When I jump on my '94 E420, I get a smell that I can only describe as an "oil refinery smell". Not really strong, but there. Anyone know what this is? Concerns? Fixes? Thanks.

Hopefully not what I had -- an evaporator leak which was first manifested by a funny smell inside the cabin, followed by a cloud of oily air coming from the AC vents, followed by AC oil dripping from the condensate drain, followed by $1800 migrating from my wallet to my independent mechanic . . .

Did you ever find out what that smell is? I have a similar smell in my 1986 420sel. Sometimes worse than others.

Not yet. I have some form of climate control (a/c or vent) on at all times. I don't smell it when I'm driving--only when I stop at signals, etc. It's not overpowering, but it's there... Also, I recently had the oil changed; I don't recall smelling it before that...

I'm taking it by my shop this afternoon--let you know what's up

Looks like slight leak in valve cover gasket (repair=$100-150 parts/labor)

[This message has been edited by MitchLampson (edited 10-23-2000).]

[This message has been edited by MitchLampson (edited 10-23-2000).]