Hi all.

As a fairly new owner of a BMW e36 Compact and this site (although I own a 318i e30 and had for nearly 21 years and still going strong) I would like to ask anyone out there if they have had this problem.

When I am driving along normally everything is fine, as soon as I open the passenger window slightly I get a fairly strong smell of petrol.

I have looked all over in the engine department, underneath and inside and can find no signs of a leak and there is no smell at all when stationary or running at idle.

Has anyone come across this at all? Would really like to sort it before we get some decent weather apart from the constant worry.

Thanks all and look forward to using the site.

Mick

Opening the window is causing a vacuum, which car is the problem with the e30 or 36 ? either way i would be checking the fuel tank and filler neck for pin holes.

Welcome to BMWOC :)

my mrs had this on her focus.turns out it was a cracked fuel filler neck.

Moved to 3 Series

Welcome to the club

Thanks for the replies so far, Dennis this is on the e36.

A few things could cause this:

Pure petrol vapour

Crappy gasket on top of tank where pick-up fits in...

Blocked filler-breather...

Petrol-cap rubber crap...

Leak in fuel-line, filter or rail.

Zippo lighter in glovebox !

Exhaust fumes

Loose exhaust joint(s)...

Holed exhaust...

EGR or manifold/gasket...

Last nights' Kebab !

Welcome Mick, Enjoy the forum

The smell is pure petrol vapour, however I have checked all of the following-

Top of tank no leaks/smell

Petrol cap/rubber in good condition

No leaks in fuel line, tank or engine compartment.

Also do not think it is the breather as I have no problems at all when filling up.

Will check as soon as poss the filler pipe though as this seems to be a more liable suspect.

Thanks guys for the welcome!

Well?

WELL,

Fuel filler pipe fine as far as I can see. Still can not find the culprit, just hoping that it eventually rears its ugly head in more noticeable way.

If anyone else knows or has any ideas they would be very gratefully received.

Kind Regards,

Mick

are there any wet spots on the ground where the car has been?

No,

no wet spots. As I say no VISIBLE signs of a leak at all.

hmmm that is a strange one

Well thank god I have actually found it. It is the expansion tank that is tucked inside the right hand rear interior panel. There is one of 3 inlet/outlet pipes and one has fractured due to the constant movement of the bent flexi pipe. Have just ordered a new tank but have to wait as it is coming from Germany but have done a temporary repair and will secure the pipe so that it doesn't happen again.

Thanks to all who have replied.