28 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHAnybody know what that smell is?
Reported or suspected cause
same smell i get
Reported cause
No successful repair reported for this finding.
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Identified cause
0
Suspected cause
0
Reported fixes
Read evidence and context
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Discussions that report identifying a cause
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Reported cause
I realised it was the same smell I get from the muffler on my BMW K1200S motorcycle, the catilytic converter.
Leading evidence: 'same smell i get' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'same smell i get' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Check under the left rear' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Discussions that suspect a cause
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Suspected cause
It is more than likely the tire wear from the camber during normal driving, the reason the tires dont last much more than 10-12k miles
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
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Suggestion
Check under the left rear for any sign that coolant is dripping on the top of the exhaust system (then evaporating while driving).
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28 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
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Generation: 20261026T113718Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
Since acquiring our new to us 2000 911 Carerra Cabriotlet last Winter, we have often noticed that upon arriving back to our garage there is a slight smell like hot brakes. This is even after very light driving conditions where it would not seem likley to me that the brakes or the clutch would be the culprit. Any of you have any ideas what might be the most likley source?
These car usually have some sort of smell from the back when the car has been at operating temperature. You have the motor, headers, catalysts and mufflers all in a compact area and they create a lot of heat, this often leads to some strong smells, tires, oil, brakes, clutch, etc.
Nothing to worry about.
This may sound crazy, but I think a Porsche has a smell all it's on, particularly at operating temperature and especially the air cooled. I notice this much more at PCA events than say, NASA so I attribute it to these cars. I also notice it when I drive mine and really notice when I park it in the garage (and yes, the garage door IS open
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I know...my wife thinks I'm crazy too...
Man, I'm glad to read this post. I bought a 2001, C4 Cab in July with 18,000 miles. My first P-car so I'm aware of every little thing and with P's rep for high $$$ repairs I see dollar bills instead of sugar plums dancing in my head. Whenever I get out of the car after driving for a few miles or so I smell what I think is burnt rubber coming from the rear fenderwell. The car runs great, is great so I try to forget about it. So now I can really forget about it. Thanks for easing one more fear.
Worry if it's coolant or oil. Otherwise, don't. Consider this: On a normal car, the catalysts and mufflers can be feet away from the engine. Here, they're inches. And look behind your rear tire. See those? Those are your mufflers, naked to the world. Lots of heat back there, right where every bit of rubber dust and brake dust etc. can get cooked. All part of the charm.
Whenever I park my 996 in the garage, regardless of spirited driving or 'easy' driving there is a distinct Porsche smell that now makes sense after reding the previous posts, that I never really acknowledged before.
I am new to Porsche also, just got my 40th Anniversary in August. I too noticed that smell as did some of my friends. I realised it was the same smell I get from the muffler on my BMW K1200S motorcycle, the catilytic converter.
Yep, I have experienced exactly the same. However, I am glad for this post because on more than one occasion I have thought: Did I ride the clutch too hard? or Is that something burning in the exhaust?
No I realize it's just the smell of Happy P-car
That's an easy one... Air-cooled cars leak oil = oil residue on the hot engine (about 100 degrees hotter than the water cooled cars).
Baked oil residue = special Porsche smell!
2000 996? Check under the left rear for any sign that coolant is dripping on the top of the exhaust system (then evaporating while driving). It is not uncommon for the coolant reservoir to develop small cracks that leak only under pressure while running and they don't leak when the car is off.
If that is the case, R&R coolant bottle is about $400-500...
I think they call that the sweet smell of success. All kidding aside, my car has a similar smell after putting her away in the garage. I believe it's normal.
As far as I've seen (from all the other threads concerning this). If it's not the coolant issue and you can confirm it. It's ok. I've got the same smell after driving
I smelled it too when I bought my P little over 2 years ago (time flies when you have fun).....but I think I got used to it...now I only smell it after driving it a little hard.
