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      07-23-2021, 11:26 PM   #1
Posull78
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Burning rubber smell + smoke coming from engine…

This is probably not good … but hopefully not that bad (fingers crossed).
I’ve had a burning rubber smell going for about 3 weeks and I honestly thought it could be coming from the tires and/or brakes. Basically I chose to ignore it. Don’t use the car that much because of Covid. It became clear to me today that this is a bigger issue than what I thought (I.e. popped the hood and there was smoke coming from behind the engine cover, close to the windshield).

Taking it to my indy tomorrow to see what’s going on. Not looking forward to this.

FYI, this is a 2014 335i Sport with about 62K
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      07-24-2021, 03:34 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Posull78 View Post
This is probably not good … but hopefully not that bad (fingers crossed).
I’ve had a burning rubber smell going for about 3 weeks and I honestly thought it could be coming from the tires and/or brakes. Basically I chose to ignore it. Don’t use the car that much because of Covid. It became clear to me today that this is a bigger issue than what I thought (I.e. popped the hood and there was smoke coming from behind the engine cover, close to the windshield).

Taking it to my indy tomorrow to see what’s going on. Not looking forward to this.

FYI, this is a 2014 335i Sport with about 62K
Most likely the valve cover gasket leaking. Oil runs back and drips on the exhaust manifold. Position of smoke and smell indicates this is going to be your issue.
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      07-24-2021, 05:09 AM   #3
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If it's valve cover (I agree very likely to be that), then you could be just $100 away from a repair...if you have tools. It's straightforward (or should be)--haven't done my b58, but have done a few others.

The dealer? I have no idea, but it wouldn't surprise me if the total is over $600.
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      07-24-2021, 07:58 AM   #4
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Take a look at the passenger side (turbo and downpipe are there). Past life I drove over a plastic bag that got sucked up and stuck to the cat.

Smelled like burning plastic for a while until it melted away.

Is it coming from the engine compartment? If it's rear, maybe e-brake is partly on?
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      07-24-2021, 09:03 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HighlandPete View Post
Most likely the valve cover gasket leaking. Oil runs back and drips on the exhaust manifold. Position of smoke and smell indicates this is going to be your issue.
Thanks for the reply. Hopefully that’s all it is.
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      07-24-2021, 12:16 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dmaxdmax View Post
If it's valve cover (I agree very likely to be that), then you could be just $100 away from a repair...if you have tools. It's straightforward (or should be)--haven't done my b58, but have done a few others.

The dealer? I have no idea, but it wouldn't surprise me if the total is over $600.
My indy thinks it’s the valve cover and estimates it will cost me about $2K to replace. $600/$700 in parts + 6/8 hours @ $200/hour.
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      07-24-2021, 01:49 PM   #7
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It sounds like the valve cover gasket. I had the same symptoms. The dealer may charge you that much but…an indy? Get a second opinion/quote.
I did my own VCG and I’m a DIY, so it is not that difficult but, it is a lot of tedious work.
Good luck!
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      07-24-2021, 03:45 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Posull78 View Post
My indy thinks it’s the valve cover and estimates it will cost me about $2K to replace. $600/$700 in parts + 6/8 hours @ $200/hour.
If you are in DC, lots of good Indys around: RRT, Bimmerwerks, Alexandria Bavarian, etc. RRT did valve cover gaskets on my E39 (that car ate them like potato chips). Do not remember the exact price but it was a lot less than $2k.
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      07-24-2021, 03:50 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Psi5 View Post
If you are in DC, lots of good Indys around: RRT, Bimmerwerks, Alexandria Bavarian, etc. RRT did valve cover gaskets on my E39 (that car ate them like potato chips). Do not remember the exact price but it was a lot less than $2k.
Thanks! Moved from DC to the Bay Area a few years ago. So part of this is certainly Bay Area prices
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      07-24-2021, 04:28 PM   #10
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Holy crap... $200/hr! That's insane!

I'd definitely get a second opinion as well.
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      07-24-2021, 06:44 PM   #11
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6-8 hours is also insane. Doing the plugs was easy and straightforward. Removing the valve cover shouldn't be 6 hours for a shop. Maybe for me with a lot of cleaning and breaks...but it's only 15 screws (or so)...remove strut brace...maybe something is special about it, but I doubt it.
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