A/C smells like crap!

7thgen · 07-06-2013, 01:02 PM

Hi Guys,

New to forum, just picked up a used 328i, got the car in the winter didn't realize the air smelt like crap. I already tried spraying Lysol, which didnt work, smell came back on a hot day. I think my other option is to clean the a/c?

Thanks

Lucid Moment · 07-06-2013, 01:07 PM

Change your cabin filter.

jonmaceng · 07-06-2013, 02:30 PM

http://www.bmwtoronto.ca/special-offers/air-conditioning-service

MrDit · 07-06-2013, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucid Moment

Change your cabin filter.

Mine was not smelling too well for about the first 10 seconds, had them change the cabin filter, problem is now gone.

crunchy_frog · 07-06-2013, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7thgen

Hi Guys,

New to forum, just picked up a used 328i, got the car in the winter didn't realize the air smelt like crap. I already tried spraying Lysol, which didnt work, smell came back on a hot day. I think my other option is to clean the a/c?

Thanks

i've had good success with this
http://www.wisdomdetail.ca/1z_einsze...oner_treatment

doogee · 07-09-2013, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crunchy_frog

i've had good success with this
http://www.wisdomdetail.ca/1z_einsze...oner_treatment

That stuff is awesome.

The dealer uses a similar product.

Shoooter_j · 07-09-2013, 07:48 PM

Agreed with the posts above on the cabin air filter. Recently had this and changed mine a week ago...problem solved.

Got mine from autopartsway.ca

First Aid Kid · 07-09-2013, 09:33 PM

is the cabin filter covered by warranty?

wdeerfield · 07-11-2013, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by First Aid

is the cabin filter covered by warranty?

only maintenance plan

woodpecka · 07-11-2013, 09:42 PM

Try this product.

-close windows
-start your clim
-shoot this near the footwell
-let's run the clim 2-3 min
-wait some time
-redo if needed.

dassub · 07-11-2013, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crunchy_frog

i've had good success with this
http://www.wisdomdetail.ca/1z_einsze...oner_treatment

Anywhere I can buy this locally? Or for a good price + shipping online?

Just bought my yearly cabin air filter, but have been too lazy to do the 10 minute job yet.

N8N · 07-11-2013, 10:53 PM

I'd spray some lysol down into the HVAC box while you have the microfilter out as well just for insurance. In fact thank you for reminding me, I am going to be changing my microfilter housing (@#$% dealer techs) soon so I might as well wave a can around in there while it's off for insurance.

dassub · 07-17-2013, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dassub

Anywhere I can buy this locally? Or for a good price + shipping online?

Just bought my yearly cabin air filter, but have been too lazy to do the 10 minute job yet.

I just bought Klima Cleaner and it arrived today at my door.
Looking forward to using it, as my cabin air filter change didn't get rid of the musty smell.

Volasko · 07-17-2013, 01:11 PM

I have read (and now follow) that if you shut off your AC a few mins before you park it allows the evaporator coil a chance to dry off. When your AC is running you are stripping out the moisture in the air as condensation which forms directly on the coil. If you shut off the car before drying off the coil you risk the chance of growing bacteria (mold) due to the extra water. I used to complain about a similar smell and since following these steps I haven't smelled anything since.

Worth a shot.

rogers08m3 · 07-17-2013, 10:03 PM

^^^ he has it. It can help to decon the ac system but mostly its from mildew on the condenser. Turn off ac 2 min before home and max the fan speed, it'll dry it out, no more smell.

Briancanadiano · 07-20-2013, 02:28 PM

Cabin filter! Do t do it at dealer they'll charge you an arm and a leg. Order it off getbmwparts and get an independent to do it.

stormtrooper7 · 08-01-2013, 02:55 PM

I have a nasty old smell as well. I've changed the cabin air filter and it's still there. Not too sure if it's the vents or upholstery.

I'm kind of leary of trying the Lysol method so waiting to hear the results of the Klima Fresh and/or where to get it locally.

dassub · 08-05-2013, 07:37 PM

Just used Klima Cleaner today and was easily able to get the tube down deep into the center vent. Let it sit for half an hour, then left the ac on full blast for a few mins.
The air came out smelling like citrus, but other reviews say that will go away and then the air will be clean.

notnow · 08-07-2013, 03:27 AM

My A/C started smelling like crap after the dealership replaced my cabin filter, what could be the problem? If I run the A/C for like 10mins, the nasty smell will disappear until the next time I use it.

07-06-2013, 01:02 PM	#1
7thgen Registered 1 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 328i xdrive Join Date: May 2013 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	A/C smells like crap! Hi Guys, New to forum, just picked up a used 328i, got the car in the winter didn't realize the air smelt like crap. I already tried spraying Lysol, which didnt work, smell came back on a hot day. I think my other option is to clean the a/c? Thanks
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07-06-2013, 01:07 PM	#2
Lucid Moment First Lieutenant 24 Rep 394 Posts Drives: 911 turbo, E85 3.0 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Texas iTrader: (17)	Change your cabin filter.
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07-06-2013, 02:30 PM	#3
jonmaceng Second Lieutenant 18 Rep 216 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 335i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Mississauga iTrader: (0)	http://www.bmwtoronto.ca/special-offers/air-conditioning-service
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07-09-2013, 07:48 PM	#7
Shoooter_j Second Lieutenant 153 Rep 260 Posts Drives: 07 e92 335 Join Date: May 2013 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Agreed with the posts above on the cabin air filter. Recently had this and changed mine a week ago...problem solved. Got mine from autopartsway.ca
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07-09-2013, 09:33 PM	#8
First Aid Kid BMUU 9 Rep 119 Posts Drives: 16 M235 x-drive Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 335i x-drive [0.00]	is the cabin filter covered by warranty? __________________ 2016 M235i x-drive \| Estoril Blue \| M Performance Exhaust \| Carbon Fiber Spoiler SOLD - 2009 E90 335i x-drive \| Alpine White \| JB4 \| Alpina B3 Flash \| BMS DCI \| BMS OCC \| M3 Spoiler \| Monte Carlo Blue Caliper \| M Pedals \| Cyba Air Scoop
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07-11-2013, 09:42 PM	#10
woodpecka Major 75 Rep 1,026 Posts Drives: E91 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Montreal iTrader: (2)	Try this product. -close windows -start your clim -shoot this near the footwell -let's run the clim 2-3 min -wait some time -redo if needed.
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07-11-2013, 10:53 PM	#12
N8N Lieutenant Colonel 179 Rep 1,843 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 335i 6MT Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Berwyn Heights, MD iTrader: (2)	I'd spray some lysol down into the HVAC box while you have the microfilter out as well just for insurance. In fact thank you for reminding me, I am going to be changing my microfilter housing (@#$% dealer techs) soon so I might as well wave a can around in there while it's off for insurance.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-17-2013, 01:11 PM	#14
Volasko Colonel 730 Rep 2,610 Posts Drives: 06 330i E90, 18 530xe G30 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (2) Garage List 2018 BMW 530e M Sport [9.00] 2006 BMW E90 330i [8.28]	I have read (and now follow) that if you shut off your AC a few mins before you park it allows the evaporator coil a chance to dry off. When your AC is running you are stripping out the moisture in the air as condensation which forms directly on the coil. If you shut off the car before drying off the coil you risk the chance of growing bacteria (mold) due to the extra water. I used to complain about a similar smell and since following these steps I haven't smelled anything since. Worth a shot.
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07-17-2013, 10:03 PM	#15
rogers08m3 Private 3 Rep 75 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW M3 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Caledon, ON iTrader: (0)	^^^ he has it. It can help to decon the ac system but mostly its from mildew on the condenser. Turn off ac 2 min before home and max the fan speed, it'll dry it out, no more smell.
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07-20-2013, 02:28 PM	#16
Briancanadiano Brian335tt 102 Rep 1,227 Posts Drives: BMW 335i premium package 19"ri Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Toronto iTrader: (3)	Cabin filter! Do t do it at dealer they'll charge you an arm and a leg. Order it off getbmwparts and get an independent to do it.
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08-01-2013, 02:55 PM	#17
stormtrooper7 Private First Class 16 Rep 154 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Winnipeg, CANADA iTrader: (0)	I have a nasty old smell as well. I've changed the cabin air filter and it's still there. Not too sure if it's the vents or upholstery. I'm kind of leary of trying the Lysol method so waiting to hear the results of the Klima Fresh and/or where to get it locally.
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08-05-2013, 07:37 PM	#18
dassub Captain 65 Rep 965 Posts Drives: '14 328xi sport line Join Date: May 2009 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1) Garage List 1981 Fiat 124 Spider [0.00] 2014 F30 BMW 328xi [0.00] 2006 E90 BMW 325i ( ... [0.00] 1988 Audi 90 Quattr ... [0.00]	Just used Klima Cleaner today and was easily able to get the tube down deep into the center vent. Let it sit for half an hour, then left the ac on full blast for a few mins. The air came out smelling like citrus, but other reviews say that will go away and then the air will be clean.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-07-2013, 03:27 AM	#19
notnow Bit by Modbug 255 Rep 1,109 Posts Drives: F86 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: CANADA iTrader: (9)	My A/C started smelling like crap after the dealership replaced my cabin filter, what could be the problem? If I run the A/C for like 10mins, the nasty smell will disappear until the next time I use it.
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