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      08-10-2018, 03:40 PM   #1
JMBNaples
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Smell in A/C

When I start my 2013 X3 the A/C smells. To me, it smells like a band-aid. After maybe 30 seconds it goes away. I do not smell it afterwards.

Once I started to smell it I replaced the air filters. The smell continued.

I brought the car to the dealer and they cleaned something - and my car now smells like mint gum. But the stink is still there when I start up after the car has been sitting for a while. They claim to have cleaned the condenser and checked the refrigerant.

The A/C works fine otherwise.

I see this is sort of common from a variety of searches.

I see people talking about sprays and foams.

Any specific X3 experiences? recommendations?

I have an appointment with a local German car repair specialist next week.

Thanks.
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      08-10-2018, 04:15 PM   #2
BIG_KID
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They cleaned the condenser but that is up by the radiator.
They should of cleaned the evaporator. It probably has mold on it.
Also check the condensate drains are open.
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      08-10-2018, 04:20 PM   #3
E90705
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Air filter as in cabin air filters? Are they the built in charcoal ones?
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      08-10-2018, 04:35 PM   #4
JMBNaples
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I looked at my invoice. They did not actually charge me. They say they performed an AC treatment, evac and recharge.

I'm not sure what the treatment means.

But my car does smell like toothpaste.
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      08-10-2018, 04:40 PM   #5
JMBNaples
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I replaced both filters. There was 2 in the glove box and there's one in the engine bay. I replaced both. Honestly, I used generic ones from the auto parts store.

I changed filters because of the smell. The smell existed before and after I changed the filters.
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      08-10-2018, 04:41 PM   #6
JMBNaples
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Is the evaporator something that I can clean myself easily?

The reference to compressor may have been my error.

Any idea what the AC treatment is?
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      08-11-2018, 04:56 PM   #7
JMBNaples
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Every auto store has a spray for the ac ducts.

Anyone expect that to do anything?
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      08-15-2018, 09:33 AM   #8
JMBNaples
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Evaporator was leaking. I was smelling refrigerant. Being replaced now. Dealership seems to have missed it.
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      08-18-2018, 03:26 AM   #9
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Sounds expensive
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