Smelly fan!

[yid4life]

I have recently bought a 316i ( 2001) and notice that when the fan is on it stinks! If i add the a/c it disappears but when i switch that off the smel re-appears. its like a musky, rank stench that is really starting to annoy me now. Has any one else had this issue and more importnatly know how to iliminate it??!!:(

[LMC]

Common -- if irritating -- problem. Particularly in warm climates.

You have something (mildew or the like) growing in your ventilation system.

Depending on how extensive the growth is, this can be difficult to eliminate.

The quick initial response is to open the bonnet and find the air intake at the base of the windscreen which brings air into the car. Remove the cover to the air filter (three twist-off fasteners; no tools needed) and examine the air filter and what little you can see of the ducting. Spray disinfectant into the ducting when the vent fan is running on max. Replace air filter if it smells or looks bad or at least put some of the spray on it.

U.S. auto parts stores commonly sell a purpose-made spray for this purpose. I would think UK cars would not suffer this as much, but obviously you've got it. :(

In extreme cases, the ventilation system must be disassembled to find and kill the growth; hopefully a bit of spray will solve your problem.

I had this problem on my brand-new X3 (I thought the smell was rather like urine. :eeps:) recently and a bit of spray eliminated the problem. I have also heard that you should turn off the A/C before turning off the car and avoid prolonged use of the recirculating feature to minimize the chances of this.