Faint Fuel Smell

[cavalry13]

Hi all, this is my first post on the forums but I must say from what I've read your all very knowledgeable. Now on to my issue, as of late I get a faint smell of fuel while outside the vehicle, it’s not all the time, but its still there. I’ve looked underneath the vehicle and have seen no signs of a leak. Any ideas or suggestions? I should also note that the car is running normally, there is no performance issues or problems starting. Oh, and this is on a 1993 BMW 325is, I'll post pictures of it as soon as I can.

Thanks,

Scott

[witeshark]

Does this happen after topping off a fuel fill up? If so it's likely the fuel expanded some and the overflow relief let a bit out.

[nick_318is]

When I drive hard after a fill up I often get leaking from the gas cap area, don't smoke near it and you should be okay.

[denyo77]

I have had that gas smell for the last couple weeks on my E30, too...
mixed with another weird smell (I bolted on a new exhaust a couple months ago and painted it, so for a while it should stink b/c of the paint burning in, but it keeps smelling like burnt paint even now, 2 1/2 months later.)

[3050rpm]

I think it'd be worthwhile to get the car up on a lift and then trace the fuel lines back as best as you can, noting particularly the connection with the fuel tank, where corrosion can set in. You might have a barely perceptible leak that evaporates before it hits the ground, but leaves a scent nonetheless. Similarly, see what you can see of the filler neck from underneath, if it has a crack or tear. If you start smelling something inside, then it might be the gasket around the fuel pump, located under the rear seat. One other thought, the fuel filter...

[mullethunter3]

Look underneath the vehicle when the car is running. That would be the only time you would see a liquid fuel leak. Trust me, I know. My car hasn't been running for three weeks because of fuel issues.