Hey,
How do you diagnose an intermitant burning oil smell inside on a 2001 S4?

I can't see any oil leaking, doesn't use any oil, and it's very random and sporadic.
Once in a while, I get a hint of a burning oil smell in the car while driving.

I just had the oil changed too.

 

DId you have the oil smell before you had the Oil change done??

 

its normal to smell some oil after the oil change cause if some got spilled somewhere it is just burning off i had the same issue when i first had my oil changed at valvoline ..bring it to someone who gives 2 ***** about your car..

 

check your cam and valve cover seals, see if they are leaking...

 

Also check the rear cam plugs on the back of the head, i just replaced two of them on mine after i already replaced the valve cover gaskets and cam adjuster seals and still had an oil burning smell.

 

Where would I look?

I thought valve covers, but didn't have the time to take the gazzilion covers covering the covers that hide the valve covers off.

 

prolly valve cover gaskets.. you can have a small leak and once it hits the hot pan it gives you the burning oil smell

 

Is it bad to just ignore the smell if it doesn't happen all that often? I just had some of the seals changed when the timing belt service was done maybe 10k miles ago. I just noticed the smell when I started using the heater for winter time. Only happens every-once-in-a-while.

 

i have the SAME exact problem, ittermittant burning smell when i use the heater,i still havent figured it out. i just need to find time and a garage to pull everything out and investigate, if you figure it out let me know hah.

 

Yea, I have the same problem with my 2000 audi. Everytime I use my heater I could smell that burning smell from my vents. I popped my hood last night and you really smell that stuff. Anybody know what problem this is or should i still be driving? The smell was more like a burning rubber smell like a belt was wearing on something. First time its ever happened Please advise