Burning smell coming from engine
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 23
Likes: 2
C43 AMG Coupe
Burning smell coming from engine
I've noticed when I'm driving my 4-month (~3000 miles) C43 coupe with the sunroof open that there's a distinct smell coming from the front of the car. It smells an awful lot like crayons cooking on a radiator (if you remember that sort of thing from elementary school).
In all the times I've noticed, I was in Sport-Plus mode, but not driving particularly aggressively. That said, it might also happen in other modes.
I was curious if this is some sort of "break in" smell or if I might have a problem to check out.
Thanks!
In all the times I've noticed, I was in Sport-Plus mode, but not driving particularly aggressively. That said, it might also happen in other modes.
I was curious if this is some sort of "break in" smell or if I might have a problem to check out.
Thanks!
Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 146
Likes: 19
Saab 900 SET
I've noticed when I'm driving my 4-month (~3000 miles) C43 coupe with the sunroof open that there's a distinct smell coming from the front of the car. It smells an awful lot like crayons cooking on a radiator (if you remember that sort of thing from elementary school).
In all the times I've noticed, I was in Sport-Plus mode, but not driving particularly aggressively. That said, it might also happen in other modes.
I was curious if this is some sort of "break in" smell or if I might have a problem to check out.
Thanks!
In all the times I've noticed, I was in Sport-Plus mode, but not driving particularly aggressively. That said, it might also happen in other modes.
I was curious if this is some sort of "break in" smell or if I might have a problem to check out.
Thanks!
It does smell like you described, might be burning off the car!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,527
Likes: 287
From: Toronto, ON
2021 Mercedes C63s AMG Coupe
I've noticed when I'm driving my 4-month (~3000 miles) C43 coupe with the sunroof open that there's a distinct smell coming from the front of the car. It smells an awful lot like crayons cooking on a radiator (if you remember that sort of thing from elementary school).
In all the times I've noticed, I was in Sport-Plus mode, but not driving particularly aggressively. That said, it might also happen in other modes.
I was curious if this is some sort of "break in" smell or if I might have a problem to check out.
Thanks!
In all the times I've noticed, I was in Sport-Plus mode, but not driving particularly aggressively. That said, it might also happen in other modes.
I was curious if this is some sort of "break in" smell or if I might have a problem to check out.
Thanks!
I think I have noticed exactly what you are describing here multiple times. But for me it happens when I am being stupidly aggressive. The smell as far as I can tell seems to be coming from the transmission area. I would be pretty interested to know what it is. Kinda feels like I am killing the car haha.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,527
Likes: 287
From: Toronto, ON
2021 Mercedes C63s AMG Coupe
No it definitely does not come from there. I usually get it through my air vents inside the car when the A/C is in the ventilation(non circulation) mode and I am pushing fairly hard.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,026
Likes: 282
From: Omaha, NE
'16 AMG GTS, '21 AMG GLE53
Does MB ship cars with Cosmoline? Cosmoline is the genericized trademark for a common class of brown wax-like petroleum-based rust inhibitors, typically conforming to United States Military Standard MIL-C-11796C Class 3. They are viscous when freshly applied, have a slight fluorescence, and solidify over time and exposure to air.
It does smell like you described, might be burning off the car!
It does smell like you described, might be burning off the car!
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 353
From: Michigan
2017 C43 AMG
i think i smell electrical sometimes. but on my way to work there is a electrical PCB or some sort of plant that always smells like burning electrical.
either way, one day at the track cleared everything out for me. shes going good at 4500 miles right now
. just need to fix 2 rattles.
either way, one day at the track cleared everything out for me. shes going good at 4500 miles right now
. just need to fix 2 rattles.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
CLA250
Burning crayon smell when I drive my 2014 cla250.
I've noticed when I'm driving my 4-month (~3000 miles) C43 coupe with the sunroof open that there's a distinct smell coming from the front of the car. It smells an awful lot like crayons cooking on a radiator (if you remember that sort of thing from elementary school).
In all the times I've noticed, I was in Sport-Plus mode, but not driving particularly aggressively. That said, it might also happen in other modes.
I was curious if this is some sort of "break in" smell or if I might have a problem to check out.
Thanks!
In all the times I've noticed, I was in Sport-Plus mode, but not driving particularly aggressively. That said, it might also happen in other modes.
I was curious if this is some sort of "break in" smell or if I might have a problem to check out.
Thanks!
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 71
Likes: 21
From: Lake Forest, CA
C43
I had that once on another car I owned and it turned out to be rats that had crawled up into my engine bay and made a nest. Then they proceeded to chew into and through some wiring harnesses. Have you popped the hood to check it out?
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 438
Likes: 84
A Benz and a BMW
I get the crayon smell too when driving the car hard in warm weather. Car was bought new, hasn't been modified, and I don't drive it like a turd by flooring it from red light to red light. I'm assuming it's normal. Unless it's either strong enough to distract you from driving, or present 24/7, I'd just ignore it.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
CLA250
I just purchased this car at a used car dealership around two months ago. Everything looks clean as a whistle like they cleaned the engine with a toothbrush.
Only good thing is i got an extended warranty but the car is not indicating a problem. You would think a smart car like Mercedes would have sensors telling you something is wrong. I thought it could be the cleaning supply they used on the engine and when the engine gets hot it burns off the cleaning solvent. I’m praying it’s nothing serious lol awesome car too ��I also got a car fax with all the maintenance records from Mercedes in LA CA so there were no signs of a lemon car. Also the gas mileage is terrible, thinking it’s linked to the smell.
Only good thing is i got an extended warranty but the car is not indicating a problem. You would think a smart car like Mercedes would have sensors telling you something is wrong. I thought it could be the cleaning supply they used on the engine and when the engine gets hot it burns off the cleaning solvent. I’m praying it’s nothing serious lol awesome car too ��I also got a car fax with all the maintenance records from Mercedes in LA CA so there were no signs of a lemon car. Also the gas mileage is terrible, thinking it’s linked to the smell.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 18
Likes: 9
From: Palm Springs California
2008 clk350
Crayon smell
Im getting the crayon like burning smell as well and loss of power. Car isnt overheating but feels hot inside. And ive felt or had. This before. It was the catalytic convertors .. To the tune of 1200.00 and now im getting same thing again so i know its the catalytic convertor. What the hell is causing it to go bad again?.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 45
Likes: 3
C43
Front end on the passenger side right? I had that until around 8000 miles (1.5yr), now it is significantly better but I still smell it sometimes. I told MB and they checked already, everything seems to be okay.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 18
Likes: 9
From: Palm Springs California
2008 clk350
Im getting the crayon like burning smell as well and loss of power. Car isnt overheating but feels hot inside. And ive felt or had. This before. It was the catalytic convertors .. To the tune of 1200.00 and now im getting same thing again so i know its the catalytic convertor. What the hell is causing it to go bad again?.
