We own a 2001 Passat and we've been having problems with a burning smell when we turn on outside air and when you are standing next to the car after it has been turned off.  When the hood is lifited to investigate where the smell is coming from it isn't coming from under the hood, just somewhere around the car.  We thought that it might be spilled oil from an oil change, but this is becoming an intermitten problem this is going on two years now.  The VW mechanics amazingly can't smell anything when we bring it in to be service.  However, everyone else that rides in our car remarks about the burning rubber smell both inside and outside of the car.  We recently had to service the car because of an intermitten problem with the check engine light.  We spent around 1K just having them tell us this was a common problem and the sensor was to be replaced.  We regularly service the car for oil changes and warrenty checks/recalls.  To no avail, the burning smell coming from the car is a mystery.  If anyone has information on what could be causing this burning smell, please email us and let us know.  Feedback is most appreciated. 

Joanie and Bryan

bryan_ar@yahoo.com