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  #1  
Old 08-31-2012, 02:42 AM
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06 X5 4.4i, funky AC smell out of vents

I bought my X5 about 4 months and 10 miles ago. Did the 100k service, tranny/diffs/tc, oil/radiator fluids, and replaced AC filter with a new OEM cabin filter (the one located in the hood, near the windshield).

Since new, I've noticed a funky smell coming out of the vents, when the AC is on. Is there another AC filter somewhere that needs changing? I can't diagnose the funky smell coming out of the vents.
It's not a really obnoxious smell, more like old folks home, it goes away the colder the AC gets.

Any help is greatly appreciated.
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  #2  
Old 08-31-2012, 03:04 AM
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Common problem with our X5's. Mold & mildew are on your condenser coils in the dash. There's a DIY to clean them that was posted a while back. Do a search and it should show up.

Good Luck!
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Old 08-31-2012, 07:00 PM
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I'm glad you made this thread, I'm having the same issue on my '05. Did you happen to find the thread that J was talking about?
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  #4  
Old 09-01-2012, 03:08 AM
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Found this about Lysol spray on the forum. My input in blue italics.

The Lysol method is done by:
1) putting A/C on with full blow & recirculate air button to off. "You want air to come in from the outside cabin filter hole. By the way, REMOVE the cabin air filter first, then spray. Best if you also change the cabin air filter if older than 6 months."
2) then spray about half the can of Lysol Disinfectant in the intake vents below the front windshield wipers. Spray drivers side and passengers side.
3)Do Not be in car during this, the smell can be choking. Have windows
rolled down. "Let a/c run for about 20 minutes. Cover the front seats 'cause Lysol may stain them."

Note:for those rancid dead animal or cat urine like smells coming from vent; you really have bad mold mildew and bacteria then dilute 1 part bleach to 2 parts water and spray into vents, then follow with Lysol method.

I'll try it tomorrow and see how it works. Others say to do it at night, so that you let the a/c system rest with the Lysol after doing 1,2,3 above.
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  #5  
Old 09-01-2012, 03:14 PM
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Yes, the smell is usually attributed to mold and mildew and the disinfectant route is usually recommended. There is actually a product BMW uses as this is a common complaint to service departments. It has also been recommended to turn off the AC a few minutes before you stop the vehicle to let things dry out but I know where you are so that ain't an option unless you want to arrive sweaty.

THIS could help out in the process.

Then again, maybe you're smelling the Salton Sea.
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Old 09-02-2012, 10:49 PM
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Cool thread. Similar issue with lexus cars. Some people spray lysol up the drain tube. Can that be done here?
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Old 09-03-2012, 02:00 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SlickGT1 View Post
Cool thread. Similar issue with lexus cars. Some people spray lysol up the drain tube. Can that be done here?
Click the link in my post.
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Old 09-04-2012, 04:32 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PersonaNonGrata View Post
Click the link in my post.
Yea clicked link. Where do they spray up the drain tube? I prolly missed something.
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Old 09-04-2012, 10:44 PM
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one more option

this has good review on amazon and may be a good/quick option as well


einszett 961105 Klima Cleaner : Amazon.com : Automotive
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Old 09-04-2012, 10:50 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Elvis 3.0 View Post
this has good review on amazon and may be a good/quick option as well


einszett 961105 Klima Cleaner : Amazon.com : Automotive
Curious did lysol thing work? I bought a can of this stuff it didn't..,,
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