funny sweet chemical smell
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 416
Likes: 2
From: Lone Star State.
W211 2005 CDI, X166 2013 350 BT, 997.1 2008 C4S
funny sweet chemical smell
Hi all. Several weeks ago I had a major problem with my CDI as there were multiple diesel leaks in the fuel lines. It was resolved with a great SA at the local MB center. I'm now experincing a distinct sweet chemical smell when the car is running. I wanted to find out if any other W211 CDI owners have experienced the same thing. I have not had this problem before but am wondering if it has to do with possible winterized diesel formulations or if this is related back to my former problem of the clamped diesel leaks. Any feedback would be appreciated.
TIA
Jay
TIA
Jay
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Galveston, Texas
2001 E430 Designo Edition, 2002 C230K Sport Coupe & 2006 C230 SS
smell
I think some of the winter antijell additives causes this somewhat. I have noticed it before in mine. You may still have a small leak also. That is just life with a diesel. Seems to always leak from somewhere.
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,968
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From: FL410
'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD
I have found diesels to be less leak prone than gassers, except in the case of high pressure fuel lines like in the CDI, I think the engine is built much more solidly than it's aluminum gas counterparts. Typically when one sees a diesel engine, it's cleaner looking than a gas engine (milage not withstanding).
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 522
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From: ct
All Diesel Fleet !1983 240d stick,2005 E320 CDI Midnight blue, 2005 E320 CDI, Desert Silver, Kubota
Diesel Smell
The funny sweet smell is normal. I think it is a product of the catalytic converters. I also have the smell in my 05's. My 83 240 D still has that manly, truck stop, diesel smell!!!( mixed with cigar aroma from the inside)
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 416
Likes: 2
From: Lone Star State.
W211 2005 CDI, X166 2013 350 BT, 997.1 2008 C4S
Originally Posted by jimbo1mcm
The funny sweet smell is normal. I think it is a product of the catalytic converters. I also have the smell in my 05's. My 83 240 D still has that manly, truck stop, diesel smell!!!( mixed with cigar aroma from the inside)
Thanks for the responses.
Jya
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 60
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From: Texas
05 E320 CDI
If you are in the eastern third of Texas (or at least purchase your fuel there) the new odor you smell may be because the formulation of diesel sold there is changing.
TxLED (Texas Low Emission Diesel) is currently being rolled out. TxLED is designed primarily to reduce emissions, achiving this though a higher cetane rating, lower aromatics, additives, or a combination of the three.
The rollout began late in 2005 (delayed due to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita) and has been working its way through the distribution chain ever since. All retail outlets in the eastern third of TX are supposed to be selling only TxLED by the end of January. Perhaps the smell is an additive put in the fuel to get it in compliance with the TxLED requirements.
TxLED (Texas Low Emission Diesel) is currently being rolled out. TxLED is designed primarily to reduce emissions, achiving this though a higher cetane rating, lower aromatics, additives, or a combination of the three.
The rollout began late in 2005 (delayed due to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita) and has been working its way through the distribution chain ever since. All retail outlets in the eastern third of TX are supposed to be selling only TxLED by the end of January. Perhaps the smell is an additive put in the fuel to get it in compliance with the TxLED requirements.
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