BMW 8 Stalling and Fuel Odor: Vent System Alert

Hey there! I had almost identical issues with my 2019 BMW M5 last year. The symptoms you're describing match exactly what I experienced, check engine light, unusual stalling at idle, and that distinct fuel odor in the cabin. Turned out it was indeed the activated charcoal filter in the fuel tank ventilation system. I got it diagnosed at my garage, and they found the filter was completely clogged, preventing proper fuel tank ventilation. This wasn't a major repair, but it definitely needed immediate attention to prevent any potential fuel system damage. The fix involved replacing the activated charcoal filter and doing a recalibration of the fuel system. The whole job took about 2 hours. Since then, my car has been running perfectly, no more stalling, no warning lights, and most importantly, no fuel smell. Given your symptoms, I'd strongly suggest getting it checked soon. While it's not the most serious issue, it can lead to bigger problems if left unaddressed.

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience! That's really helpful and sounds exactly like what I'm dealing with. Just wondering, do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the whole repair? And has everything stayed smooth since the fix, or have you noticed any other quirks pop up? Would love to know what to expect cost-wise and if I should watch out for anything else.

Hey again! Happy to fill you in on the costs and how things have been running since. I paid exactly 275 € for the whole job, that covered both the new activated charcoal filter and the labor. Honestly, given how much better the car runs now, I'd say it was money well spent! The best part? Since getting it fixed last year, my M5 has been running like a dream. No more stalling, the fuel smell is completely gone, and the engine light hasn't shown its face again. It's such a relief when you get these things sorted properly, you know? I did have a bit of anxiety about potential related issues popping up afterward, but I can honestly say it's been smooth sailing. Just make sure you go to a decent mechanic who knows what they're doing with BMWs. Getting it fixed right the first time saves so much hassle in the long run. Take it from someone who's been exactly where you are, don't put this off. Once it's fixed, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner!

Thanks so much for all the details! I actually just got back from a mechanic yesterday and wanted to update you. Funny enough, my issue was slightly different, turned out to be a faulty fuel pressure sensor and some corroded wiring. The repair cost me a bit more, around 450€, but at least the problem's solved now. The mechanic I found was really thorough and took the time to explain everything. They even showed me the old parts and what went wrong. Such a different experience from my last mechanic! The car's running perfectly now, no more stalling, no weird smells, and that annoying check engine light is finally off. Really appreciate you sharing your experience. It gave me the push I needed to get it checked out right away instead of waiting around hoping it would fix itself. Sometimes you just need that reassurance from someone who's been through something similar, you know? Going to keep an eye on things for the next few weeks, but so far, everything's looking good. Thanks again for your help!