Running Rich

[Compact Missile]

My car is a 1995 318ti sport (EURO model).

Reversing up to my garage, I noticed a rotten egg smell coming out of the tailpipe of my beemer. To me, this, combined with the abysmal fuel consumption I'd been suffering recently, would point to overfuelling. This car has 1 Lambda (Oxygen) sensor before the cat. After a fairly long stretch of road, and after allowing my Yellow Beemer to cool down, I removed the Oxygen sensor, which was sooty. I think such a sensor being sooty shows it's faulty, as fuelling would be adjusted according to this sensor. Right? You think it's time to replace the sensor? or could it be other things spoiling my Ultimate Driving Machine. Car has covered 60000miles now! ANyone had a similar experience?

[J!m]

60K miles seems a bit low for a cat to go bad, but I wouldn't rule that out.

The O2 sensor is an easier repair, so it makes sense to try that first.

Also check the MAS, as it could be faulty.

Any of the above faults should signal a CEL for you. If not, I'm a bit stumped, and the dealer should probably be involved...

[Compact Missile]

I'm not suspecting the cat but the o2 sensor. CEL did not come up! I know i shouldn't have, but i cleaned it out with carb cleaner and reinstalled it. It seems to run alot better! I'd do anything to avoid involving the dealer (read dealer!). I think I'll try a new one and see what happens.

[stormos]

might be wise if i change mine then as the car stinks of fuel

[Compact Missile]

Could be loads of things. The exhaust stinks of fuel? Does your car still have a cat, or did it like get lost on the motorway? lol

[stormos]

got a cat and a magnex system. never used to smell of fuel at the back of the car but now it does

[Compact Missile]

With a functioning cat installed, you'd get a "rotten egg" smell when running rich. I'd remove the rear seat, open the two black panels underneath and check for any fuel stains around the fuel pump, sender unit and other fuel lines first. It's worth a try, I think.

[stormos]

sod that. i don't pay for fuel so i ain't going to worry. will wait for the next service