What is that smell coming from my C230K . . .
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Joined: Mar 2002
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What is that smell coming from my C230K . . .
Hi,
I have been noticed every now and then (not too often) a little bit of a smell like sulfur (rotten eggs) coming from my C230K. I believe one review in the press mentioned that the catalytic converter tends to smell. Is this sulfur-like smell the same smell they are talking about? Also, does this indicate something is not right with the catalytic converter/engine or are all of these cars somewhat similar.
The smell is not overpowering, but it did make me think I left the lid off the garbage can in our garage.
Best regards,
CP
I have been noticed every now and then (not too often) a little bit of a smell like sulfur (rotten eggs) coming from my C230K. I believe one review in the press mentioned that the catalytic converter tends to smell. Is this sulfur-like smell the same smell they are talking about? Also, does this indicate something is not right with the catalytic converter/engine or are all of these cars somewhat similar.
The smell is not overpowering, but it did make me think I left the lid off the garbage can in our garage.
Best regards,
CP
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,377
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From: Vancouver Island, B.C. Canada
2005 smart cabrio; 2008 Mercedes-Benz B 200
sulphur
North American fuels have an outrageous amount of sulphur in them. During regular driving the S deposits on the honeycomb of the cat, and then when the cat is really heated up by a richer mixture (such as on a steep hill) the S is vapourised and the stink becomes apparent.
Don't worry, it's normal. Maybe try another brand of fuel - ask each company's customer relations dept. what the S content of their fuel is. In Canada, low S fuel will be required by law in a few years, so we should see direct gas injection engines soon (their cat technology is damaged by S).
Don't worry, it's normal. Maybe try another brand of fuel - ask each company's customer relations dept. what the S content of their fuel is. In Canada, low S fuel will be required by law in a few years, so we should see direct gas injection engines soon (their cat technology is damaged by S).
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
I'd be more concerned about what you're throwing out in your trash can. 
As Mark said, it's the bad "new car smell" on some cars. Give it a while and see if it comes back. Just in case, I'd keep an eye on my mpg's and oil level.
As Mark said, it's the bad "new car smell" on some cars. Give it a while and see if it comes back. Just in case, I'd keep an eye on my mpg's and oil level.
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From: Sitting behind thing freakin desk of mine. Dreaming I was playing my Taylors, and driving my Benz. Long Live The VRAA!!!!!!
C230 Sports Coupe
a good bit of it has to do with the welding material in the exhaust system. If you have ever gotten an aftermarket muffer, exhaust or anything done, you will get the same smell for a couple hundred miles. Hey, I have 11K right now and it still smells a little after I am finshed driving. especially after hard driving.
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From: Columbia, MD
2002 C230K Sport Coupe M6 C5 desert silver
I have noticed on my other cars that when an oxygen sensor fails you get a sulfur smell. As noted many times in this forum, sensors can fail when they are new. If they make through some kind of "break in period" then they last their design life whatever that may be. That could be your problem.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 756
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From: Canada
A bad oxygen sensor will prevent the ECU from making air/fuel corrections and cause the mixture to run rich. This will result in higher fuel comsumption and exhaust emissions and most likely will result in the MFD setting an error code and advising you to go in for service.
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