what is the burning smell my car emits?

[dark325]

Hey guys, always been able to find my answers searching, but not so much with this..

I drive my 1988 325I auto vert 100 miles for work everyday and I notice people dont follow me very closely.. I stopped at a gas station and the wind carried the smell to my nose. Smells of burning something but I cannot tell what.. I know its not burning oil but it does leak a little. Something to do with auto trans? Doesn't seem like my brakes are sticking.

Any ideas guys? As much as I enjoy nobody tailgating me, I'd like to fix this

[jlevie]

If the engine leaks oil, the smell could that that of burning oil. At speed oil that seeps from the engine can get blown back onto the exhaust.

[davem]

ATF leaking on onto the hot exhaust?

[Eecen]

Maybe go pick up a package of these?