I've had this car ~6 months now and perpetually notice a burning smell after driving it. I guess I would say it smells like burned oil, but I haven't noted any leakage onto the ground or an appreciable loss by consumption. Any thoughts? Any common factors with these cars that I should examine that could potentially be the cause? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

Do you get a puff of smoke (can be minimal) on initial start up? If so, could be valve stem seals w/ a small leak sitting overnight. It basically leaks a drop or two in the combustion chamber and burns off quickly.

 

Check around the oil dipstick area. Sometimes oil residue can build up around this area and fall onto the exhaust manifold heat shields. The valve covers can leak too and the oil can fall on the same area.

 

Can't say I've noted any smoke from the drivers seat perspective. It's most prominent when I get out of the car after driving. For example, I take my kids to daycare in the morning, and, after that 15 minute drive, the smell is very noticeable.

 

There is a sticky about the "burning clutch" and sticking clutch pedal that discusses this problem. It has to do with dust in the fluid of your clutch hydrolics. i would say, check that thread for more info

 

Thanks. It absolutely doesn't smell like a clutch burning, however, I've owbed or driven everything from Ferrari, Lotus, Porsche, BMW, Vettes, Vipers, etc and I fell, quite frankly, like a third grader trying to work the clutch properly on this car. It took me 2 months to be able to drive away without bucking like a Bronco. I thought I was just rusty as my last car was an M3 with the "clutchless" SMG tranny, but it's definitely the car. Furthermore, I do find a slight sticking to the floor with the clutch, particularly when it's cold out. Furthermore, I returned back to the airport from a business trip last weekend to a car sitting in -12 degree weather. The clutch was so slow returning back up I had to assist it with my foot several times. Your link may have something to do with this. I'm going to investigate further.

 

I have the automatic and I have noticed this too. I've had cars that leaked oil before and the smell is the same it's just not as bad. I've checked all over and can't find any significant leaks or spills. I also haven't noted any smoke. I have read that the g35's do consume oil so I figured it was normal and I am waiting to see if the smell gets worse but so far it seems to be the same.