Hi everyone,

I picked up my Z on Friday, and I'll be posting my full review shortly...I do have a quick question though. When I park the car after driving, it smells like something is burning. Does anybody else have this? I've never owned a brand new car before, so I'm assuming this is normal? I was guessing that the exhaust, undercoat, etc. burns off while the car is being broken in...that's what the smell is? Also, if this is the case, how long does it last? Please let me know if anyone else is getting this...it's worrying me a bit. Thanks!

 

Zmain...thanks! I've been stressing a little too much over this, even though I know it's fine. I was thinking it would be brakes, clutch, coatings, etc...all of those things. I thought to myself, damn, am I burning my clutch up or something...nah, I've been driving stick long enough to not do that! Anyway, I've been very careful with break-in, and I've definitely been taking it very easy! It is tough to keep from reving though...that shift light flashes, and I want to cry...just as the sound gets interesting! Thanks again.

 

Burning "cosmolene" smell is perfectly normal on a brand-spanking-new car, don't panic. Smoke, however, is a bad sign.

Josh

 

Mine has that "smell" as well.

 

I was told by the dealer that it is an "undercoating" that is normal for the first week. I definitely noticed it the first night, but after that I can't tell anymore. Whatever it is, this is normal, as the same thing happened on my new '98 Maxima.

 

Yes, mine stank really bad after the first few drives! Don't worry, this is normal: it burns off pretty soon. (My Mercedes also did that when new.) This is probably the ONLY time you'll be saying, "This car stinks!"

 

Had the same smell, especially the first couple of times I drove it. Glad to know its normal.