mydadsE55

I have an '02 E55 which has developed a weird medicinal/chemical type smell in the interior. Its not necessarily a bad smell but its noticealble and takes away from the great natural smell of the MB leather.

Has anyone with a W210 experienced a similar issue and resolution?

Thanks

cbpeck

I haven't experienced the smell you're describing, but it sounds like it may be time to replace your cabin air filter.

mydadsE55

is that a do it yourself project?
Any ideas on price, I haven't looked yet.

Thanks for your response

cbpeck

I haven't done it myself (I took ownership of my first MB on Monday!), but I can't imagine it's too difficult. I believe there's a DIY on MBWorld or BenzWorld, but you'll have to search for that... shouldn't be hard to find. Here's a link to a few options for filters. I believe the OEM were charcoal filters. Looking at the autohausaz site makes me think that maybe there are two pairs of filters because clearly the non-charcoal models are a different shape. I realize this isn't a complete answer, but hopefully it'll help.

http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...ollen%20Filter

http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exe...ategory_id/136

ohlord

sickly sweet?
If so you need to check for coolant leaks or overheating.
If the smell is low level grungey mildew smelling
you need to disinfect the a/c system and change the cabin filter both types cabin and pollen

diy's for both on www.benzworld.org w210 diy section at the top of the forum.

mydadsE55

Thanks for the answers.
The smell is neither sticky or anything like mildew. Its hard to explain. I will probably check the filter option and see what happens.

Thanks again

RichardM98

Perhaps the easiest DIY project since slightly fewer fasteners than the air filter.

The dust/pollen filters (2) are behind the glove box. Glove box pulls out after removing 4 (6?) screws. Two under rubber plugs. Top edge catches a little.

The activated carbon filters (2) are lower. Remove the panel below the dash including the air louver on the transmission tunnel to gain access to the chambers.

Any chance someone spilled something?

mydadsE55

Nothing spilled in their. My son got sick, which was very unpleasant for everyone involved, but I got that taken care of and thats definitely not the source.

It is coming out of the vents. Its not offensive in any way, its just not the nice smell I'm used to.

RichardM98

When the engine is cool enough, open the cap on the coolant reservoir (next to right fender) and smell. If it's anything like that you may have a leak in the heater core.