03 Z4 3.0i smell

[mwalt88]

Hi all,
I recently purchased a 2003 Z4 3.0i 6speed in imola red with around 45,000 miles. I'm looking for a bit of help with is a distinct smell coming from the car after being driven. The smell to me is almost like oil being burned. I don't smell it after every drive but when I do smell it the odor stinks up the whole garage.
I've been researching the forum and have checked what many say are the usual culprit. I've replaced the spark plugs since it is so old and didn't see any oil around or on the spark plug. No smoke is coming out from around the heat shield under the hood. I don't see any oil coming from under the oil filter housing. I changed the oil and don't notice the car using any oil.
I also got down on my hands and knees and smelled around the tires and exhaust in case there may be a plastic bag caught in these areas and didn't find anything. Fluid levels are spot on and I don't slip or dump the clutch. Any ideas on the smell?
Thanks in advance for any help!

[RJ237]

A small amount of oil leaking from the cam cover onto the exhaust manifold is often the culprit.

[Muzz258]

The usual culprit is a leaking valve cover gasket dribbling down onto the exhaust manifold. Use a mirror to have a good look at the manifold to see any evidence of oil burning on it.

[mwalt88]

Thanks guys for the diagnosis. I thought for sure I had looked all over and found an issue that wasn't the infamous valve cover gasket leaking. But sure enough I took my endoscope and really looked around and where the valve cover would leak where it slants down and I could see run marks going down that shield over the manifold. Hate to bother you guys with an old issue that's been covered many times. Guess I'll grab that gasket this week and get to work this weekend.

[jman1975]

The usual culprit is a leaking valve cover gasket dribbling down onto the exhaust manifold. Use a mirror to have a good look at the manifold to see any evidence of oil burning on it.

yup, this was the source of my smell as well

sounds like another occurrance for the OP