damp socks n sneakers smell whne i first fire up a/c

[omodos]

Hello, never had this issue in the years I have owned x5 but it has started now, wifes e46 suffers from this too, as soon as i start the air con for about 30seconds there is a damp musky smell...could it be the cabin/pollen filter needs replacing and causing the smell?

[rdeyoung]

You could replace the filters. Or you can spray a ton of unscented Lysol into the intake where the air gets sucked in through the cabin filter for several seconds. Run the air on high and open all your doors when you do it and let it air our. That worked for me.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by omodos

Hello, never had this issue in the years I have owned x5 but it has started now, wifes e46 suffers from this too, as soon as i start the air con for about 30seconds there is a damp musky smell...could it be the cabin/pollen filter needs replacing and causing the smell?

It's call MOLD. The water off the evaporator is a breeding ground for mold. Ever look at you shower if you don't clean it.

[admranger]

Wurth sells a spray can for treating the AC system when there is a smell like that in it. I've used it before and it works well. Don't know if they sell it in Cyprus or not.

One thing that can help is to not run in recirculation mode and to turn the a/c off for the last little bit of your drive so the evaporator coils can dry off.

[Ricky Bobby]

First. Replace your cabin filter.

Second. Before replacing your cabin filter, leave the filter hole open, make sure it is not on recirculate, and spray a decent amount of Lysol aerosol spray into the cabin filter intake (so it gets sucked into the system and the Lysol will hit the evaporator and disinfect it).

Spray about half a can over the next couple mins, make sure all doors and windows are closed during this, and all vents are open. Make sure fan speed is on medium or so.

Thennnnnnnn, give one more good spraying, and turn on that recirculate!

Let it run for about 5 mins, turn the recirculate off, put in new cabin filter.

Should cure it by 90% or better, mine was musty when I bought my X. Been doing this for years works every time

[Qsilver7]

Once the above is done to kill the bacteria...try to follow certain procedures to prevent the environment that allows the bacteria to grow.

The breeding ground for this smelly bacteria is a dark wet place...so if you can reduce the amount of moisture (condensate) that is a natural part of conditioning and dehumidifying the air...if you're going to be parking the vehicle in a dark place...if possible turn off the AC (snow flake button) about a mile before your final destination. Keep the blower running so that ambient air can begin drying the evaporator coils.

If weather temps won't allow this...then if you have the high MID or navigation...you can utilize the VENT ON (MID) or AUX VENTILATION (Nav monitor). This can only be initiated when the ignition is in position 1. Initiating this feature will keep the HVAC blower running for up to 30 minutes (without the key in the ignition)...and again, this will help reduce the amount of condensate on the evaporator coils...which will help eliminate the breeding ground for bacteria...which if allowed to fester...will cause the smelly AC scenario.

(VENT ON - if you have the MID)





(AUX VENTILATION - if you have the Nav monitor)

{turn right knob and select AUX VENTILATION}



{then turn right knob and select AUX VENT "direct mode"}

(ignition must be in position 1 to get the 3rd option of "AUX VENT direct mode")

[4.8isX5]

This is one ALOT of detailer people use and recommend.

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