At first I noticed a funny smell inside my car after the fires in OC last week. Then about 2 days ago I noticed my driver side floor mat was a little damp. I pulled it out to rinse it because it had the same smell as what I was smelling inside the car. Then last night my windshield started fogging so I turned on my defroster. I was stopped at a light and turned on the interior light to look for somthing and noticed a brown puddle under my right foot! Needless to say I freaked out! Something told me to turn off the ac and about 5 minutes I checked it again and the puddle was gone, but the carpet was soaked and it still smelled like s!@t.

Anyone else have this problem or know what it is?

 

Sounds like you have a leak in your A/C system. If your Mini is still under warranty I'd take it to a Mini dealership and have it checked out. If not, I'd ask around and get the best deal. Either way, don't run your A/C. It could ruin the compressor, which, if not under warranty, could cost big $$$$.

edit: Forgot to mention, I haven't had that problem, but then again, I've only had my Mini for a month.

 

thats what i was thinking. i got my car from carmax and it was still under the original bmw warranty. but i opted to buy the extended warranty from them for an aditional 5 years :D hopefully it will be covered. i was just hoping someone on here might have had the same issue so i could know for sure. but thank you.

 

Sounds like the evaporator could be leaking. Or, heater core.

 

As stated, it could be leak from evaporator or heater core. Other things that can leak like this include hoses, hose fittings, and heater/defroster valves. This kind of problem is not the end of the world, but when it has happened in some of my previous autos, I removed the carpet to clean it.

 

If the heater core was leaking, the puddle would be hot. There is a tray under the evaporator to keep condensation from dripping on the carpet (and your feet) when the A/C runs. My guess is that the hose that drains the evaporator tray is plugged and the tray may be growing mold or mildew, hence the smell.

 

thanks peoples! it doesnt form when the fan isnt running and the liguid is pretty warm. im taking it in tomorrow to get that and to get my xenons replaced all under warranty! :D

 

Took it in yesterday. Good thing I have warranty! They were quoting somewhere around $800 for labor alone on the heater core! BUT, since its covered under my extended warranty from carmax, it only costs me $50! Needless to say, I'm a happy camper!