FAULTBASE
NEWSASKCars
© 2025 FAULTBASE
All rights reserved.
v2.0.0 • Production
ContactPrivacyImpressum
Home/Cars/BMW/X5/F15 (2014-2019)/my BMW X5 F15 (2014-2019) has a burning smell, what could it be

my BMW X5 F15 (2014-2019) has a burning smell, what could it be

BMW X5 F15 (2014-2019)

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

Problem Statement

## Problem Statement The BMW X5 F15 (2014-2019) is experiencing a burning smell, which can indicate multiple underlying issues that require thorough investigation.

Repair Time
2-4 hours

Safety Warnings

  • ⚠Safety Warnings:**
  • ⚠Disconnect the battery before working on electrical systems.
  • ⚠Allow the engine to cool before checking the coolant level or working under the hood.

Symptoms

  • •Strong burning odor inside or outside the vehicle
  • •Smoke emanating from under the hood or wheel wells
  • •Warning lights illuminated on the dashboard (e.g., oil pressure light)
  • •Overheating engine temperature gauge
  • •Reduced engine performance or unusual noises

Diagnostic Steps

  1. 1Inspect the engine bay for any visible signs of oil leaks or burnt fluid.
  2. 2Check the coolant level and inspect for any signs of leakage or contamination in the reservoir.
  3. 3Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any stored error codes that may indicate system malfunctions.
  4. 4Visually inspect the brake components for overheating, including brake pads and rotors.
  5. 5Examine wiring and electrical components for signs of insulation damage or short circuits.
  6. 6Check the transmission fluid level and condition; look for burnt odor or discoloration.

Solution

Solution

1. Preparation

  • Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface and the engine is cool.
  • Gather tools: socket set, OBD-II scanner, multimeter, and safety gloves.

2. Address Engine Oil Leaks

  • Sub-steps:
    1. Locate any visible oil leaks; use a degreaser to clean the area for better visibility.
    2. Replace any damaged gaskets or seals.
    3. Refill engine oil if necessary, ensuring it meets manufacturer specifications.

3. Address Cooling System Issues

  • Sub-steps:
    1. Check the coolant reservoir for proper levels; if low, top up with the specified coolant type.
    2. Inspect hoses for cracks or leaks; replace any damaged hoses.
    3. If overheating persists, consider replacing the thermostat or water pump.

4. Inspect and Repair Brake Components

  • Sub-steps:
    1. Remove the wheel to access the brake assembly.
    2. Inspect brake pads for wear; replace if they are worn down or have an unusual smell.
    3. Check rotors for warping or overheating signs; resurface or replace as needed.

5. Check Electrical Components

  • Sub-steps:
    1. Inspect wiring harnesses for signs of melting or damage.
    2. Repair or replace any damaged wires or connectors.
    3. Test electrical components with a multimeter to ensure proper functionality.

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

  • OBD-II scanner
  • Socket set
  • Multimeter
  • Safety gloves
  • Brake pad spreader (if replacing pads)

Parts Required

  • Engine oil (specific to BMW specifications)
  • Coolant (specific to BMW specifications)
  • Brake pads and rotors (if replacement is necessary)
  • Gaskets/seals (if oil leaks are present)

Additional Information

Repair Time

2-4 hours

Difficulty

medium

Severity

medium

Tools

5 items

Parts

4 items

Related Faults

Discover similar issues

  1. why does my BMW X5 F15 (2014-2019) have a check engine light after repairs

    ## Problem Statement The check engine light is illuminated on a 2014-2019 BMW X5 F15 after recent repairs, indicating that there may be unresolved iss...

    Symptoms
    • •Check engine light illuminated
    • •Possible codes stored in the ECU
    • +{count} more
  2. how to fix P0700 code in BMW X5 F15 (2014-2019)

    P0700

    ## Problem Statement The P0700 code in a 2014-2019 BMW X5 F15 indicates a malfunction within the transmission control system, typically due to a probl...

    Symptoms
    • •Check engine light illuminated
    • •Erratic shifting or delayed engagement
    • +{count} more
  3. why is my BMW X5 F15 (2014-2019) making a hissing sound when accelerating

    ## Problem Statement The BMW X5 F15 (2014-2019) is producing a hissing sound during acceleration, which may indicate an issue with the intake system o...

    Symptoms
    • •Hissing sound when accelerating
    • •Possible loss of power during acceleration
    • +{count} more
  4. how to fix my BMW X5 F15 (2014-2019) if the power mirrors aren’t working?

    ## Problem Statement The power mirrors on a 2014-2019 BMW X5 (F15) are not functioning, preventing adjustment of the mirror positions.

    Symptoms
    • •Power mirror switch does not respond when pressed
    • •Mirrors do not move in any direction
    • +{count} more
  5. why is my BMW X5 F15 (2014-2019) leaking transmission fluid

    ## Problem Statement The BMW X5 F15 (2014-2019) is experiencing a leak of transmission fluid, which may lead to transmission performance issues if not...

    Symptoms
    • •Transmission fluid puddles under the vehicle
    • •Low transmission fluid warning light illuminated
    • +{count} more
  6. why is my BMW X5 F15 (2014-2019) making a knocking noise

    ## Problem Statement The BMW X5 F15 (2014-2019) is producing a knocking noise, which may indicate an underlying mechanical issue that requires further...

    Symptoms
    • •Knocking sound when accelerating or decelerating
    • •Noise present during idling
    • +{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