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E46 coolant smell I was going to wal-mart the following day and it happened again, same smell same light. I don't recall this being normal so I wanted to see if you guys have any opinions on it. My floor-mats are dry (heater core). Oil Leaks or Spills Symptoms: A burning smell with characteristics of hot or burnt oil. Aug 4, 2012 · When I turn on the ac on high, I get a leak comeing from the rear of the transmission, no smell of coolant in the cabin nor is the carpet wet. Don't really know even if it is an issue or not but just wanted to stop worrying about this problem once and for all. When I was refilling the system with antifreeze I followed Oct 22, 2023 · What To Know If you’re an enthusiast and you’re looking for what coolant to use in your BMW E46, then you’ve come to the right place. The other day I replaced the radiator and thermostat, and I thought it was finally fine. Mar 21, 2006 · Coolant leak from back of engine??? Last time I was under the car there was some dried up coolant on the front bottom edge of the trans. The car has good service history but hasn't been driven much at all since 2007 (about 2-3k miles a year) I've noticed that when the engine is warm there is white smoke coming from the exhaust, it's only very My car has coolant smell inside. Brand new modine expansion tank, genuine BMW hoses Mar 26, 2015 · Hi, I have 2000' E46 318ia, 1. Anyone know what this could be? Reply Quote Sort by Oldest first coby1 737 posts · Joined 2006 #2 ·Sep 5, 2007 Jun 18, 2023 · The expansion pack is what the coolant tank was called when I bought it. AC can still put out hot and cold air. Nov 4, 2022 · My 2005 325i had a leaking expansion tank 39 months after last refresh. This applies to the E46 BMW 3-Series and E39 BMW 5-Series models with the M5X engine. Jan 14, 2012 · The smell of the smoke is strange, smells almost sweet, but like a gun was fired smell. Jul 1, 2020 · Hello everyone, hope you can help me out, I'm having problems with my 320i e46, ived changed the water pump recently. There is no sign of overheating and no visible leaks. I see coolant residue on the power steering fluid resevoir, air filter housing and on the belt tensioner nut. Oct 10, 2024 · Hello guys, I had this issue with the car from day one. It’s where you pour the coolant to fill. Im suspecting top radiator hose, which is FEBI, but dont see any residue near the seams Maybe drips elsewhere and flung by Oct 5, 2012 · There is a big difference in the smell of burned oil, brakes, rubber, tranny fluid, plastics, electrical, and coolant. There's just something about the design of the BMW heater box - the large, complex black plastic enclosure that sits between the dashboard and the firewall and contains the HVAC blower, A/C evaporator and heater core - I’ve been struggling with my overheating problems for a long time now. 2. At this point I had a stream of water coming from the tiny hole from the expansion tank, waited until the coolant level start to rise then closed the cap. Oct 24, 2023 · The smell of antifreeze in your cab or under the hood, even without any obvious signs of a leak, is a cause for concern. Tough job, but it didn't solve my issue. But I have no warning lights and the temp gauge is right in the middle, like it always is, and it drives fine, no lose in power. I've had a good inspection of the heater core. After assembly, I had a fan noise which resolved itself after running for 2 minutes. There is a burning smell coming to the cabin and it only happens when I start the car cold and get on the highway. If you notice blue liquid pooling underneath your car, your coolant is likely leaking. When I turn up the heat the burning smell definitely comes from the heater core. The plastic pipes can be brittle where you should have a replacement kit handy. Check for oil in coolant, or coolant in oil - if found then likely head gasket. Any input will be greatly appreciated. Oct 29, 2025 · Learn what causes BMW coolant leaks, symptoms to watch for, and how to diagnose and repair leaking coolant issues. Jan 28, 2025 · Explore common BMW E46 engine problems, their symptoms, and solutions to ensure your vehicle's reliability and performance. I overhauled the cooling system (water pump, thermostat, hoses, tank, sensors) except the radiator. Introduction: This thread is for you if you just purchased your E46 3-Series and/or have more than 75,000 miles on your current cooling system on your E46 3-Series Jul 26, 2015 · By now, we're probably all familiar with the infamous BMW HVAC system stink. stopped leaking and seemed fine. The smell is sweet and the smoke is white. Jan 4, 2020 · Coolant smoke will smell a little sweet, and usually is white like you describe (and not as rough on the throat/lungs). I just did a valve cover gasket on it as it was leaking from the passenger side rear and you could smell burning oil when getting on it. I have recently noticed that when I sharp break to a stop I am getting a burning smell like brakes/oil coming through the vents when the blowers are on. My car was in the past overheated, but seemed to be ok. I dont know much about BMW. No chance it is allowing coolant to be consumed. It a appears to be coming from behind and just May 23, 2018 · Changes are the loss of power steering was due to antifreeze/coolant getting on the belts and causing slippage of the steering shaft, assuming there is not more of a basic problem with an idler pulley or tensioner failure. May 24, 2008 · Did a search and didn't see anything on this During/After driving my car I can smell the "sweet" smell of coolant. Had a big coolant system replacement at about 70K, a few years ago, due to Apr 13, 2023 · Pour in the coolant slowly until steady stream comes out from the bleed screw. . Learn about common BMW E46 cooling system issues and solutions. No yellow sludge on oil cap or dipstick, and no white smoke, so I am going to have to look for a leak. No apparent coolant loss in overflow tank. And the car is overheating, but it takes a while until it does, about 1 hour of driving. 5's and one 3. I refilled it and see what happens in a week. A forum community dedicated to BMW E46, E90, and F30 owners and enthusiasts. Prior to bringing the car to the mechanic I also had a SES light on my dash and the car was not starting on the first key turn (not sure if they are related). - I've bleed the system as per recommendations. Coolant light comes on periodically. make sense? - Not like when you smell antifreeze - Someone had mentioned to me that it could be misfiring due to fuel injectors messed up/ oil burning due to timing messed up/ combination of these sending out the smoke. I can't see coolant coming out anywhere. If you're not sure just smell the steam/smoke. Had the car checked, fair enough. May 24, 2010 · I do not seem to have a visible leak, though the "check coolant level" comes on about once in 6 months. After a 10 min drive, coolant reservoir makes a hissing/boiling noise. Was happening before and after a recent water pump replacement (bearing had gone). Almost like trans fluid but not? I ONLY smell it after the car is warmed up and I come to a stop or idle, then pull away and I then smell it momentarily, then once moving it is gone. Only when the car is hot. To make it harder to find, in a static state, the hose didn't spray. I am smelling a little coolant after I park in the garage at the end of my commute. Doing it wrong can lead to a very big headache. And help would be great, thanks guys. E46 M3 coolant bleeding/overheat question Hey everyone, I have a 2005 BMW M3 that has 122K miles on it. The other cars didnt smell as strong but did have the Check for coolant leaks and address them promptly. May 29, 2008 · Also the coolant tempreture seems to get warmer quicker than it used to, but it never overheats, even if I drive hard, but I get the 'smell' more when I drive hard. In my case, it was the thermostat needing to be replaced. At first I thought my heat didn't work, so the heater pipes are where I began. Backgound: This is a 2000 323iT with less than 100K miles and decent (not perfect) maint over the last 10 years. It is only when the climate control is set to outside air. This round I changed all components except water pump, pulley, mechanical fan and radiator. Can you tell if the smoke is truly white, or maybe grey or blue? Jul 26, 2014 · After a search of the wiki and the forums I've not found any real answers to my situation. By boiling I mean that the temperature gets the furthest right and there’s steam coming from the coolant tank. The coolant tank was a little low. The next day, no light no problems. Dec 14, 2010 · '00 328i 100k. after 2-3 minutes of running the light goes off. Also, where is it coming out Jun 11, 2007 · The morning of I smelled some faint coolant smell from the car when the AC was on so I set it to recirculate the cabin air. Jan 9, 2025 · My plan is to replace the coolant temp sensor as part of a modest overhaul of the cooling system just as general preventive maintenance (expansion tank, thermostat, maybe water pump, etc). Oct 5, 2012 · There is a big difference in the smell of burned oil, brakes, rubber, tranny fluid, plastics, electrical, and coolant. Causes: Leaking Gaskets or Seals: Worn or damaged gaskets and seals can result in Apr 13, 2022 · Common BMW 3 Series E46 problems include oil leaks and coolant leaks. I'm running real low and I smell that maple syrup sweet type smell after I drive. I drive my e46 330ci about 3 times a week and curious to what coolant I should get for a e46 330ci and where would I be able to Aug 1, 2023 · "Rotten egg" type smell from interior ventsAll times are GMT -5. Jun 15, 2024 · Coolant and Fluid Leaks: Your BMW has several different types of fluids that cool off the entire mechanical system of your car. Jul 24, 2010 · 99' 323i 96k miles - Car over heated 2 years ago before getting the entire cooling system replaced. Have you confirmed if there is a coolant leak and if so where the leak is? How much coolant was lost? Feb 17, 2019 · Hi All, I'm new to E46 ownership, I picked up a 2000 323ci with 83k a few weeks ago. 12min to and from. Thank you! Nov 28, 2019 · I smell a sweet pungent smell, doesn't smell like burning oil or coolant. Feb 20, 2025 · Explore common problems with the BMW 3 Series E46 and discover essential maintenance tips for a smoother driving experience. Aug 2, 2013 · I recently got a new radiator, water pump and thermostat for my E46 BMW 325i. Any help? Oct 10, 2017 · Cylinder leakdown test Loss of coolant with no leak Exhaust gases in coolant sniffer check Pressurized cooling system after running less than a minute Sweet antifreeze smell or steam from exhaust Coolant leaking from the head/block joint Bubbles in the radiator or expansion tank Oil in the coolant Coolant in the oil Prev. I have smelled an occasional burning smell off and on for months but could not pin it down as to location or source. It doesn't smell like coolant nor oil, more so like burning rubber/plastic. Dec 26, 2013 · Occasionally, I can smell it inside when the heat runs, but mostly I smell it after I pull into the garage and exit the car. If I idle for a long time such as in traffic I will occasionally smell something in the cabin. Anyone have Oct 17, 2018 · Hey guys, recently it's been pretty cool at night so I've been driving around with the heater on and I can smell coolant at high rpms. Figure maybe I didn’t have the fan torqued Sep 8, 2020 · Hello all! My girlfriends e46 was overheating today. Jan 29, 2012 · Hey, so recently my car started showing low coolant light when it sit throughout the night, i checked the level and its a bit below normal. 2l m3. - Very light smoke from under hood - Odd smell out of AC ducts. Coolant isn't low and do not see any leaks on the payment. I just assumed i was smelling the coolant that i spilled. I drove around monitoring the temperature on the May 18, 2008 · Jon, is your coolant light on by chance? I had the same burning smell. It a appears to be coming from behind and just Feb 24, 2025 · The specific coolant type recommended for the E46 is a phosphate-free ethylene glycol-based coolant that meets the BMW GS 94000 specification. Maybe the smoke under the hood is from spilled coolant coming into contact with hot engine components? Should I just replace my cooling system or try to keep bleeding it? How can I diagnose if there's a cooling leak? I ordered a cooling system overhaul kit from FCP Euro just in case, but maybe the fix is Replaced entire cooling system and a few weeks later the coolant light would come on randomly. Just trying to figure out what it could be or what i should look out for. Radiator - Nissen Water Pump Pulley - Febi Mar 5, 2011 · I smelled the faintest smell of coolant after letting the car warm up for approx. Checking the thermostat, the radiator cap, and the coolant system reservoir will only take minutes and will likely cost you under $100 to fix. Nov 17, 2008 · I smell antifreeze after driving home from work, only a 20 min ride. Did you happen to use your wipers prior to the smell that you can remember? Apr 29, 2020 · Well, if you are losing coolant with no external leakage that is a bad sign. has to be a busted headgasket. Feb 7, 2012 · My E46 developed a gas smell for a while, turned out to be a loose clamp on one of the fuel filter hoses (but somehow it didn't SEEM as strong outside the car). Leaking head gasket is pretty much your worst-case scenario when you're mysteriously losing coolant. At Bimmerforums, you will find technical how-to information maintenance specifics audio advice wheel and tire combinations and model specific details not found anywhere else. The crankcase ventilation system only handles engine oil. So what is my next move? Is it just excess coolant burning off? Is some coolant leaking into the radiator ? Feb 2, 2006 · Bimmerforums is the preferred online BMW Forum and community for BMW owners. On my E46's M54 engine the coolant temp is measured from a sensor located on the intake side of the cylinder head around cylinder 5, is that the same on the M52? Hi guys! So like the idiot I am I way overfilled on coolant. Signs something is wrong like, coolant leaking obviously, misfires, low power, needing to refill coolant often (cooling systems in BMW's are sealed), steam/white smoke from the exhaust. - Oil light comes on now and then, but the dip Sep 24, 2013 · It turns out that the cooling fans were more active in sport mode, causing the coolant to be blown onto hotter parts of the engine, causing a stronger burning smell. as long as there is air blowing out hot or cold, even i turned on windshield defog, the coolant will leak. Dec 14, 2010 · If it's steam the only thing I would worry about was a leaking coolant system. In conclusion, using a BMW-approved coolant in your E46 model is essential for maintaining its performance and longevity. Apr 25, 2008 · Can you ever smell coolant from the engine bay? Even a slow (external) leak will often be noticeable by smell. I just ordered the o-ring. get your car in ASAP. If you are a proud owner of a BMW E46 model, you already know that your prized possession requires premium care and maintenance. is the e46 head gasket hard to change out? Sounds like it could be the head gasket. Feb 18, 2016 · hello everyone what is failing cap symptoms?i see coolant moisture at expansion tank thread just below the cap (at filler neck) and i think it is from coolant vapor. What kind of coolant do you guys use to top off? I checked the manual, just says phosphate free antifreeze. Jul 30, 2007 · smell = antifreeze/coolant, it stinks when burned. 5 mins after this I started to see coolant coming under the cap. No Jul 4, 2025 · Is your BMW’s temperature gauge creeping into the red? Noticing puddles under your car or a sweet smell coming from the engine bay? You might be facing a coolant leak – one of the most common yet potentially serious issues for BMW owners. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about identifying, diagnosing, and fixing BMW coolant leaks before they lead to expensive My e46 overheated because the coolant tank busted any recommendations on what should I do next Can I save it or do I just get rid of it? I’m concerned more about the engine overheating is there any future problems I need to worry about Jul 29, 2012 · I was driving home from work and all of the sudden I could smell this weird smell coming from the A/C. Theres no leaks, no overheating, no coolant dissapearing out of radiator. if i keep air conditioning shut off, the coolant will not leak. Car never overheated but the light would come on randomly on almost every drive. Any idea? Jan 17, 2010 · 2004 325iA with 69K miles has likely developed a cooling system leak. (Friendly reminder - do this with engine cold) Started car and added coolant until it flowed out bleed screw. i drove my volvo 960 with a bad HG for about 2 years. Jan 23, 2007 · I had a burning smell after a bit of driving, and it turned out my hose had a very small leak and was squirting coolant in the engine compartment. Oct 31, 2013 · First off, Happy Halloween to everybody. Also, if the smell is sweet, like antifeeze, you may have a small coolant leak as well. Mar 10, 2006 · And outside of the vehicle you can smell a strong coolant smell. I have had the following done recently on car: 1/ Oil Dec 21, 2010 · i had the same problem in my e46, it was the water pump bearing going out on the pulley. First time it came on, I topped it off, started to leak a lot worse, assuming it was from overflow but it still is leaving drops on teh floor in the morning and in a couple Jun 9, 2010 · It can only be inspected with dis-assembly. Its only temporary and the smell goes after a while. Oct 21, 2023 · Begun to notice a loss of coolant and a "hot" smell once the car warms up. First I replaced my expansion tank mount, temperature sensor, and water pump, and it didn't fix the overheating. Just replaced my water pump after noticing a "hot" smell coming from the car once it reaches temperature, but the smell has not gone away, and I am slowly losing coolant from the tank (bled properly). I'm brand new to beamers but have worked on plenty of cars (moderate driveway mechanic) Reply Mar 7, 2018 · I have an antifreeze smell in cabin when parked (idling) and or stopped at light. Is there any insulation on the under side of the bonnet where it is warmer? If it's not insulated it may just be getting warmer naturally. Mar 5, 2013 · I got a slowly coolant leak. what worries me more then that, theres that sweet exhaust smell, and i think more smoke coming out 2004 325i with 180k miles Recently had the engine out to replace the oil plan. If it's anything other than just water (burning oil or coolant) you will be able to tell by the smell. 2 2. Did a few oil changes and It doesn't look like its mixing with my oil. Close the bleed screw and start the car. I've had an oil smell before but got rid of it when I fixed my valve cover gasket. I'ved empty the radiator, houses and expansion tank through the screw that's bellow. coolant blows out after turning the car off, it takes a while. « Previous Thread Next Thread » Smelling coolant but no leak? TL;DR:So basically every few thousand kms i need to top my cooling system off from min to max. Car doesn't overheat at all and runs great, no CEL. Have the cooling system inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic. I checked the Mar 27, 2024 · But still loosing coolant somewhere (no visible leaks nowhere) no milky engine oil, no sweet smell from exhaust, no white smoke, no engine oil level change Im running out of ideas 😅 didn't see any visible leakage or tracas of coolant on heater core hoses either found some kind of "combustion gas test kit", no color change there also. Following that the coolant light came on for a brief 10-15 seconds. Introduction: This thread is for you if you just purchased your E46 3-Series and/or have more than 75,000 miles on your current cooling system on your E46 3-Series Aug 7, 2022 · Shut off the cabin air fan and see if the smell gone. ENTIRE cooling system is new. But with smell of coolant in cabin it is more likely a leak in the heater core, or hoses to/from the heater core. This specification ensures compatibility with the materials used in the E46’s cooling system, preventing corrosion and other issues. Just need some help with a coolant question. If the asphalt makes it hard to tell what color it is, look for a sweet smell. Either way, smoke coming out means that you need to check the coolant level in your car. Noticed that exhaust smoke is always visible, stetting to think I have a coolant leak. After a while it goes away. This is what the exhaust smoke constantly looks like, when it’s warmed up, just started, cold outside or mild. Have a buddy start the car, and rev it to 5-6k rpms on a cold engine, and if bubble come out or it sprays out of the et tank, then your headgasket is blown or head is warped. Im suspecting top radiator hose, which is FEBI, but dont see any residue near the seams Maybe drips elsewhere and flung by Jan 14, 2022 · -after driving i smell coolant or a sweet smell from under the hood with slight white smoke/steam. It would be best to educate yourself in the different odors. it may run rough when first starting cold. For those faults, a cooling system pressure test, both cold and hot. Coolant smells significantly sweeter and lighter than oil or gasoline. What could be causing this burning smell? A hole in the radiator that may be allowing seepage of coolant? Jan 24, 2024 · The BMW E46 is known for having cooling system problems. A/C never lost its cooling capacity, nor did the Coolant leak but not sure where its coming from, replaced radiator hose recently. Anywhere under 4k rpms there is no smell but any further and it feels like the smell is "gushing" out of the vents. I asked about it, and all the owners seemed to think this was common on e36 (and a 525), and they've had it for years. I did a pressure test on radiator, no leak when it is cold. Jul 5, 2008 · It only leaked (sprayed!) when the car was running and the spray went directly onto the exhaust manifold so there was no sign of coolant under the car. I have smoke pouring out of the back left side of the engine bay and a very distinct coolant smell. Having thought about this for the afternoon, what is most odd is that if you had a leak in the cooling system anywhere, my best guess is that you should smell it anytime the HVAC fan is running, not only when the A/C compressor has been disengaged. White is water from condensation or a dreaded coolant leak normally the head gasket. What are the common places? Water Nov 28, 2023 · Replaced cooling system in May 2023 with FCP's "BMW Cooling System Overhaul Kit with Water Pump" plus Radiator Upper/Lower Hoses - Vaico/Rein Coolant Return Hose - Rein Water Pump - Graf Thermostat - Wahler Expansion Tank - Rein Expansion Tank Retainer - Rein Fan Switch, Level Sensor, Tank Cap, etc. 1. Feb 10, 2014 · Hey guys, I've been reading the forum for a while now, but this is my first post. I was at a BMW winter driving school a while ago, and I rode in 3 bimmers, and the ALL had the coolant smell (inside car). Thinking it was something outside I just rolled my windows down to air my car out. This post reviews the top problems of the 4th generation BMW 3 Series E46, years 1997 to 2006. Apr 5, 2021 · Cooling system pressure test Cylinder leakdown test Loss of coolant with no leak Exhaust gases in coolant check Pressurized cooling system after revving for a minute Sweet antifreeze smell or steam from exhaust Coolant leaking from the head/block joint Bubbles in the radiator or expansion tank Oil in the coolant Coolant in the oil The BMW coolant system is required to maintain the optimal temperature in your engine. Yesterday while driving, an overwhelming burnt electrical smell started pouring through the A/C vents, to the point where the windows had to come down. cap leaks coolant in vapor form also upper radiator hose is sponge and system hasnt pressure but Mar 27, 2015 · OK, I've read a couple threads about low temp gauge readings on the console and have three possibilities. Jan 3, 2012 · If you don't smell the sweet smell of antifreeze - check to see if the drains are blocked and pouring water into the carpet under the core or in from the wiper wells. What are some other common overheating causes on these cars? I javnt been able to go look at it yet but just want to get ready so I can try and pinpoint this problem. Also, the sunroof drains - they will soak the carpet and matt behind the front seats. In case it is odorless, and more like icy fog, it is a sign that the coolant level is low. My first thought was it's over heating. My mechanic cannot find any leaks and I have not had to add any coolant to the tank. Only when the air conditioning works. And no don't put that junk in your coolant, it won't solve the problem. I opened bleed screw and expansion tank cap. If you've given the ENTIRE cooling system a very thorough examination and found nothing, then a compression & leakdown test is in order. i tested the HC's in the colling system, many times, ran compression/leadown tests, they Apr 11, 2012 · I posted up on sister site E46Fanatics. If any of these fluids leak and touch a hot engine part, it can give off an offensive odor, quite often resembling burning rubber. Our professionals are here to help make sure you find the answers you need to your questions and our community is here to help other brainstorm 2004 e46 overheating after fixing coolant leak hey y'all, so on Sat my e46 overheated and i saw that a bunch of water and coolant leaked out. The time now is 12:36 AM. No white sludge on the oil cap or dipstick, and no white smoke from the exhaust - should I check the system for leaks? Pump and thermostat are new, as is the expansion tank; hoses are all original. It goes away when driving. Could be a heater core leak but that wouldn't explain steam out of the exhaust. Oct 12, 2013 · Top up coolant to the top of the et tank until it starts to overfill. Jun 21, 2010 · those are if it is bad. Been having this for a few months. No fix. A passenger said they thought it was the smell of coolant Jul 5, 2008 · Oil is not milky, but I do smell coolant when the engine is running. Today there is the coolant smell sometimes and there are a few drops on that bar that is below the back of the engine. Burning oil has a unique smell and usually a blueish color. BTW, learn how to add coolant and bleed the air off the coolant system just in case when you work on it. After 10mins of driving will overheat. Other causes include low coolant, wrong coolant type, and leak in the cooling system in your BMW car. Mar 1, 2013 · So been having a rough idle on cold mornings, car takes forever to warm up, and lately there is a really rich smell coming from the exhaust, up close to the exhaust get a faint smell of sewer/rotten egg. They will show a severely compromised head gasket but not a small leak. Recir, I do not smell anything. Jul 31, 2017 · 11 reactions · 27 comments E46 318i coolant system pressure issue. With the smell gone I didn't really think about it and drove anyhow. I also had burning smell where the pulley wouldnt turn and the belt would slide on the pulley at times. hi pressure in the cooling system. Aug 13, 2014 · A cylinder leak down test is not meant to detect failed head gasket or cracked head or block. Oil analysis lab can do both tests. BMW Coolant Light Comes On and Off Causes The number one cause for the coolant light to come on and off on your BMW is a failing coolant sensor, if the light comes on and off and when you check your expansion tank there is coolant then it’s likely the sensor is damaged. Any ideas?? Mar 7, 2008 · Coolant light comes on in the morning when the car is first started but turns off as soon as the engine starts to warm up. Whether it's only in the engine, through the cabin vents, or out the exhaust it's a sign that coolant is leaking (unless you just did cooling system work in which case it could just be some residue). Anyway, drove the car home and the next day my radiator Jan 30, 2025 · Discover common BMW E46 engine problems, their causes, recall campaigns, and insights from owner experiences in this comprehensive guide. Can anybody take a guess where might be the source of leaking? Apr 6, 2025 · use a pressure tester and check for leaks while making sure the heat is turned on check heater valve and heater core and hoses on the firewall which can be hard to see so if you have inspection camera or a mirrior can help. 5-7 minutes as the weather her has been in the high 20's to low 30's. This is the 4th e36 that i have noticed the smell in. Good luck, hope it's something minor. It started to smell a couple of months ago, but has not Dec 21, 2016 · Before u guys suggest it's the valve cover gasket or oil filter housing basket these two were changed 3 months ago. I have changed my thermostat and my expansion tank after i blew 2 of them… Feb 4, 2024 · I had a mysterious coolant leak that still persists. Sep 5, 2007 · I smell antifreeze after driving coming from the hood. Smell coolant. Jan 20, 2016 · It's not there when the temp is set to 16. After replacing the upper and lower radiator hose, the thermostat and the coolant temp sensor, I've developed a pretty good sized leak. Read this blog to find the symptoms of coolant system issues. Oil spots or drips beneath the vehicle when parked. The coolant is leaking 1 liter per day, first it was maby 1 liter per month, I went to the auto shop and they told me they that radiator was leaking, and I replaced it but that didnt solve it, something is still leaking. found that a conector tube connected to the coolant tank had a tear so i replaced it. Also check front interior floor to see if its wet or if you smell coolant or your windows fog from the inside thats a sure sign of a leaking heater core. Common issues include: Water pump failure Radiator leaks Thermostat malfunctions The water pump, in particular, is known for its relatively short lifespan. Been battling excessive oil consumption, but do have a minor leak not enough to dirty the Feb 11, 2007 · I am getting intermitten low coolant warning lights on the dash. Note that the car is garage kept and driven to work and back which is approx. In this engine, the coolant doesn't have much of the classic pungent sweet smell and may not smell like much of anything when coming out the exhaust. Owned2004 BMW 325ci Mar 24, 2025 · Explore common problems with the BMW E46 330Ci, from engine issues to electrical faults, and learn how to address them. Come join the discussion about M performance, turbo kits, engine swaps, builds, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! Dec 24, 2008 · The coolant level is fine now, the light isnt on but when I start the car it sort of stalls/shakes, and there is a wierd burning smell. Currently trying to figure out where it is leaking coolant from. Any help would be appreciated. Compression and leak down can not rule out a head gasket leak. The steam will last 5-10 mins if I don’t loosen the bleeder screw. Jul 1, 2024 · Why does my car smell hot but not overheating? You likely have a small oil leak on the valve cover, or another place that is leaking on the exhaust. Apr 14, 2008 · About every 2-3 days I can sense burnt coolants smell through my AC. Aug 7, 2022 · Shut off the cabin air fan and see if the smell gone. May 14, 2023 · What color is e46 coolant? The coolant fluid that goes into a BMW is usually blue. What could be causing this burning smell? A hole in the radiator that may be allowing seepage of coolant? Apr 14, 2008 · About every 2-3 days I can sense burnt coolants smell through my AC. is it normal or is my rad. I run the heat all the time here in MN. The time now is 01:42 AM. No visible coolant leaks under hood, no drips on ground. Im loosing a little bit of coolant but nothing major. you may smell coolant, it would be coming from the exhaust. May 23, 2018 · Changes are the loss of power steering was due to antifreeze/coolant getting on the belts and causing slippage of the steering shaft, assuming there is not more of a basic problem with an idler pulley or tensioner failure. Nov 8, 2012 · I assumed I was just smelling old coolant that had splashed on the engine block during the drain, but it's been over a month and twice I've jacked up the car and hosed the bottom of the engine and exhaust down thoroughly with no change. After driving for 1 week and smelling coolant. Nov 29, 2016 · Dear All, Hope everyone is ok!. i always suspected the HG. Have you confirmed if there is a coolant leak and if so where the leak is? How much coolant was lost? Mar 27, 2025 · The cooling system in the E46 is another area prone to problems. I checked coolant level and it was fine (but I checked it when car was warm so I'll wait till it Aug 5, 2012 · I am in the market to buy a E46, today I test drove a beautiful 2002 325xi, I noticed two things that made me uneasy. I have no signs coming on and see no leaks, the temp guage is fine and in the middle. I've changed the thermostat, expansion tank, upper hose, and heater pipe, and still leaks at front right side. If it fails, it can lead to overheating, which can cause catastrophic engine damage. Aug 11, 2019 · Coolant leaks in your BMW e46 3 series can seriously hamper the functioning of the engine. - I've replaced radiator cap. Feb 7, 2025 · Discover common BMW coolant sensor problems, their causes, symptoms, and effective solutions to keep your vehicle running smoothly. What could be the problem? Summarized by AI from the post below Fanuel Bell BMW DIY Help 2y · Public Hi guys, I need help, I got a e46 318i, if I let it idle for maybe 30mins,the pipe that comes from the coolant bottle is getting to much warm and full of pressure , Dec 15, 2020 · Thanks guys, I checked my coolant temperature sensor and there is no sign of leak, the system is under pressure when I checked. I have highlighted in yellow where I see the coolant. (left coolant In Engine block). Problematic compressor clutch: Many times, problems with some other components of your car can produce smoke which is then sucked into the AC vents. Good luck man. Test for combustion gasses in the coolant, and test a sample of the lube oil for coolant contamination. I changed the water pump. - I rarely drive it, but when I do it needs coolant after every 100-200 miles. - The sunroof can open about 95% of the way but trying to open the other 5 will result in a clicking noise The sunroof slider seemed to be working well though - There was a Jul 2, 2012 · Hi I have a major overheating problem with my e46 318i 1998 (m43). Here are the ways to detect coolant leaks in BMW e46 3 series. I did add a small amount of distilled water 2 times since the coolant level was a little low, Yesterday I Jul 22, 2022 · Bad smell from vent (not AC)All times are GMT -5. So now when i drive for around 20 minutes white smoke is coming from the radiator. Regular inspection and replacement of cooling system components are essential to prevent Feb 17, 2019 · Hi All, I'm new to E46 ownership, I picked up a 2000 323ci with 83k a few weeks ago. Bad Coolant Sensor Nov 4, 2017 · What is the rate of coolant loss? That is, how much BMW coolant+distilled water are you adding over time and mileage? Do you see any whitish “stains” in and around cooling system components? Does the car have an auto or manual tranny? Nov 1, 2025 · GM's type of their window washer fluid has a weird smell, can't say its an antifreeze smell but similar stink for sure. 2006 BMW 330xi. - I've replaced the thermostat as my lower radiator hose was cold and top hose was hot. I checked oil level and it was fine. I'm at a loss here. Mar 2, 2010 · Since the cooling system is critical and evidently delicate, a faint smell is a good sign that you have a leak from a pressurized system. Apr 11, 2012 · I posted up on sister site E46Fanatics. Check for any leaks around the hoses, expansion tank, and thermostat. I don't believe its a heater core issue for the smell goes away when I'm rolling. She checked the coolant, it was full. Never overheats based on dashboard indicator, if anything it seems cooler than usual. I also check under the car found nothing no external leaks but ,I can smell some kind of coolant that evaporates. com. :banghead: I am not sure if there is a leak, if i blew a head gasket, if something cracked, or if it is something else. Lastly, check smell the wheels to see if the brakes are the source of the smell.