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      05-18-2016, 12:19 PM   #1
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Moldy AC Remedy - it STINKS!!!!!

Hi All,

My AC STINKS. Smells like dirty gym socks and cheese.

I've searched the boards and it seems that the only remedy for getting rid of that moldy AC smell when the car starts up is to clean the evaporator core and or run the heater before turning off the car.

I've had this issue with many cars but it's been especially bad with the M235i. I'm not sure if it's because it's seldomly driven or because it's been parked outside.

Either way, I'm looking for help on getting to the evaporator coil. Or...if you've any other remedies.

Below is the product that was suggested on the E90 board:

http://www.amazon.com/einszett-96110..._1463591351826

Thanks for your help guys!
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      05-18-2016, 12:34 PM   #2
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Did you replace the filter? If so, does it still smell? I've noticed mine began starting to blow smelly air right before the AC kicks on. The evaporator cleaner you mentioned might help. Thanks for suggestion! I'll see what I can find and post it later.
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      05-18-2016, 12:41 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1LegitM235i View Post
Did you replace the filter? If so, does it still smell? I've noticed mine began starting to blow smelly air right before the AC kicks on. The evaporator cleaner you mentioned might help. Thanks for suggestion! I'll see what I can find and post it later.
Yeah, the carbon filter was supposedly replaced in December... But I might just buy one and replace it again.

Where is it located in the m235?

Thanks!
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      05-18-2016, 12:42 PM   #4
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I thought this article was interesting
http://www.underhoodservice.com/gm-e...itioning-odor/

What I do during humid temperatures is when I'm out and have a lot of engine heat. I run the heater on high and blower on high and change the air flow distribution through its different settings for ten or fifteen minutes. Seems to burn out any growth that is odor causing.
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      05-18-2016, 12:45 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottSinger View Post
I thought this article was interesting
http://www.underhoodservice.com/gm-e...itioning-odor/

What I do during humid temperatures is when I'm out and have a lot of engine heat. I run the heater on high and blower on high and change the air flow distribution through its different settings for ten or fifteen minutes. Seems to burn out any growth that is odor causing.
Cool tip. I'll try this too!
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      05-19-2016, 11:25 AM   #6
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Guys, is the cabin filter located in the blower motor assembly? If so, is the blower motor located under the passenger side dash/footwell?

I searched all over but couldn't find a DIY.
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      05-19-2016, 11:34 AM   #7
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I have an Infiniti and a Mazda that has this same problem. Had the dealer service to both of the cars and it came back. The best longer term solution was to get a can of Lysol (make sure it is the disinfectant type). Start the car and turn on the A/C (make sure the air is being pulled from the outside, not recirculating). From outside the car (with the windows up) spay Lysol into the area that is pulling the air. This should be below the windshield wiper. Spray for about 3 minutes. Let the air circulate for a while. Turn the car off and replace the cabin air filter. Repeat the process of spraying Lysol one more time. PS - choose a fragrance you like, because the fragrance will linger for a while.
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      05-20-2016, 12:05 AM   #8
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hey everyone.
We see this issue from time to time here at the dealership.
Mainly from vehicles that have been sitting on the lot for a while and have had some damp weather followed by some hot/humid weather.

I will half to find the exact name and possibly part number of the product we use at the dealer to help fix this concern(just cant remember the name of the product for the life of me right now)

Basically it has a high pressure Aerosol Can cleaner where the tab locks. You Place the can on the passenger foot well where the blower intake is. Have the vehicle running, blowing through main vents and MANUAL RECIRC ON with the A/C system running.
Once then u open the passenger door, Place the can on the floor then Hit the button so that it locks into place... And close the door right away and let ur vehicle run for 15-20 mins or so.

U do not want to breath this chemical stuff in as it isnt the best thing for your lungs lol.
Once the time has passed and the Can is empty, What i like to do is roll all the windows/sunroof down and take the car for a quick rip onto the highway just for 5 mins or so, to help blow some of the chemical smell out, just so its not super strong.

What this product does is help burn/kill any kind of mold or stuff clinging to the evaporator. Works great for pretty much all our customers with this exact complaint.

Like i said I will try to post the Product with a picture and and part number tomorrow once at work. Just cant think of the name of it right now. Sorry
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      05-20-2016, 12:08 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Taunto View Post
hey everyone.
We see this issue from time to time here at the dealership.
Mainly from vehicles that have been sitting on the lot for a while and have had some damp weather followed by some hot/humid weather.

I will half to find the exact name and possibly part number of the product we use at the dealer to help fix this concern(just cant remember the name of the product for the life of me right now)

Basically it has a high pressure Aerosol Can cleaner where the tab locks. You Place the can on the passenger foot well where the blower intake is. Have the vehicle running, blowing through main vents and MANUAL RECIRC ON with the A/C system running.
Once then u open the passenger door, Place the can on the floor then Hit the button so that it locks into place... And close the door right away and let ur vehicle run for 15-20 mins or so.

U do not want to breath this chemical stuff in as it isnt the best thing for your lungs lol.
Once the time has passed and the Can is empty, What i like to do is roll all the windows/sunroof down and take the car for a quick rip onto the highway just for 5 mins or so, to help blow some of the chemical smell out, just so its not super strong.

What this product does is help burn/kill any kind of mold or stuff clinging to the evaporator. Works great for pretty much all our customers with this exact complaint.

Like i said I will try to post the Product with a picture and and part number tomorrow once at work. Just cant think of the name of it right now. Sorry
Awesome man. I just tried the AC in high with Heat trick for 10 min today. I'll see if it helped at all tomorrow when I fire it up. I kinda doubt it.

Btw, is the cabin filter located at the passenger footwell?
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      05-20-2016, 12:26 AM   #10
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Yes it is located in the passenger foot well area
Not to sure if the Service information will let me COPY and PASTE from BMW,
If it does ill try and post the service/repair instruction for replacing that filter.
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      05-20-2016, 12:33 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Taunto View Post
Yes it is located in the passenger foot well area
Not to sure if the Service information will let me COPY and PASTE from BMW,
If it does ill try and post the service/repair instruction for replacing that filter.
Thanks so much! You da man!
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      05-20-2016, 12:39 AM   #12
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Originally Posted by Mywifes335 View Post
Thanks so much! You da man!
Far from it.
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      05-20-2016, 03:47 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Taunto
Yes it is located in the passenger foot well area
Not to sure if the Service information will let me COPY and PASTE from BMW,
If it does ill try and post the service/repair instruction for replacing that filter.
If you get a chance can you send it to me too? They overlapped a plastic tab from my last scheduled maintenance and it's bothering me lol. Thanks
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      05-22-2016, 09:18 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Taunto View Post
Far from it.
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      05-26-2016, 06:40 PM   #15
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Very Sorry Everyone.
I keep forgetting to snap a picture of that product i explained about
at work lol. I will remember for tomorrow for sure. Got it set in my phone.
Sorry Again
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      05-27-2016, 07:47 PM   #16
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here is the stuff we use at the dealer.
Sorry again for the very late response.
all directions are on the can it's self.
just make sure you any person or animal is in the vehicle or any food for that matter.

make sure blower settings is on high with air-conditioning on coldest settings. manual recirculation and place the can near the lower footwell area. or even just on the passenger floor and make sure it doesn't directly contact the dash trim.

let the vehicle idle for 15 mins or so... then take the vehicle for a quick drive with all the windows down.

this product helps clean off any bacteria or mildew stuck the evaporator. The product is very strong so don't breath this shit in.
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      05-27-2016, 08:10 PM   #17
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I had this problem in my Lexus IS250. It drove me nuts. I cannot stand that smell. For the summer months I ended up buying one of these:

http://www.tooltopia.com/uview-590160.aspx

And a case of these:
http://www.tooltopia.com/uview-590250-12pk.aspx

Basically, you put the bottle of fluid into the machine, turn it on while in the car is on in AC / recirculate. It kills the smell for several weeks. Maybe long for you, but for me, it's was a few weeks. After which I'd run it again. Totally worth it. If my new BMW develops the same smell as my old Lexus I'll be using the same machine.
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      05-27-2016, 08:28 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Taunto View Post
here is the stuff we use at the dealer.
Sorry again for the very late response.
all directions are on the can it's self.
just make sure you any person or animal is in the vehicle or any food for that matter.

make sure blower settings is on high with air-conditioning on coldest settings. manual recirculation and place the can near the lower footwell area. or even just on the passenger floor and make sure it doesn't directly contact the dash trim.

let the vehicle idle for 15 mins or so... then take the vehicle for a quick drive with all the windows down.

this product helps clean off any bacteria or mildew stuck the evaporator. The product is very strong so don't breath this shit in.
PERFECT! Thanks so much. Will try it ASAP.
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      05-27-2016, 08:29 PM   #19
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Hope it works out well for u. Any other issues send me a PM.
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      05-27-2016, 08:58 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Taunto View Post
Hope it works out well for u. Any other issues send me a PM.
Will do! Thanks much!
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      05-29-2016, 11:40 AM   #21
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For me I found the most effective way was to remove the cabin air microfilter then spray lysol and isopropyl alcohol into the air intakes.
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      05-29-2016, 12:01 PM   #22
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Quote:
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For me I found the most effective way was to remove the cabin air microfilter then spray lysol and isopropyl alcohol into the air intakes.
Thanks, I'm gonna try both. Cuz it STINKS!

Where are the intakes located?
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