Musky stinky smell from aircon

[stqy]

Hello everybody, recently when i start the car(2010 W212), the aircon will let out a foul smell. Only after awhile, like +-15secs, then the smell will go off. I am certain it is not exhaust fumes, or smelly clothings in the car. Anyone faced/facing the same problem as me?

[manmerlion]

When was the last time you changed the aircon filter? My neighbour used to have similar problem. It disappeared when he replaced the filter.

[rx7effini]

Boss,

The Air-Con filter you refering to, is it the 1 in the Engine bay?

[Barney]

I think they meant the in-cabin filter

[stqy]

When was the last time you changed the aircon filter? My neighbour used to have similar problem. It disappeared when he replaced the filter.

I think i have not changed it at all. But i didnt face any problem on my w211 even driving for 3years without changing.

same here.. got smell and the mechanic advise me to change the filter..

Is it the one in the cabin or engine bay? How much was it?

[MaxLim]

I had this smell in my 2005 W211 each time I start the air con, after I went to C&C and did a Cleaning of coil, Ultrasonic Atomizer and replaced the AC filter, the Smell went away. The price was steep though.

[E-cab]

Leaving the car under the hot sun and blasting the aircon using the highest temp for 3 mins worked in my bimmer last time.

By the way what temp do you guys set your Aircon to normally? Tks

[stqy]

I had this smell in my 2005 W211 each time I start the air con, after I went to C&C and did a Cleaning of coil, Ultrasonic Atomizer and replaced the AC filter, the Smell went away. The price was steep though.

Wah sian. Isnt that the aircon servicing package? Expensive! I shall try bro's e-cab's suggestion first before considering it! ha.

Leaving the car under the hot sun and blasting the aircon using the highest temp for 3 mins worked in my bimmer last time.

By the way what temp do you guys set your Aircon to normally? Tks

Thanks for the suggestion. I will try it out tomorrow and report back! ha. Anyway, i always leave the aircon power on auto at 22C. But if it rains, i will turn it up to 25C. Surprisingly, the auto feature is pretty good in the w212. My previous w211 auto mode sucked badly.

[edling12]

I tried last time, it did not work for my case. My 2011 w212 had the same problem when hit 6000 km, finally settle the problem by changed filter and some aircond duct cleaning at 10k km. So far odo hit 26k km and no smell

[Kaikai]

Wah sian. Isnt that the aircon servicing package? Expensive! I shall try bro's e-cab's suggestion first before considering it! ha.

Thanks for the suggestion. I will try it out tomorrow and report back! ha. Anyway, i always leave the aircon power on auto at 22C. But if it rains, i will turn it up to 25C. Surprisingly, the auto feature is pretty good in the w212. My previous w211 auto mode sucked badly.

Bro, please report to us if those methods work!

[mercc]

My usual morning routine is to start car and on air con for half minute before I get in. Only can smell the air freshener!

[stqy]

Bro, please report to us if those methods work!

Sadly, it doesn't work. Looks like i have got to replace the filter! Wait for the next service then replace.

My usual morning routine is to start car and on air con for half minute before I get in. Only can smell the air freshener!

Ah, i dont like to wait. Start then go liao.

[galliano]

Might be a bit odd, but i actually gotten use to the smell from the intial aircon startup.

2005 E200

[MaxLim]

The smell has gone away but my wife perfumes helps to mask it too....

[mercc]

Ah, i dont like to wait. Start then go liao.

Saw this posted in another forum.

http://www.mycarforum.com/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=68554

[edling12]

I tried last time, it did not work for my case. My 2011 w212 had the same problem when hit 6000 km, finally settle the problem by changed filter and some aircond duct cleaning at 10k km. So far odo hit 26k km and no smell

Xian ! Odo hit 29k and smell come back

[jaglim]

i had the same odour coming from air-con vent. It is especially obvious when i start the car under hot sun.

Had my air-con filter changed last week, so far so good. i was told it could due to rainy season, the filter gets moldy hence the wierd smell.

[2018C63AMG]

i have the same problem.... How much to change the in-cabin filter at See and See?

[jaglim]

looking at my bill, i think its called Combination Filter, $132.50.

[2018C63AMG]

what a rip off... haha, going to the stockist.

[jaglim]

To be expected from C&C. Good thing i got some service credit from them.

what a rip off... haha, going to the stockist.

[edling12]

I bought replica cost rm150 and changed by myself. Problem solved !

[Shadow]

what a rip off... haha, going to the stockist.

Also encountered this problem on my previous ride, w204 .. one cause was the use of airfreshers, esp those with liquid/vapour type .. somehow the moist piping is also another possible cause .. used to change cabin filter every 6 mth to avoid the smell .. buy parts from local stockists at a fraction of cnc price to diy .