[A.P]

Hi Guys,

Does anyone have or had a similar experience.
I've owned my m3 for nearly 8 weeks from new. I can't help but notice when the car is at running temp or nice and hot it starts to smell (on the outside) of burning metal? Like you walked into an ironmongery and matys just stopped slicing thru some steel.
I read it could be the cat converter but it smells as if it will just combust any second now...

Anyone have an actual idea?

[nearwater4me]

Hmm, it's normal to have a hint of burning smell on new cars... but if anything smells abnormal, don't hesitate to bring it in to the dealer!
Have you popped the hood to see if there's anything smoking?

[astroricardo]

As mentioned, if there's any doubt feel free to take it to get looked at. I have noticed that when I drive mine a little hard in Sport Plus/Sport modes that the fan runs for longer (it got hotter). I also smell burnt tires, even though I didn't hear anything. Probably shifting hard enough to burn out a little. You didn't say how many miles you have, but I only have around 500. If your mileage is still relatively low, you may still be burning off from the manufacturing process.

[G80indy]

In general it is advisable with modern BMWs that after a hot run to open the hood in your garage and let that heat out. When that heat is trapped it hurts the plastic.
Also new cars often smell like burning off of the paint, but this sounds a little more extreme.
Keep in mind there are two turbos in there under a lot of that plastic, and heat rises. Vent it after a hot run !

[A.P]

Thanks all, mileage is 1320 now, gone over the running miles by 70...oops, its going in for the running service in a couple of days, will ask them to take a look.
Edit: I decided to take it in this morning and ask one of the engineers to add the issue to my booking. The engineer mentioned in the 1st few thousand miles the cat will be hotter than normal can go hotter than 1000° hence the smelters yard smell.
They will however check it on the day it comes in. Will update if there's something they do find...

[Macnachos]

Older thread but wanted to add. I have a 2024 m3. I’ve noticed mine does too after a hard drive. Roughly 2800 miles. But it’s more a burning rubber and brake smell so it could be different than your smell.

Either way I’ve noticed this car runs way hotter than my last couple bmws. I leave my garage door open for a bit so it cools better or it heats my whole house lol.