be some plastic touched the Catalytic converter? They’re known to > be hot! > Have to figure it out soon! >> I have the same problem on my 95 320i. Always near the rear driver side >> wheel. >Hmmm, same problem, same place, similar conditions. >It’s a burning rubber smell, but the tyres are in A1 condition. >Very puzzling, since it’s only at the back and on one side. >This is on a ‘97 323i SE.

Response:

didnt realise your car an 87.you might not have an oxygen sensor.it may be the catalytic converter. but if you pass emissions inspection.i wouldnt worry about it.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello, > My recently acquired 87 325e emits a kinda burning smell (most probably > from the exhaust) when I drive it for a long  time on the highway (more > than 100 miles continously, with an average speed of 75mph). > Is there any possible reason for it? Is it a very serious thing? I > recently replaced the timing belt and the driveshaft center bearing. > Thanks in advance.. > — > Sourav

Response: