I bought a 2008 350z new about a week ago. My wife and I have noticed a burning plastic smell that comes and goes. The dealer missed a few things during prep (plastic still on the pedals, recovery ring grill cover missing). So I wouldn't be surprised if they missed a plastic "remove before flight" thingie. It's scheduled to go back to the dealer on wednesday where I'll ask about it. Any other ideas?

brian

 

some of that stuff the dealerships leave on the cars till the customer pick up because it keeps scraches and stuff off. As for the smell it could be some cleaners and stuff burning off the engine bay.

 

I wouldn't be concerned unless it keeps happening after a month or so. The car has a lot of "curing" to go through during it's first couple of months of driving.

 

i had this smell a couple of days ago in my 08 ppw. It went away for me so it shouldn't be a big deal. If the smell doesn't go away though, have someone look at it cuz u could be burning some plastic somewhere

 

Check under your car, I had this prob. and realize a plastic bag was stuck to my cat. converter, thus the burning plastic smell.
-j

 

That's funny. I just noticed this on my 03. I noticed I had some burning plastic smell occasionally. I wasn't sure what the heck was going on but I am certain when I smell it, it's most likely from something burning. I did not think about it but a plastic bag that may have gotten stuck under the car is a good reason for it. It wasn't major, but it would occasionally appear when I was stopped and idling for a few seconds.

 

burning smells seem normal on the Z, ( now use common sense this does not include smoke comming from your engine bay)

 

+1

They usually detail the car before pickup and that smell is prob just ArmorAll burning off the plastic and rubber pieces in your engine compartment.