I purchased a used C2S with 4,500 miles on it a couple weeks ago. There has been a very faint burning smell that appears to come from the engine bay. I can smell it at the rear wheel wells after mid length drives. It is not that strong a smell that I would rush to the dealer but wonder if this is normal for these types of cars or a new car.

 

These cars can stink of hot oil, hot metal, rubber, stainless steel, and even sometimes like something is burning.

First just in case you need to check the vital fluids then as the car is new to you you should have the car inspected for any signs of a leak.

Assuming nothing is found amiss and I really don't think anything will be found amiss -- but have the car inspected nonetheless -- the engine is over 400lbs of hot metal filled with gallons of hot coolant and oil. There are miles it seems of wiring harness and tubing along with two huge fat rubber tires, big hot iron brakes and enough running gear to outfit a freight locomotive.

That you smell something is normal.

Also, the engine is located in a particularly dirty location. Occasionally a piece of paper or plastic wrap will get blown up and make contact with the hot exhaust. It can stick and as this slowly chars away you can smell this as a burning smell. (I've found charred fragments of cigarette pack plastic wrap on top of my Boxster engine.)

Get the car checked out just to be safe and sure. But I think you just smelling normal odors.

 

Normal.... Get it all the time.... I think it's just the heat of a new engine and exhaust ...

 

I have 3800 miles on mine and have been getting it since new.

 

Many thanks for the help. I am not going to worry about it now but will take it in when I get the chance to make sure everything is OK.

 

Might be that 'Prius' that kept insisting on cutting you off.....

 

Yes it's bothersome but .....,.normal

 

Hi. Was reading this thread. It seems the smell is experienced by a lot of people here. I have the additional problem where I get this "engine/ burnt rubber smell" inside the car , entering via the A/C when stopping and running idle (ie for red light etc.). It appears as a "burst of smell" that comes 2-3 seconds after I brake and lasts for 5 seconds and then it fades away. Putting the A/C on "recycle" before I brake makes it disappear. Can this smell really travel all the way from the engine compartment to below the car and into the AC intake under the hood ? (and i in just 2-3 seconds) ?? Anyone else experiencing this symptom?

 

Some of these smells are normal, but yours does not sound like that. I would take it to the dealer to make sure the brake ventilation and synthesizer system is operating correctly.

ChuckJ

 

Run them hard and they stink. My 996 did this for 12 years. 997 does it too but not as bad.
Not to worry.

 

synthesizer system? I tried googling this in Porsche context but I could not find anything. What does it do and where is it located?