I have a 2009 LS460 with about 62K miles. I recently had brake work performed on the front (pads and rotors) and after leaving the delaership noticed a periodic burning smell. Like enigine oil might be on a component. The first time I noticed it was at stop light and I had the window down. Wasn't sure it was MY vehicle! Next time I noticed it, I was fairly sure it was emanating from my car so I stopped and checked the engine oil...(which showed no obvious problem) and I could no longer smell it...Yesterday when I pulled into the garage, I noticed it again...like a burning oil-type smell...but have no idea where it is originating...I have a visit scheduled today with dealer but would appreciate thoughts and also whether anyone else is experienceing same issue with their 2009 or similar build LS..

 

My guess would be greasy/oily hands on an exhaust component or brake component and it's just burning off. This used to happen when swapping turbos/manifolds/ etc on my old talons.

 

oh wow man!! i smell that in my car from time to time. I have a 09 with 65k miles and at first i thought it was a plastic bag that was stock on the exhaust, but i removed it about 10 days ago and i still smell it from time to time. it is as if it was burnt oil hitting a component or the car is leaking oil.

 

Its probably just a little spilled oil. I had a similar issue with mine when I first bought it but it smelled like coolant. My wise new Murano LE did the same thing . I had it checked by the dealer and they said all was well. After a month or so I stopped smelling it

 

You wanna really stink things up? Catch one of those damned plastic bags in your undercarriage and then let your exhaust system bake it for a while. Yuck!