Fuel smell plus whine, could it be a fuel filter?

[Xproplayer]

Changed my fuel filter about 1.5 years ago to try and resolve an RPM dipping issue (which it didn't) And as of recently I've noticed a fuel smell in the car (doesn't seem like it outside) and an RPM based whine I can basically hear pretty clearly between 1k-2.5krpm. The whine happens when not moving and regardless of engine temperature, when I roll down the windows I do not hear it, only on the inside. Could this be due to a bad fuel filter causing a whine and maybe a fuel leak? I've never noticed a drop in range between driving the vehicles (as if it was dripping fuel when the car is off / locked / at rest)

Is this probably or should I be looking elsewhere?

[Timm]

That's probably the PCV valve - they whine when they tear:

http://www.meeknet.co.uk/E32/PCV/Index.htm

Other possibilities being the Fuel Pressure Regulator leaking - or just a general leak in the pipework....

[Xproplayer]

That's probably the PCV valve - they whine when they tear:

http://www.meeknet.co.uk/E32/PCV/Index.htm

Other possibilities being the Fuel Pressure Regulator leaking - or just a general leak in the pipework....

What does the whine sound like generally? My whine can only be heard when inside the vehicle and windows rolled up. Rolled down I can not hear, and when I open the hood and listen around I still can't hear it. The best way to describe it is it sounds like the fan within the climate control system (I've turned it off to confirm thats not it), doesn't sound like a mechanical grinding or anything.

[Timm]

If the pitch of the noise rises and falls with engine RPM's then the second possibility is the gearbox - a sign that the filter and oil needs replacing.

[oldroller]

Another possibility is the fuel pump, under the rear passenger seat. If changed in the past the insulation may not have been reinstalled, or the seat not fully clipped.
Easy enough to check with someone else on the pedal.
You did eliminate the radio I assume?

[01740ISP]

If you have A/C on when you hear the whine, turn it off to rule it out otherwise proceed

-Messan

[Xproplayer]

If the pitch of the noise rises and falls with engine RPM's then the second possibility is the gearbox - a sign that the filter and oil needs replacing.

Had this before actually, I swapped the OEM fluid at a shop that didn't use OEM fluid, and had it changed maybe a year ago with OEM fluid + filter, doesnt sound like that, and that issue went away when warmed up, this one stays constant

Another possibility is the fuel pump, under the rear passenger seat. If changed in the past the insulation may not have been reinstalled, or the seat not fully clipped.
Easy enough to check with someone else on the pedal.
You did eliminate the radio I assume?

Fuel pump hasn't been serviced, and it does sound like the sound comes from the right front of the car, radio was checked :P

If you have A/C on when you hear the whine, turn it off to rule it out otherwise proceed

-Messan

A/C was turned off to confirm.