Funny Smell from A/C Vents
Thread Starter
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: So Cal.
2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
Funny Smell from A/C Vents
I've noticed that there's a funny smell/odor coming from my a/c vents. It comes on when I increase the temperature on the climate control and it has to heat. However, when it's cool, and the temp is low, there is no smell.
Has anyone had this problem? Is this a "known" problem? Thanks!
Has anyone had this problem? Is this a "known" problem? Thanks!
Thread Starter
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,692
Likes: 58
From: So Cal.
2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
Originally Posted by mj50
what kind of smell is funny smell?
like vinegar type smell??
like vinegar type smell??
Thread Starter
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,692
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From: So Cal.
2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
Originally Posted by tyro
Probably antifreeze leaking
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Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: So Cal.
2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
Originally Posted by amdeutsch
Search this forum for "mold". I remember it having been discussed.
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Super Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 810
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From: Illinois, Indiana
2005 C230 Sedan 6spd
I "rarely" had this problem........but sometimes when I just have the heater on (A/C is OFF) , I get a skunk smell......but it would go away after couple minutes.....its not something so serious I would go to the dealer for though.
Don't know......lets hear more comments.
Don't know......lets hear more comments.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 329
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From: Glendale, CA
C230 Kompressor Sports Sedan
take it to the dealer, when i had 2002 c230k coupe, it was fixed, but not completely... and she mentioned it was the "mold" problem many mercedes benz cars have...especially in 2002's. it's odd 2005's do it. my 04.5 230SS have weird smell too. i'd better take care of it too
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 391
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From: West Covina, CA
2004 C230k (SOLD), 2005 C230k (Lease ended), 2004 Carrera 4 Cab, 2007 530i
Ok I had the exact same problem, took it to the dealer and it was a known problem to them. Apparently I wasnt the only one with the same problem. 3 or 4 months ago they had no solutions to it whatsoever, they sprayed some disinfectant into the vents but the smell came right back the next morning. I suffered the whole summer. I wrote to MB and complained several times, now my car is at the dealer they are swapping out the respirator. I hope that will take care of the smell.
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From: N/A
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I was told once that if you turn off the AC (like by hitting the EC button) a minute or so before you shut off the engine then it circulates enough air to get all of the moisture out of the system and doesn't cause that smell. I can't remember if it worked or not, but it is something to try if it bothers you that much. I was always too lazy...
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 404
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From: Albany, NY
2014 C300, sport, black/black
Originally Posted by jsr
I was told once that if you turn off the AC (like by hitting the EC button) a minute or so before you shut off the engine then it circulates enough air to get all of the moisture out of the system and doesn't cause that smell. I can't remember if it worked or not, but it is something to try if it bothers you that much. I was always too lazy...
Putting deodorizer (Ozium) in the A/C only makes it smell like musty Ozium. The dealer will have to use DWD2 cleaner to flush the evaporator housing.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Kamakura, Japan
2002 C180 Wagon
Re: Funny Smell from A/C Vents
I have (maybe still) suffered from a funny smell for a year +. While running on a highway in October of last year, the cabin was suddenly filled with a vynil burning smell. I took the car to the dealer next day. They found an oil leakage (a very small amount) and fixed it. Nonethless, the smell did not go away (though less compared to the initial occurrence).
Last month, the dealer replaced the dust filter and cleaned the vents; however, this did not help either. They therefore replaced the blower motor (to elimiate a case where the brush is worn) and the batter (to a sealed type to elimiate a case of hydrogen rising from my old battery) last week. Although I have only driven for about 30 - 45 minutes this week, the smell seems to be a lot less. I will be driving more this weekend and hope that the smell is gone now for good.
Last month, the dealer replaced the dust filter and cleaned the vents; however, this did not help either. They therefore replaced the blower motor (to elimiate a case where the brush is worn) and the batter (to a sealed type to elimiate a case of hydrogen rising from my old battery) last week. Although I have only driven for about 30 - 45 minutes this week, the smell seems to be a lot less. I will be driving more this weekend and hope that the smell is gone now for good.
