Hi everybody, new MCS 2013 pepper white owner here!

In the last week or so I noticed that there is some kind of burning smell coming from the air vents when heat is on and only when staying stationary (waiting at stop lights and etc). The smell seems to disappear if I turn on auto which enables the AC flow.

I do remember the dealership telling me that it is best to always turn on Auto even though it is winter. After smelling the opening of the bonnet, I realize that it is a similar smell.

I'm wondering if weather has anything to do with it since winter has arrived. Just want to know your thoughts before turning to my dealership.

Thanks in advance!
- Karen

 

Did you happen to be driving it harder before that and it was warm? A newer car would be burning off normal things.

 

Is this a manual or automatic trans?

 

It's automatic and just reached a bit over 3000km. I wouldn't say I particularly drove it harder now as compared to before.

Is the engine fan also dependent on the weather? Because I don't hear it as much when I turn off the ignition now days compared to the summer times.

Thanks for the replies!

 

Curiously enough I have a 07 with 70k miles it does the same thing and stops when I hit recirculation.

If the auto climate control is similar to the first gen. It means that it is enabling recirculating automatically when it is on automatic. Maybe you just need a new outer cabin air filter.

Sent from Phone

 

We have more than one cabin filter?

 

In a matter of speaking. It's near the battery I believe. It's a new engine so the burning fumes or smell is likely passing through that filter when it's drawing in air from outside. I'm not completely sure how it's tied into the system. As I've never replaced it before, it's some what of pain because the shroud has to be removed to get to it.

 

Hmm. Do you mean the shroud at the base of the windshield? I would be interested to hear more about this since I' m gonna be replacing the drivers side shroud because of a broken locking tab. If so, it would be nice to change both at the same time. I'm new to minis and have a lot to learn.

 

Correct. It's not difficult to remove just a pain.

 

I just purchased a 2011 MCS a week ago and I notice the same burning smell coming out from the vents when in HEAT mode even with AUTO set. I don't smell the same burning smell in the hood area. I've been trying to trace down what that smell is coming from but have not had any luck.

 

Ive noticed an exhaust/ burning smell in mine. Its only when I stop and its intermittent. I haven't investigated too much into it.

 

Does anyone here have an update to this issue? I'm still experiencing the burning smell through my air vent when car is at a stop with the heater on. Turning on RECIRC mode seems to eliminate the burning smell. I checked the VCG area and do not see any oil leak there whatsoever. Just at a lost what else could be causing this. Thanks.