[AllanR]

I recently changed cabin air filter. Now everytime I turn the car on and then turn on the air conditioner it smell. But then it stopping smelling after couple of minutes. Anyone has any suggestions on what can be wrong.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by AllanR

I recently changed cabin air filter. Now everytime I turn the car on and then turn on the air conditioner it smell. But then it stopping smelling after couple of minutes. Anyone has any suggestions on what can be wrong.

I recently learned that changing the filter is not enough. Your dealer has a foaming disinfectant that cleanses the evaporator where the bacteria/mold can grow. I just had the cleansing and filter both done last week on my 3 Series and the problem was completely eliminated. My wife's sensitive sniffer had detected a "vinegar" odor and now she says it is 100% gone.

[jrveron]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

I recently learned that changing the filter is not enough. Your dealer has a foaming disinfectant that cleanses the evaporator where the bacteria/mold can grow. I just had the cleansing and filter both done last week on my 3 Series and the problem was completely eliminated. My wife's sensitive sniffer had detected a "vinegar" odor and now she says it is 100% gone.

You can DIY. I use this to clean the evaporator when replacing the air filters: https://www.liqui-moly.com/en/klimaa...0577.html#4087

[AllanR]

Took the car to the dealer and they did the Cleanser spray. Smell when away for couple days and it came back again. Also notice that if you turn the heater on but not the A/C it smells and if turn on the a/c the smell go away. any suggestions.

[jrveron]

Originally Posted by AllanR

Took the car to the dealer and they did the Cleanser spray. Smell when away for couple days and it came back again. Also, notice that if you turn the heater on but not the A/C, it smells; if it turns on the a/c, the smell goes away. any suggestions.

When you said they use a "cleanser spray," did you mean something like the attached picture (Klima Refresher)? Because those sprays will not solve the smell that originates from mold build-up on your evaporator.

They need to spray a special anti-bacterial detergent solution directly on the wall of the evaporator (something like this: https://www.liqui-moly.com/en/klimaa...y-p000577.html).

Other things to do:

• Eliminate moisture: after a regular drive (i.e., engine is hot), put the heater at maximum temperature and direct the air to the feet only with air recirculation on. Leave it like that for ~10 min.
• Check water dripping: with your A/C on, check below your car if water is dripping; otherwise, you might have a clogged hose.

[DL335D]

Originally Posted by AllanR

I recently changed cabin air filter. Now everytime I turn the car on and then turn on the air conditioner it smell. But then it stopping smelling after couple of minutes. Anyone has any suggestions on what can be wrong.

What kind of smell? When I hit the recirculation button I notice a strong metallic odor, almost like when a new cars exhaust is breaking in. Anyone else experience that?

[BimmerXdrive]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

I recently learned that changing the filter is not enough. Your dealer has a foaming disinfectant that cleanses the evaporator where the bacteria/mold can grow. I just had the cleansing and filter both done last week on my 3 Series and the problem was completely eliminated. My wife's sensitive sniffer had detected a "vinegar" odor and now she says it is 100% gone.

Did the cleaning give off any type of pleasant smell fragrance afterwards ?

I found that adjusting temp degree or fan quickly create an odor from the air.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by BimmerXdrive

Did the cleaning give off any type of pleasant smell fragrance afterwards ?

I found that adjusting temp degree or fan quickly create an odor from the air.

It did not, which was my hope. No odor, just air. Had it given off an odor, I might have been unable to be in the car. That once happened after a repair with a brand new company car I received but which developed the AC odor early on. I had to get the car replaced as they couldn't get the cleaning "fragrance" out of the vents!

[PeteInGilroy]

I have been told to turn off the A/C about 5 minutes before reaching your destination. That way all the moisture in the system dissipates and doesn't turn into mold, which is what you are smelling.

[That70sGADawg]

I went through this a few months ago make sure you don’t have any leaves or debris in the actual evaporator that got in through the intake under the hood. Also, I bought an ozone generator that helps greatly with any smells.

[kicia1234]

Bought a brand new 2024 m40i and smelled antifreeze from drivers side also with only 6000 mi on it why?

[X3rd Time Is a Charm]

Originally Posted by kicia1234

Bought a brand new 2024 m40i and smelled antifreeze from drivers side also with only 6000 mi on it why?

With only 600 miles on it , take it to the dealer under warranty.