2011 C300 - Cabin smell
 

When starting the vehicle with the AC on, there is like a rotten egg/stinky cheese smell coming into the cabin. Once the vehicle runs for a bit, the smell disappears.

Is there a cabin filter that might need to be changed?

What can be done to get rid if this smell?

Any ideas are greatly appreciated, THANK YOU!

Quick video on Youtube. Guy is doing a 2014 C250. I've done this on numerous cars and works great. However, I usually sprayed into the vents under the windshield wipers. You will want to be sure you don not put ac on re-circlulate.

Thanks very much.
I did exactly that this afternoon, let's see how long it will last.

I would also make sure all drainage lines are cleaned out. A stench like that could be coming from organic buildup.

And HOW EXACTLY does one do that? Any DIY write ups anywhere?
Thanks.

Wife happily reports that the smell is gone, ................................. At least for now. :)

I'm not actually sure. Although I recall someone had an issue with a bad smell that was caused by clogged drain lines. Cars usually have several. Leaves and other decaying organic matter can cause issues.

A new cabin air filter really does a great job. I've noticed after about 15,000 miles they start to not work as well. By 20,000 they need replacing. I do mine every oil change.

Check the drain for clogs and change the cabin air filter. I had to change mine earlier this year because whenever I turned the A/C on it smelled moldy and the new one solved the problem right away. IF you wish to use those sprays whether it be Lysol or one specifically for the heat/AC system then remove the cabin air filter before doing that as the filter would just get soaked.