Distinctive smell

[Jay B.]

My car always appears to smell like hot coolant after driving especially in the trunk area. I have no leaks plus it even has a new coolant tank and cap. I know every car has its own smell but is this smell normal on these cars?

[njbray]

If there is a smell of coolant - then it must be leaking somewhere - it maybe a pinhole leak that can evaporate so it is often hard to find. I had the same on my X3 - after a few months had a hose replaced and smell stopped. Good luck.

[911monty]

Check the insulation under the trunk liner. If it has been soaked in coolant from a previous leak it can smell for some time.

[nicecar]

Bleeder valve open?

[LEJ]

If your car is a 2000 model year and you haven't changed the coolant tank, it's leaking. especially since you live in Gilbert AZ, (HOT WEATHER) Look under the car and you'll probably see white crusty stuff on the back right rear suspension. That's coolant. Even if it's not leaking now, it will leak in the near future. As explained to me, it may only be a hair line crack but as the tank heats up it turns into much larger opening. My 2001 was leaking ever so slightly and a leak, is a leak, regardless of the quantity. New coolant tank but still some coolant smell as it will take a long time before it goes away (mentioned above)

[rexcramer]

+1 on the bleeder valve leaking. Do you have the rev 4 cap? And do you have the slimy mist that builds up on the underside of the trunk lid?

[Jamesp]

A leaking heater core will intrduce coolant smell into the.cabin.