10 replies to this topic

[ltkirkham]

Morning everyone.

I have just recently purchased an 53 plate mini cooper with 67k on the clock.

I noticed today a week after getting it that when I got out of the car after driving it a decent distance that there was a burning rubber smell coming from the car. I admit it's probably the first time I have put my foot Down a little bit and took it on the motorway for a small distance.

Does anyone have any advice/suggestions of what it could be at all?

Thanks in advance
Luke

[robminibcy]

Have a close sniff round it see if you a pin point a location. If you were really going for it you'll probably find its hot tyres. When I was very late for work one morning my car smelt of rubber when I got there!

[ltkirkham]

I opened up the bonnet when I got back and the smell did not appear to be coming from under there. It seemed to be coming from the middle or rear of the car.

[minimadles]

Sounds like you have something stuck on the exhaust usually a plastic carrier bag

[ltkirkham]

I had a look and nothing there. It only seems to happen when I drive it at high speeds like on the motorway or push it abit. It's new so I'm just worrying and expecting the worst.

[zerobelow]

If there is actually burning rubber, it will be from something getting hot. The exhaust will probably be the most likely candidate, if it doesn't seem to be engine bay. Look for any hoses, wires, debris, body moulding, etc that are close to it. If it's a bright, clear day, may be able to see any smoke that's coming off. Even just a small bit of melted plastic/rubber can produce a lot of smell. 

[jime17]

Are you sure it is burning rubber and not something else? Maybe brake binding and heating up? Do all the alloys feel the same temp after a drive?

[GraemeC]

Is it a diesel? A burning rubber smell is typical of the DPF regenerating by burning off the deposits. Perfectly normal but is disconcerting the first time you get a whiff!
Obviously if it persists then get it into a garage.

Edited by GraemeC, 09 December 2013 - 07:29 PM.

[wile e coyote]

Not familiar with bini's but previously had a car with a badly fitted / misaligned exhaust - the exhaust rubbers were touching the silencer - the stench after a good run was awful... worth a look......

[ltkirkham]

It's a petrol not a diesel. its strange as no warning lights come on, steering and breaking seems fine and no excess noise from clutch etc.
Only seems to be when driving at higher speeds, ie motorways that it's noticeable after.
Frustrating not knowing what it is and im meant to be driving down to cornwall this weekend and having second thoughts incase something more serious.

[ltkirkham]

I also just checked the tyre pressures as I thought the ride seemed abit firm and they were all in the high 30's one even at 42. Could this have had an impact at all?