Hey All,

I have a 2006 MCS, everytime I start up the A/C, there seems to be a really odd smell. It goes for about 10-15 secs then it stops.. does anyone else have this problem? or does anyone know how to fix it?

 

let's start easy: when is the last time you changed the cabin filter? Here's what mine looked like when I checked it at year 3 on the 02:


Hmmmm, I thought the dealer replaced this at service calls under maint'??? I change annually now.

How to change: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...placement.html

procedure is virtually identical for GEN2 and the same filter fits all. (altho a plain and a charcoal filter are available....the auto a/c comes with the char' but all are the same size...)

also ensure your a/c condensate drain hasn't become plugged. On a humid day with A/C on you should be seeing condensate runoff under the car. No puddle? Well, the water produced from the a/c is going somewhere . . . unplug that drain line....

last possibility, you have mold in the system . . .

 

Yep, when I bought my '03 a couple of years ago, the AC would cause a "sweet" smell.
Changed in cabin filter out, looked much like the one above, and the smell went away.

 

Yes change your A/C filter. Then see if you can find someone local to treat your A/C system with a mold killing chemical. Mold can cause serious illness, trust me I know from personal experience with someone very close to me. If you can't find someone local, I can ship you some product that will clean/kill the mold on the A/C evaporator.
It is mold and mildew growing in the A/C box causing the smell. BMW/MINI denys this to be a problem but all their cars are known for this.

 

Thanks for all your guy's help. I will definately change it out this weekend.