[Takehold]

My 2016 X3 28i xdrive turned 1000 miles the other day. This morning was very cold and windows were frosted. I started the car and put on the front and rear defrosters and let the car warm up for about 5 minutes and then drove to work. A couple hours later I went out to the car and noticed a strange smell in the cabin. Not the nice new car smell that I love. It reminded me a little of the sweet smell of antifreeze. I did not notice any leaks under the car and there were none at my house. The smell was still there a bit at the end of the day. I just opened the coolant lid and it looks like the level is above the max marking. I searched all around the engine compartment and found nothing odd. Any ideas?

[Scandic24]

If you suspect a leak in the heating system I would suggest that you check the inside of the windscreen. A leak can create a very thin, greasy film on the glass caused by vaporized antifreeze.

[ianfp]

Did you use the windshield washers? If so, then that is what you are smelling. I bought some berry scented washer coolant and you can smell it in the car even after a very short wash!

[Takehold]

Yes I did. That was it. The BMW wiper fluid has a similar smell to the antifreeze. After not seeing any leaks anywhere and the fact that I used the fluid both times I noticed the smell, that has to be it. I also did a ton of reading last night and a couple people also said the same thing. Thanks for confirming my suspicions. Now, does anyone know if and how I can drain the fluid and put in new stuff?

[drewxnyc]

I never noticed the smell from the windshield washer fluid yet, but I will try to pay attention to it later. Not sure of anyway to drain it, unless you just keep using it until it goes empty lol. That might actually be the quickest and easiest way.

[FSociety]

I noticed a rotten smell before and i think it was prob the Cabin Filter they replaced