2006 Cooper.

please help if anyone has had similar problem.
bad smell (similar to mildew) when running AC on, only at circulating interior air. no prob at regular ventilation (AC off, fan on), or getting outside air (even AC on)
first suspicion was cabin air filter (located under the globe box), but it's fairly new. and having problem only when AC is on, doesn't really make sense with the filter malfunction.

2 questions here:

1. what would be the possible cause and solution? would replacing the filter simply solve it or do i need to look at specific place?
2. trying to spray some anti-bacteria spray (it worked before for my old bimmer years ago). where should i do that, tho? can't find the ventilation pipe under the hood. thought the slits on the upper hood (right under the wipers), they were not as the under the hood was basically un open area.

thanks very much in advance for your kind inputs.
happy motoring everyone.

orangeology/NJ

 

Did you put a charcoal filter in? that may help, if not the evaporator may need to be changed out.

 

There is a drain somewhere under the car that lets the A/C condesation out. If this is plugged, water stays and you get stink. If you find a hose, ream it with a coat hanger (carefully). If water comes out, it is the one.

This is where the puddles come from on hot days under cars. I don't know where it is on a mini, but often you can find it by looking and figuring it out.

That would be the first thing I did.

PS. Sometimes mice get in and build nests in cars. Not mini specifically, but it happens, then you have a bit more of an issue.

 

There could be moisture in the system (I've found that shutting off the A/C a few minutes before the end of a journey can help with that sometimes). And when that sits after you shut the car off that water in the summer that water sits and is warm and you get smells when you turn the fan back on. I've heard a few explanations for it, my smell in the vents is definately seasonal and consistent with the explanation given above, but timing of A/C running is really the only measure I've found that works.


Or your filter may need replacing if it's been a while. You can check the interior cabin air filter underneath the glove box, it's the big black rectangle that has plastic tabs on the front and back that you pop out to get access the filter. OEM paper filters run about $35, there's some aftermarket charcoal ones that you can sometimes find on sale for a little less or at a comparable price.

 

Where does the water store up? I have the same problem. Been chasing moisture for years

 

There is a black hose running right below where the shifter would be.

On the passenger side that is.

Take a compressed air and blow a few squirt of air through it.

If you have a hose with small lumen, you can snake it up and see if you can actually remove the debris that is clogging the drain by using it with a shop vac.

 

You can check two things: first the little hose that hook to the bottom of the HVAC system and comes out below your MINI near the exhaust tunnel mount and the heat shield. Some times these can get clogged and not drain and unhook from the bottom.



#7 Water Hose Outlet - Condensation Part# 64111504285


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/64111504285/


Another thing to look at is if the interio cabin filter has been changed and also if there is leaves and debris in front of the cabin filter ( they can really collect some junk ). Make sure its cleaned out and a new clean fileter is in.

There are two types of filters . One is the regular and one is the active carbon ( for reducing odor ). The carbon ones seem to be the most popular. But changing the filter and cleaning the duct out helps a bunch.


Cabin Filter Active Carbon Part # 64319257505


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/64319257505/




&

ACC Cabin Filter ( regular filter ) Part # 64311496710


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/64311496710/




To install just pop the lid # 3 off ( it can be on there tight ), clips in the front and back. and install like the diagram below.



Thanks

 

Have the dealer take apart dashboard. I had came problem on 2012 clubman. Black mold on evaporator coil and throughout heater box. Big problem in my eyes. Did a mold test on interior and mold grew. Big problem.

 

Before you get out of the car, turn off the A/C. Put the fan on full speed, run the heat to full heat for 10 seconds.

The residual heat left in the heater plenum will kill off mold and bacteria.

This is a common issue on all brands of cars.

There is a product called "Fridgi Fresh" (really) that is injected down into the plenum. Works great when it's used properly.