Check Engine Light - Strong Exhaust Smell

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Dutch Buckhead - 21 Feb 2005 18:01 GMT

I have a 1994 325ic. My check engine light came on a few days ago and I
haven't had the opportunity to have the code read yet. Autozone doesn't have
the tool for pre-1996 cars. Anyway, ever since the light came on I have
noticed a much stronger than normal exhaust smell when I stop and get out of
the car. This is especially true when I pull into my garage.

Can anyone speculate as to what the problem might be? I have not noticed a
difference in the performance of the car. Thanks in advance.

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tech27 - 21 Feb 2005 19:16 GMT

>I have a 1994 325ic. My check engine light came on a few days ago and I
>haven't had the opportunity to have the code read yet. Autozone doesn't
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> Can anyone speculate as to what the problem might be? I have not noticed a
> difference in the performance of the car. Thanks in advance.

You'll have to get the code out. Sounds like an engine management problem.
With those symptoms you are probably looking at a timing/advance problem or
fuel mixture. Strong smell of "gas" in the exhaust would point to an overly
rich mix. Curios why you don't notice a performance difference. How about
mileage? Has it dropped?

Good luck

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Dutch Buckhead - 21 Feb 2005 20:31 GMT

> >I have a 1994 325ic. My check engine light came on a few days ago and I
> >haven't had the opportunity to have the code read yet. Autozone doesn't
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
> Good luck

Thanks for the reply. After multiple attempts I was finally able to get it
to flash me a code of 1221. Looks like that is the oxygen sensor #1.

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