Author Topic: My Car's Exhaust Stinks (Read 4613 times)

Petebee · « **on:** April 12, 2008, 11:40:58 PM »

Really...I've noticed after driving when I get out I can smell a pretty strong sulphur-like smell coming from the car. Smells like a smoke bomb or firework smell.

Other than the stinky exhaust, the car runs and idles fine. It's an all stock 318i. Any ideas, or is this normal?

PartsCar · « **Reply #1 on:** April 13, 2008, 09:04:21 AM »

i would check your O2 sensor. does your CEL have any stored codes?

neilofla · « **Reply #2 on:** April 13, 2008, 10:08:32 AM »

This can be caused by a high sulphur content in the petrol you're using. I think the sulphur is oxidised in the catalytic converter, creating the smell.

Maybe if you switch to a low sulphur petrol it'll eliminate the smell. (Although I know if I asked for low sulphur petrol in my local garage, I'd get some very strange looks...)

High sulphur petrol caused a lot of problems in England during the late '90s where the sulphur damaged the cylinder bores of 6-cylinder 5-series. Our M42 engines aren't affected thankfully!

dude8383 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 13, 2008, 10:31:00 AM »

Long shot, but I would make sure there are no exhaust leaks..

Petebee · « **Reply #4 on:** April 13, 2008, 10:49:29 AM »

Quote from: dude8383;46903

Long shot, but I would make sure there are no exhaust leaks..

This could be it. Car has original exhaust that is so to speak a bit "raspy".

No check engine light. Should I check for codes anyway?

It could be the gas, but I've used separately Exxon and BP 93 octane in the past two tanks. Both tankfuls a bit stinky.

Jak318 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 13, 2008, 11:35:16 AM »

A sulphur smell is usually the death throws of a Catalytic converter.

hoevesruperd · « **Reply #6 on:** April 13, 2008, 12:49:19 PM »

when i changed my fuel pump i had the smell for about 2 days. that was just when i had bought the car. it had been running with a poor fuel pump for a while. when i installed the new one, the car had more power, could burn more fuel and so i guess it burned out all the residues accumulated in the exhaust. the smell didnt last

has the car been sleeping for a while? did you do any engine modifications?

D. Clay · « **Reply #7 on:** April 13, 2008, 01:16:04 PM »

Sometimes on damp cold mornings ( 40-50 F. in Texas) I will get a really strong smell when I back out of the driveway and drive through the exhaust. It smells like cat piss!

tjts1 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 13, 2008, 07:58:50 PM »

Quote from: Jak318;46906

A sulphur smell is usually the death throws of a Catalytic converter.

+1

colin86325 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 13, 2008, 08:05:39 PM »

Quote from: Jak318;46906

A sulphur smell is usually the death throws of a Catalytic converter.

True.

gearheadE30 · « **Reply #10 on:** April 16, 2008, 03:10:15 PM »

lol I think you killed the cat.