AudiA5guy

I just got my brand new 2011 A5 last week. I really like it, but ever since I got it, I noticed a burning odor coming out from the exhaust. The odor got so bad that I decided to bring in the car to the service department today. They told me the burn smell is from the coating on the exhaust system and I just need to put some mileage on the car to burn it off. I have ~200 miles on it now.
I am not sure if that makes sense. This is the 3rd new Audi I had in the last 5 years; I have been leasing a new Audi every 2~3 years, and I had never experienced this issue.

Any suggestions?

AudisticS5

200 miles is still nothing. it's not just the exhaust.. everything is new. this is what the whole break-in process is all about. Just enjoy the car!

IAS5

does it smell like sulfur?

AudiA5guy

I am not too sure. I think it's more of a burned plastic smell.

IAS5

if it does not go away shortly, I'd have it checked. and have the technician show you exactly what he means. That does not sound right.

fred44nl

I don;t think a new car should smell strongly after burning plastic.
of course the engine and especially the exhaust will produce some smell.
so, get it on a lifting-brigde and inspect the underside.
and inspect the engine-bay while the engine is hot.

MonzaA5

That's normal for a new car.

fred44nl

mine just smelled like a new car, not like burning plastic.

IAS5

burning plastic smell is not.

MonzaA5

Every brand new car I've ever driven had a "burning plastic" smell (to varying degrees). I put "burning plastic" in quotes because it's not actually the plastic that's burning but rather some sort of a chemical substance(s) that new cars are treated with.

Keep in in mind that everyone's olfaction is different. What smells like "burning plastic" to one person may appear as a "new car smell" to another.