BMW 528I fuel smell problems

Filed Jul 29, 2026 · Fuel system · VA

Vehicle: 2016 BMW 528i xDrive (VIN: [XXX]) Safety Issue / Defect Description: Strong, hazardous raw gasoline fumes began entering the passenger cabin and trunk area. On XXX, the vehicle was brought to an authorized dealership (BMW of Sterling) for diagnostic evaluation. The dealership's technician conducted a multi-point inspection and produced video evidence documenting fluid leaking from the top of the plastic fuel tank. The dealership issued Repair Order Quote #$4,824.92 to "REPLACE FUEL TANK DUE TO FUEL LEAK" and declared the vehicle unsafe. Despite diagnosing a structural fuel tank leak that allows raw gasoline and fumes to migrate into the cabin—presenting an immediate fire, explosion, and toxic vapor risk—BMW of North America and the dealership have refused warranty coverage or goodwill assistance, claiming the tank is "not leaking actively enough" under Service Bulletin SI B01 03 22 (the federal safety agency ID: MC-10212779-9999). An uncontained raw fuel leak on a plastic fuel tank is a critical safety defect that requires immediate investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 7, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 90,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2014 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while driving 30-35 MPH, the inside of the cabin filled up with smoke and exhaust fumes. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over safely. The contact was able to continue driving to the residence and parked the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was related to the engine and engine cooling and electrical system. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Nov 1, 2024 · Fuel system · CA

The car smells like gas by the rear wheels. In speaking with other owners of this vehicle this is a defective flaw in the vehicle it is a known problem in this vehicle and there has been no recall. This is a serious concern as gasoline is highly flammable. I have had to spend thousands of dollars fixing problems with this car and I cannot afford to fix this issue. This is a major concern. Please advise a fix ASAP

Filed Dec 5, 2022 · Engine · 100,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he attempted to operate the heater and noticed a fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact then stated that smoke was coming from under the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that parts were not available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that he noticed a fuel odor throughout the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Apr 20, 2022 · Engine · 170,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528i. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a fuel odor began to emit from the vehicle without warning. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that a grayish smoke had emitted from the rear valve cover. The contact then had the had the vehicle towed to the dealer and was informed that the PCV valve was normal; however, the valve cover gasket was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Dec 8, 2020 · Fuel system · GA

Fuel smell in the driver side rear. The fuel pump leaks fuel.

Filed Mar 28, 2019 · Fuel system · CA

I notice my car taking longer to start with the push bottom then I notice a strong smell of gas while the AC started so I checked under the hood and the smell got stronger. So now I want to now why it's happening. Thankbuou

Filed Oct 14, 2017 · Fuel system · 93,000 miles · TX

When the car is running gasoline smell enters the car cabin. No visual leaks at engine but if air vent is not drawing fresh air no smell is evident. When turning the car off and exiting the vechile the fuel odor is present for short while.

Filed Jul 13, 2017 · Fuel system · 60,680 miles · NC

I was notified of recall number 16v746 by bmw in december of 2016. On 12/20/16 I attempted to get an appointment at my local bmw dealer to repair the fuel pump, but was told that parts were not available. I also talked with bmw na, but got the same answer. I called dealer again in february & march of 2017, but was told that parts would not be available until april 2017. Called dealer (bmw of asheville) on april 18th, still no parts. Called dealer on july 6 to report fuel vapors noticed when parking the car. Told they would "pursue the repair parts". On july 7th, I received an email from david reiff, service mngr at bmw of a who stated in the email: "mr. Therien, I will see what I can do to escalate this case. The fuel smell is not part of the recall part." on july 7th, I responded by email: "I don't understand how you could state that "the fuel smell is not part of the recall part." in a statement issued by bmw na (also on the federal safety agency's website) I quote: "this safety recall involves the in-tank fuel pump. The fuel pump connector may become damaged which may be noticed by fuel odor." my wife and I on numerous occasions have noticed the smell of fuel when parking this 528i. Please expedite this repair for the safety recall on this car. This has been a known problem by bmw since at least july of 2015. It has further been bmw's obligation pursuant to recall campaign no. 16v‑746 to repair this defect within a reasonable period of time. We are now at 9 months after the safety recall was issued & 7 months from my first request to complete this repair. This not a reasonable period of time. Unless this is resolved in a timely fashion, I will forward my notes, emails and letters to the federal safety agency in washington as a formal complaint. Apparently, bmw does not intend to do these repairs. Please help me to get this safety issue resolved with bmw. Thank you.

Filed Jul 28, 2016 · Fuel system · 61,800 miles · AZ

Strong gasoline odor was detected in our garage. Upon checking our classic automobile and ruling it out we then realized it was our 2008 bmw 528i with 61,800 original miles on it. The odor was both inside and outside the car. We had to remove the car from the garage where it normally parks near a gas water heater so as to avoid possible ignition within the confines of our garage. I then searched on the inter net : "why does my 2008 bmw 528i smell like gas all the sudden", to my surprise there were hundreds of posts within bimmer forums and otherwise regarding this very issue. What gave me pause is that in my situation as with many others, an engine and or emissions fault code was never sent to the main screen for the operator to identify and take it in for repairs. I called bmw north america and gave this information and asked if any recalls or bulletins were recorded and was told there weren't. I then called my local bmw dealership here in tucson, az. And was told by the service advisor there was in fact a note regarding the char coal canister being unable to process the gasoline fumes when outside temperatures reach or exceed 100-101 degrees farenheit. It has been in that range here now for the past few weeks. I now as of 28 july 2016 have my car in the bmw shop for repairs and what they found was the fuel sending unit is leaking through the top of the tank and a puddle of gas has formed. Again why no engine codes when a sealed system faults and leaks and a known issue like the char coal canister exists. My hope is that this agency investigates and issues a recall notice. I am going to be charged $700.00+ for an issue which is widely known of across the web and which my dealership found not all that unusual. Thank you.