E86 Fuel Smell

[rocky79]

Hello,

Did anyone experience fuel smell from his E85/6.
Mine is a 2007 E86. When I park inside the garage i started noticing a significant fuel smell.
I checked the engine, there is nothing there ( no smell), no fuel dripping.
The gas cap looks good ( the rubber still soft and no cracks)

The smell is stronger around the rear wheel well area near the tank. Before I start taking things apart I would like to see if this happened to anyone here and maybe can pinpoint where it might be.

Any ideas is highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[wdb]

I'm not aware of any particular issue on these cars but I'm not an expert -- just a longtime reader of the forum. First thing that I thought of was the evaporative canister though. Those can become saturated and fail.

Good luck and please keep us updated!

[rocky79]

Thanks for the reply. I might have to do a smoke test.

[Our03z4]

I've noticed a fuel smell in my garage as well but I just assumed it was my Omni. Interesting thought that it may be the Z.

[rocky79]

I took it to a Bimmer mechanic and he immediately told me it’s a leak around the fuel pump which will require a new fuel pump assembly.
He said that’s very common.
Failed plastic parts in critical locations cause so much pain and unneeded repair bills.

[rocky79]

Some shots of where the leak is. It turns out it sure was from the fuel pump housing. It’s mostly plastic parts and the location of the pump makes the repair $$$.
I got quoted 5 hours of repair time @$150 an hour.
Although it might be only a seal issue I have been told by multiple mechanic to change the pump and the filter at the same time.
Total parts is ~$ 650 ( Only OEM, no afftermarket option available)
Labor is $650.

A $1300 repair

[Our03z4]

For $650 in labor I wouldn't of messed with it myself. I don't think the price is too bad, glad you got it figured out!

[grannyknot]

Originally Posted by rocky79

It’s mostly plastic parts and the location of the pump makes the repair $$$.

They made getting to the fuel pump about as difficult as they possibly could.
I know that's a lot of money but the whole job in 5hrs, that's pretty good, big job.

[rocky79]

Thanks.

Yes, they did. it’s a compact car to begin with. Not much wiggle room.

Next step is replacing the oil pan seal, that’s another $$ repair.