07-27-2021, 01:23 PM | #1 |
Captain
576
Rep 915
Posts |
Fuel smell from driver-rear area
Over the past year I've noticed a faint fuel-like smell coming from the driver-rear wheel well. I never could figure out where it came from, but it always comes back every so often. About 8 months ago, the dealer had a look around the fuel tank as well and found no leaks.
I came across an old issue on the F30 that is apparently common. The location is approximately the same place where I smell the odor. Is such a leak possible on the diesel LCI F31? If so, I guess the dealer couldnt see the leak without dropping the tank. Is there enough space on the top side of the tank to wiggle a endoscope to that area without dropping the tank itself? Was planning to take a few pics and if there is a leak, get it fixed under warranty.
__________________
2017 328d xDrive Sports Wagon: Estoril Blue, Black Sensatec, M-Sport Pkg
2020 i3 Rex: Capparis White, Giga World |
08-02-2021, 12:40 PM | #2 |
Captain
576
Rep 915
Posts |
I lifted up the car, removed the underbody paneling covering the driver-side of the tank. It looks clean, but there is still a faint fuel-like smell coming from the fuel line area. Couldn't get a clear view of the top side of the tank from the endoscope. Smells a bit different than the diesel from the filler neck that's for sure.
Also while I had the car up on the air, I had a look at everything else and found out the panel covering the fuel filter is damaged. Last touched by an indy shop when the fuel filer was replaced.
__________________
2017 328d xDrive Sports Wagon: Estoril Blue, Black Sensatec, M-Sport Pkg
2020 i3 Rex: Capparis White, Giga World |
Appreciate
0
|
08-02-2021, 01:25 PM | #3 |
Lieutenant Colonel
1498
Rep 1,862
Posts |
While I think it takes very little diesel to produce a smell to a good nose (think fuel filter spills, fuel cap droplets, etc), I am curious of your findings. Mine has a mild smell here and there, but I found no leaks.
__________________
-2014 328d Wagon, 8HP. Self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs.
-2019 M2 Competition MT, Alpine White. Self-tuned 560hp -2016 Mini Cooper S, MT. Many plans. Others: -E36 328is. 2000 Z3 Roady. 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual. Estoril Z3M Coupe. |
Appreciate
0
|
08-02-2021, 05:27 PM | #4 |
Private First Class
51
Rep 98
Posts |
Fuel filter is also on that location.
it's at the middle of the car left side, after you remove the under tray. Perhaps that has some (old) diesel (... or the tray itself) that has some blow by of air. |
Appreciate
0
|
08-08-2021, 12:00 AM | #5 | |
Captain
576
Rep 915
Posts |
Quote:
I pulled the rear-driver wheel and took a more in-depth sniff test and it's definitely coming from this area near the rear subframe mount. Brake lines look clean and the bleeder valve is clean too: I took a clean rag and wiped the fuel tank where I could, all that came off was just dust. I'm more perplexed by this every time I look into it. On another note, that indy shop must have lost a few screws when they took off the splash shield for the fuel filter change, as I found two of these silver ones holding it up. Thankfully, I have a few proper spares to put back in.
__________________
2017 328d xDrive Sports Wagon: Estoril Blue, Black Sensatec, M-Sport Pkg
2020 i3 Rex: Capparis White, Giga World |
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-08-2021, 12:18 AM | #6 |
Captain
443
Rep 921
Posts
Drives: 2017 540i Bluestone Metallic
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Ohio
|
Does this help?
__________________
Instgram @burninja
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-22-2021, 01:52 AM | #7 |
Captain
576
Rep 915
Posts |
Not quite, that video is how I ended up in this rabbit hole.
I wanted to see if there was a way to see if the tank was leaking without dropping the tank itself. I've since learned it's impossible, but I've also tore deep enough into the car to think the smell isnt coming from the tank. I took off the wheel and did another sniff test and it's almost as if the smell is coming from the wheel arch liner.
__________________
2017 328d xDrive Sports Wagon: Estoril Blue, Black Sensatec, M-Sport Pkg
2020 i3 Rex: Capparis White, Giga World |
Appreciate
0
|
09-06-2024, 07:06 AM | #8 |
New Member
2
Rep 6
Posts |
I have exactly the same problem. No leaks, nothing. I dropped the fuel tank, I even added epoxy on all of the connections. I didnt notice any leaks, all lines good, fuel filter also. Still I smell some diesel near driver rear arch area... After time it goes away. Did you resolve it maybe?
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-09-2024, 06:47 PM | #9 |
Private First Class
31
Rep 111
Posts |
For the last 2 years my car dumps diesel after I fill it up. I tried pulling the wheel well liner and replacing the rubber connector b/w the filler neck and tank. No improvement.
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-11-2024, 04:39 AM | #12 |
New Member
2
Rep 6
Posts |
Ok so if you changed the rubber connector it looks strange. Only filler neck then might have some small crack or something...
I dont thing breather pipes might leak the fuel. In my case when the weather is colder I dont smell diesel. I will try to change fuel tank to newer one(mine is 2014). Will update if this helps. |
Appreciate
0
|
11-02-2024, 01:10 PM | #13 |
New Member
2
Rep 6
Posts |
Update:
I changed all fuel lines, fuel filter and the tank to the one from 2017. I still smell faint fuel. Right now not so much (colder days). So I dont know it seems like thats the way it is.... |
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|