Took delivery of my MK4 last week. 

Love it so far, but have one concern. 

I can't help but notice after driving it, there's an unusual smell coming from it. Almost smells like burning? Maybe I'm going mad or paranoid. 

 

I lifted the hood and can definitely get something. I notice the engine cover is almost too hot to put my hand on and the oil temp seems to be around 94c going off the digital dash. 

 

Car has about 120km on it, it's been getting short drives so could it be the DPF? I did notice after work today the fans were running like mad so I said oh there's a regeneration, that's nice. I never had to notice the smell on my two previous new tdis because I was doing insane milage back then...

 

I read somewhere it could be some coatings etc that may just be burning off excess from the manufacturing?

 

Am I going crazy? 😂 I waited so long I don't want there to be an issue 

 

 

 

 

Edited 25 August, 20223 yr by Adaminski

It's actually normal at the very beginning. Some parts are coming to the factory protected by some kind of oil. At the very beginning this oil is getting "burned" out and that's the smell.

It should go away in some time.

Had exactly same thing in my previous Leon and Ateca (both petrol).

Was the same on my TSI when it was new.

I also have a TDI, could not say I noticed any burning smell. If in doubt get it checked out. They may decide to remove engine cover like other members have said. Better to be safe than sorry.

8 minutes ago, phh683 said:

I also have a TDI, could not say I noticed any burning smell. If in doubt get it checked out. They may decide to remove engine cover like other members have said. Better to be safe than sorry.

As far as I know TDI engines are not included in the engine cover recall.

i got my tdi 27 july and i have done 1200 miles in it.after a longer run i can smell a burning smell but to me this is normal in a new car.my past tdi cars had the same smell but it is getting less and less.yes the regen smell can be a bit strong if you stop the car when the engine is doing regen.if in doubt call into dealer and ask them.good luck