The thread might be dead by now, but oh well. I registered and am posting this comment in the hopes that someone, somewhere will read it and know the exhaust isn't the cause of the smell. I have a 2003 2wd LX CRV with an auto transmission and a 2.5 inch custom cat back ending at a Flowmaster 40 series muffler. I have the same smell. It's never happened before in the 30,000 miles I've owned it. 157,775 miles, blew through a mud puddle, and now it smells every time I start the car. Right rear wheel area. I'm guessing it's the bearing or the brakes. I'll figure it out later. Good day, all.