A/C Deodorizing Treatment
 

Hey all just wanted to know if anyone out here has done this to there BMW at the dealership and also if they know what kind of steps they take to do this kind of job?

If you have that musty odor, check first to make sure the a/c collection can is draining properly - once in a/c season, look for the regular drip of evaporated water dripping from under the vehicle. You can then feed plastic tubing [in my old E28 days, a wire coat hanger!] up the drain hole to make sure its clear. I expect there is a DIY for killing the bacteria in that collection tin, but I haven't seen it on the E53 forum .... Once you are well into a/c season, provided its draining, the musty odor should go away .....

oh interesting i wonder how they do it on the X5 thanks for the info tho

I cleaned mine this past week, I used the FJC brand of A/C evap cleaner and odor control. I had to take off the cabin filter tape the hose from the can to a dowel rod and insert in the two openings and put half the can in each side. then ran AC on high to pull foaming agent into lower ducts. It has helped a great deal.

the directions for the cleaner was to spray in the drain tubes inserting the spray tube until it touches the evaporator and spraying for 20 seconds. with where the e53 drain tubes are located and routed it is difficult to reach with the length of hose provided.

I use this procedure... Initial investment ~ $100 (for sprayer - local HW store, , Lysol - amazon, and plastic plugs - local auto parts store) and works like a champ.
Now I do it 2x a year an X5 and other BMWs - mine and friends (I made holes for them and do it whenever they need - I am being the great guy, it takes 10 minutes and they always bring good beer ) - no smell at all.
Lysol- since it is concentrated was sold only in 4x1 gallon jugs and I thought that it will last me for 100 years but since wife found it as a great way to sanitize her kitchen working areas - in a year or so I will need another batch..

Sorry. here is link to procedure
Slam the Stink

I've posted this about 5 times in the past 2 years.

1) Change cabin air filter, vaccuum debris around filter area. Before placing new filter in place-

2) Close windows and turn AC on but not recirculating, high fan speed and open all vents inside.

3) Spray a ton of aersol lysol in the intake of the cabin air filter, it will help to "sanitize" the evaporator and your vent system, yes it will smell like Lysol in the cabin but its so fresh!

4) Do a couple long spurts over a few minutes, using about 1/4 of the can. Turn the car on recirculate so it recycles the freshened air.

5) Take off recirculate and couple more sprays in the intake, place the new cabin filter (activated charcoal) in place, you should be musty smell free!


Cost: $5 for 20 oz can of Lysol, $15 for new cabin air filter

I have actually done this recently on mine.. I didnt have any specific odor but it just wasnt like a new A/c car per say..

I had a can of this left over in my detail supplies from a previous car i used it on

Amazon.com: OZIUM AIR SANITIZER 3.5 OZ BY MEDO (OZM-1) ORIGINAL SCENT: Automotive

Can get at walmart or autozone for like 3-4$

Took out my cabin filter, car running with ac and sprayed it in there. Let it run for a few min, try not to breath it in when your spraying, or when you get in the car to shut it off.

Been over a week now and the air vent fan or when a/c on smell is neutral now.

Ozium is great, I use it on my weekly/bi-weekly cleanings just as an air freshener though. Never though as a deodorizer as I always used Lysol, but I will definitely give it a whirl!

It needs to be glycol based to actually attack the things that are causing odors and kill it as opposed to things that just mask it. Great tip! I always used Vanilla scent but the Original is great (think lemony) as well!

Yup. I used it on my Audi i had before... When i bought it lady used to smoke in it, not recently but before..

Slight stale smell in the car you could tell.

Steam cleaned interior and sprayed that. Basically all gone.