FAULTBASE
NEWSASKCars
© 2025 FAULTBASE
All rights reserved.
v2.0.0 • Production
ContactPrivacyImpressum
Home/Cars/BMW/3 Series/E90/E91 (2005-2012)/my BMW 3 Series E90/E91 (2005-2012) has a strong gas smell, what should I check?

my BMW 3 Series E90/E91 (2005-2012) has a strong gas smell, what should I check?

BMW 3 Series E90/E91 (2005-2012)

Severity: mediumDifficulty: medium2-4 hours
3 min read
549 words

Problem Statement

## Problem Statement The vehicle, a BMW 3 Series E90/E91 (2005-2012), exhibits a strong gasoline smell, indicating a potential fuel leak or evaporation issue.

Repair Time
2-4 hours

Safety Warnings

  • ⚠Safety Warnings:**
  • ⚠Disconnect the battery before working on the fuel system to prevent sparks.
  • ⚠Allow the engine to cool before inspecting or repairing fuel components.

Symptoms

  • •Strong gasoline odor, especially near the engine or fuel filler area
  • •Fuel gauge fluctuating or reading inaccurately
  • •Visual signs of fuel leakage under the vehicle
  • •Engine performance issues, such as rough idling or stalling
  • •Increased emissions or check engine light illuminated

Diagnostic Steps

  1. 1Inspect the fuel lines for any visible cracks or leaks.
  2. 2Check the fuel injectors for signs of fuel seepage or malfunction.
  3. 3Examine the fuel tank for corrosion or punctures.
  4. 4Test the fuel pressure using a fuel pressure gauge.
  5. 5Inspect the fuel cap for proper sealing and any signs of damage.
  6. 6Scan for error codes using an OBD-II scanner to identify any related issues.

Solution

Solution

1. Preparation

  • Gather tools: socket set, screwdriver set, fuel pressure gauge, safety goggles, and gloves.
  • Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface and the engine is cool.

2. Inspect Fuel Lines

  • Remove any necessary undercarriage covers to access the fuel lines.
  • Visually inspect all fuel lines from the tank to the engine for cracks or leaks.
  • If any damage is found, proceed to replace the affected sections of the fuel line.

3. Check Fuel Injectors

  • Disconnect the electrical connector from each fuel injector.
  • Inspect the injector seals for wear or damage.
  • If leaks are detected, replace the faulty injectors with new ones.

4. Examine Fuel Tank

  • Safely lift the vehicle using jack stands to access the fuel tank.
  • Inspect the fuel tank for signs of rust, corrosion, or physical damage.
  • If a leak is present, replace the fuel tank as necessary.

5. Test Fuel Pressure

  • Connect the fuel pressure gauge to the fuel rail.
  • Turn the ignition on without starting the engine to check the pressure reading.
  • If the pressure is outside the manufacturer's specifications, investigate the fuel pump and regulator.

6. Inspect Fuel Cap

  • Remove the fuel cap and inspect the rubber seal for wear and tear.
  • Replace the fuel cap if the seal is damaged or if it does not create a tight seal.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

  • Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
  • Check for any error codes or warning lights
  • Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

  • •Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
  • •Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
  • •Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
  • •Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

  • Socket set
  • Screwdriver set
  • Fuel pressure gauge
  • Safety goggles
  • Gloves

Parts Required

  • Fuel lines (if damaged)
  • Fuel injectors (if leaking)
  • Fuel tank (if damaged)
  • Fuel cap (if damaged)

Additional Information

Repair Time

2-4 hours

Difficulty

medium

Severity

medium

Tools

5 items

Parts

4 items

Related Faults

Discover similar issues

  1. why is my BMW 3 Series E90/E91 overheating in stop-and-go traffic?

    ## Problem Statement The BMW 3 Series E90/E91 is experiencing overheating issues specifically during stop-and-go traffic conditions.

    Symptoms
    • •Check engine light illuminated
    • •Temperature gauge reading higher than normal
    • +{count} more
  2. why are the climate control buttons not responding in my BMW 3 Series E90/E91 (2005-2012)

    ## Problem Statement The climate control buttons in your BMW 3 Series E90/E91 (2005-2012) are unresponsive, leading to issues with adjusting temperatu...

    Symptoms
    • •Climate control display is blank or unlit
    • •Buttons do not respond to presses
    • +{count} more
  3. how to reset the service light on my BMW 3 Series E90/E91 (2005-2012)

    ## Problem Statement The service light on a BMW 3 Series E90/E91 (2005-2012) needs to be reset after completing the required maintenance.

    Symptoms
    • •Service light illuminated on the dashboard
    • •Maintenance reminder displayed on the instrument cluster
    • +{count} more
  4. how to reset the check engine light on my BMW 3 Series E90/E91 (2005-2012)

    ## Problem Statement The check engine light on a BMW 3 Series E90/E91 (2005-2012) needs to be reset after addressing the underlying issue.

    Symptoms
    • •Check engine light illuminated
    • •Engine performance issues (if any unresolved problems remain)
    • +{count} more
  5. why does my BMW 3 Series E90/E91 have a whistling sound while driving?

    ## Problem Statement The BMW 3 Series E90/E91 is experiencing a whistling sound while driving, which may indicate an issue related to air intake, exha...

    Symptoms
    • •Whistling sound increases with vehicle speed
    • •Sound changes pitch or intensity with acceleration or deceleration
    • +{count} more
  6. how to check for refrigerant leaks in my BMW 3 Series E90/E91 AC system?

    ## Problem Statement The issue is the potential presence of refrigerant leaks in the air conditioning system of a BMW 3 Series E90/E91, which can lead...

    Symptoms
    • •Air conditioning not blowing cold air
    • •Noticeable hissing or bubbling sounds from the AC components
    • +{count} more

Share this solution

Comments

Sign in to share your thoughts

Sign In

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts

Back to Generation