Does anyone have, or had, a problem with a musty smell coming from the AC vents?

The smell lasts for about 1 minute, if that, but is a damp musty smell. I checked and cleaned the fresh air filter under the glove box, which was fairly clean to begin with. is there another filter?

What could cause this and what is the recomended service to such a problem.

thanks in advance for anyones help

 

I had this problem, bought a new charcoal filter and got some spray from the BMW Dealer. Put in the new filter but did not use the spray yet because the odor is pretty healthy. I would suggest doing the same. The new filter seemed to help. The BMW guy also suggested a product called Fridgey Fresh?AA??A?A?A I have never heard of it but it goes in your vents and washer fluid and on your filter to kill all of the bacteria that might arise.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=144393

Check out this thread. Get yourself a new carbon-activated filter for $8.

 

so basicly what you guys are suggesting, is that the odor is more then likely the filter? I did inspect it and it had a little dust on it so i blew it off. come to think of it the car has 45K and the filter should be changed anyway. i bought it with 38K and dont know if it has ever been changed.

thanks for the link to the filter distributor. I ordered it today.

 

I think replacement is 12,000 miles/ 12 months if you decide to go with the TYC cabin air filter in the link I sent you above.

 

My filter is brand new and I still get a smell like dirty socks when using the A/C. The thing is, it's not consistent.

 

I get that smell too, but its only when I have the AC on and have the window down. I never smell it when the windows are up, which is 99% of the time.

 

I had a really dirty OEM filter. Replaced it with a standard spun filter and get that smell...I was cheap....need to get charcoal filter....

 

Well I have been having the odor problem for a while. I have a 2006 Mini Cooper S. The dealership says it is the condensation left behind when you run the air conditioning and if it doesn't dry out it creates a bacterial buildup that then puts off that aweful mildew smell. They say it is not a warrenty item and that they can try to clean out the system for $240.00 but it does not guarentee anything. What do you think? I personally think there is a defect somewhere in the system. I hate to say it but the odor is getting worse and making me a little sick. I love my Mini so I don't know what to do.

 

Only "whole" i have in that dealers theory is, I live in the Desert! No condensation here!, car sits in the sun most of the time too.
I would go to a regular AC shop to evac the system and fill with fresh stuff. they even have a scent to install through the lines. Before I would let the dealer over charge me for the same work.

 

That is interesting because they are trying to tell me that it is because of the elements of where I live the smell happens. (Bay Area California). And that if I live some where like the desert it wouldn't happen. Errrr. Frustrating. Did you try the carbon filter? And if you did, did it help?

 

put one in a week ago but still have a little odor, could be mold residue left behind. im planning on removing the first bit of ductwork and cleaning it with simple green

 

Hopefully that will work. Good Luck. Thanks for the info. I am going to try to get ahold of some A/C companies and see if they can do anything. I am still going to bug Mini though. My husband just bought a 2008 Mini S and we want to make sure the same problem doesn't occur in his.

 

Well had Mini Service clean out the A/C. They waived the $240.00 charge. It worked quite a bit. Smell is not very bad any more. I will let you know as time continues if it comes back.

 

Check at your local Checker Auto Parts in the A/C section. There is a small pressurized can of A/C cleaner/deoderizer that you spray into the vents that may help get rid of the odor.

 

ive heard of it, bit i didnt realize it was avail, at checker. thanks!