Smell from A/C

What could this be? It smell when I turn it on or if it has sat for a while then turn it on, it smells like mildew and then goes away. What could it be?

Do a google on auto air conditioning smell. It is a quite common phenomenon with auto air conditioners, due to moisture left in the system when it shuts down. It is particularly common when the humidity is high, and is not specific to BMW A/C systems.

One way to avoid it is to leave the fan on, but shut the A/C off a minute or so to dry the system out before parking the vehicle for an extended time.

There are ways to sanitize the system once you have the odor that the google search will reveal.

Originally Posted by Penguin

Do a google on auto air conditioning smell. It is a quite common phenomenon with auto air conditioners, due to moisture left in the system when it shuts down. It is particularly common when the humidity is high, and is not specific to BMW A/C systems.

[OB]ne way to avoid it is to leave the fan on, but shut the A/C off a minute or so to dry the system out before parking the vehicle for an extended time.[/B]

There are ways to sanitize the system once you have the odor that the google search will reveal.

+1

I had my 335i system cleaned once under warranty, but I was informed that BMW would only do it once under warranty, and the remedy to the situation was what Penguin described: turn the AC off and turn the fan up high to dry the system out before you shut the car off. I do this every time I run the AC to prevent the "dirty sock" smell.

Im thinking of trying the Einzett Klima-Clean for my smell issue. However, if you pop out the center vents in a E70 you can actually see that the ductwork closes shut when the HVAC is in the off position. This of course prevents the insertion of the tube down into the the area where the evaporator is. Anyone else have any suggestions on how to access the evaporator to spray the Klima-Cean on a E70?

I haven't read the thread, but here is a Klima-Klean how-to...

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho....php?p=5089015

actually - it just appears to be an ad for the product from a board sponsor - no, how-to element... sorry.

But I did find this on another board where some 5'er owners shared experiences and thoughts on Klima-Clean application...

http://forums.5series.net/topic/9803...klima-cleaner/

I did find that Amazon has Klima-Cleaner - it's free delivery with Prime membership at $15.00 - or save 15% on a subscription - I'm thinking of putting it on an annual order... one for the Mrs, one for my car....

You shold change cabin air filter

Originally Posted by bmw_jeff_325i

Im thinking of trying the Einzett Klima-Clean for my smell issue. However, if you pop out the center vents in a E70 you can actually see that the ductwork closes shut when the HVAC is in the off position. This of course prevents the insertion of the tube down into the the area where the evaporator is. Anyone else have any suggestions on how to access the evaporator to spray the Klima-Cean on a E70?

No one has the E70 TIS sheet available on how to clean the evaporator coil?

Quick easy DIY that works 90% of the time:

1) start A/c and hit max. Let it run for about 30 seconds.

2) switch to full heat, highest temperature you can. Let it run for 1 minute.

3) switch back to cool, run for 30 seconds

4) finally switch back to hot and let it run for 30 seconds

This kills the bacteria or mildew that might be sitting there in your a/c

I only get the smell when I switch back and forth between fresh air and recirc. I just leave the system in recirc all the time with no problems.

Just an FYI, I had a bandaid smell coming from the AC at startup. I took it in to the dealer, and it was a freon leak. The interesting part was the AC seemed to be cooling fine. Anyhow after the work was done, the smell is now gone.

There is a condensate drain for the AC- make sure this is not blocked...

Just FYI

A