I picked up my new 05 G35x on Friday 6/17 from the dealership. While driving home I could smell something burning, it was a strong smell of burning plastic or rubber. I pulled to the side checked the engine and everything looked fine. The smell was strong near the rear of the car.

I called my dealership and talked to the salesman who sold me the car and he said that it is normal for the first 3 days, he said that they put some chemicals on the engine and it is probably burning off.

The next day morning went on a long trip and put about 700miles in 2 days. Still get the burning rubber smell and sometimes it is very strong. What is weird is that it has been 700 miles and i still get the strong smell.

Please help, did you ever get this smell.

I have been doing 80-85 on the average during the long trip. Is this speed too high for Break-in period. The revs were in the range of 3000 - 4000.
I have hit 6000 couple of times and 5000 few times.
Is this bad for the engine. Please post your suggestions.

I am really concerned that I have hurt my engine.

 

maybe you ran over a plastic bag and it got caught on your exhaust pipes...?? I know that happened to me on a few occasions on the freeway. I ran over a plastic bag...and nothing came out from behind my car. Then I had that burning plastic smell for like 3-4 days.

 

1) Burning smell will last about a week. I think it is some coating they spray in the engine bay to protect against corrosion during the oversea voyage.
2) Going to 5 or 6k during break-in period is not advised, but your engine is still OK. just don't do it again.
3) Did your dealer tell you how to break the car in? It is described in the manual too, which you should read through. You should vary the RPM's and not stay at a constant RPM.

 

My car used to smell like new exhaust gaskets burning while I was breaking in the
car but not rubber/plastic smell. As above, I think you went over a plastic bag and
it stuck to your exhaust. it's pretty common.

 

I've had the plastic bag incident myself. Check for that.

 

My car has about 2,500 miles now, and I still get that smell only from the right of the car. I thought it was brakes/tires, but it happens even when I'm not pushing the car. It seems like it happens more/stronger after the installation of my lowering springs. Any ideas?

 

I checked and did not see any plastic bag stuck to my exhaust. I get the smell even when I am not driving hard. It is very strong sometimes and couple of times I never noticed it.
It is a very distinct rubber/plastic burning smell for sure.

 

i had this smell up until around 10-11k miles...ive also read on the boards about a burning plasticy smell. it has since gone away but there are many members who have experienced this smell...