yeah it outta be interested.. me.. yep i can see this.. me changing this filter.. it outta be priceless!

 

I hope most of your smells go away, but the A/C system in the MINI and most BMW's for that matter has a flawed design. The smells from the A/C is caused by mold/mildew forming on the A/C evaporator. Then the air blows across it and you smell what fungus is growing. Now your next question is this bad, YES VERY Bad for your health, don't believe me, ask about the girlfriend that got mold poisoning and had to throw out everything she owned and sell her MINI, not making it up. Long story, but short is mold is bad and you need to kill it. That is why I use a special foaming chemical to clean the entire heater box. This will eat away the mold and help keep it from forming. So continue to replace the cabin filters, but if you still smell odd stuff think about getting a full treatment.

 

thanx for the input, if my problem does persist and i decide to get a complete A/C system treatment, where in SoCal can i go to get it done?

 

I had the SAME thing happen. Coincidentally, it occurred at the same time my ambient temp sensor disappeared.

What actually happened is that the foam filter that is under the cowl vents (the vents on the bonnet near the windshield under the wipers) were missing, so "organic material" (the tech's words) accumulated and began decaying. The air coming into the system passed over the decaying material and introduced the NASTIEST smell ever into Schultze.

The dealership replaced the filters with the carbonized ones. It's dark out, so I'm not sure they replaced the filter under each cowl vent. If they didn't, I have a solution that will hopefully work.

To prevent bugs & other stuff from getting wedged into the fins of my radiator, I have fiberglass window screen protecting the fins. I simply brush off the bugs/debirs from the screening.

Anyhow, I'm going to see if the same principle will work with the cowl vents.

The dealership replaced the filters & performed an "AC Deodorizing Service" and "Vehicle Interior Ionization" to kill the mold/bacteria and eliminate the odor.

So far so good!

 

I think my selling dealer also performed an "AC Deodorizing Service" because the cabin had a very fresh and pleasant fragrance which has slowly faded away. I wonder if MINI sells a disinfectant in an aerosol can.

 

gonna give my local dealer a visit soon, might opt for this "service" as well

thanx for the heads up !!!!