I have a low mileage 1998 740i with a persistent problem. Periodically I detect a strong raw gas odor. Both my local dealer and a independent BMW mechanic have attempted to diagnose the problem without success. It is very intermittent and doesn't seem to be associated with hard acceleration or a full tank. After my last trip to the garage I agreed to take it in when the smell was obvious and I did so. They were not able to detect anything using a "sniffer" (probably their pet Chihuahua) and removal of the back seat. Sort of like going to the doctor-symptom is gone when you walk in the office. When it is there the smell is very strong and from outside the car.
Any thoughts on how I might track down the source of the problem?

I have a low mileage 1998 740i with a persistent problem. Periodically I detect a strong raw gas odor. Both my local dealer and a independent BMW mechanic have attempted to diagnose the problem without success. It is very intermittent and doesn't seem to be associated with hard acceleration or a full tank. After my last trip to the garage I agreed to take it in when the smell was obvious and I did so. They were not able to detect anything using a "sniffer" (probably their pet Chihuahua) and removal of the back seat. Sort of like going to the doctor-symptom is gone when you walk in the office. When it is there the smell is very strong and from outside the car.
Any thoughts on how I might track down the source of the problem?


I would check anywhere you might have had any work done to the car as suspect. Especially in the engine compartment near the fuel rail and injectors. Good luck.

I had this issue once and it ended up being a leak above the gas tank

Thanks All. Still working on it.

Have you checked the fuel pressure regulator in the engine compartment?

check for a leak in your fuel pump assembly

Hi cj.. Just wondering.. Can you think of any time, in particular, that you notice it more than others? And if so.. what level is your fuel at?

Might sound strange.. but it'll help. Thanks!

I have this same exact problem in my 750iL it happens when i start the car in the mornings and it is really bad if the weather is cold outside and it also happens sometimes when i have the a/c on. But me and my brother were looking at it and one of the fuel line hoses under the hood is dryrotted so we think its possible it's leaking out gas vapors and getting into the cabin via the air system.

Have you checked the fuel pressure regulator in the engine compartment?

I had the same problem on another vehicle in my quiver. Hung in there with an 'oh my god it smells like somebody poured fuel in my backseat' odor for a year and a half until I had to find the culprit!

Anyway, $150 later I learned it was a fuel pressure regulator that had gone bad. Been fine ever since.

I have same sort of issue. If I fill up, my garage smells like, well, a garage the next morning. But after burning off a few gallons, it goes away.

I'm letting dealer diagnose next week.

same thing happens when i start the car at least twice a week. im gonna have to go check my regulator and lines and see whats up

same thing happens when i start the car at least twice a week. im gonna have to go check my regulator and lines and see whats up
did u have this looked at? i have same problem

I have this same exact problem in my 750iL it happens when i start the car in the mornings and it is really bad if the weather is cold outside and it also happens sometimes when i have the a/c on. But me and my brother were looking at it and one of the fuel line hoses under the hood is dryrotted so we think its possible it's leaking out gas vapors and getting into the cabin via the air system.
did u get this fixed.? i have the same problem

There was a factory recall on the 1995 models for gasoline odor. It was a problem with seepage at each end of the fuel line. The solution was to replace the complete fuel line.