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2011 C300 - Cabin smell

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Old 10-06-2017, 10:35 PM
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2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
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!
Old 10-07-2017, 04:54 AM
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2010 Mercedes C300
Originally Posted by S70Houston
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!
Old 10-08-2017, 10:11 AM
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2013 C300
Originally Posted by S70Houston
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.

Old 10-09-2017, 12:24 AM
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Originally Posted by boisy
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.

https://youtu.be/inQIG7CG9VM
Thanks very much.
I did exactly that this afternoon, let's see how long it will last.
Old 10-09-2017, 09:49 AM
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2013 C250 Sport
I would also make sure all drainage lines are cleaned out. A stench like that could be coming from organic buildup.
Old 10-09-2017, 10:01 AM
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Originally Posted by michail71
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.
Old 10-09-2017, 04:38 PM
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Originally Posted by S70Houston
Thanks very much.
I did exactly that this afternoon, let's see how long it will last.
Wife happily reports that the smell is gone, ................................. At least for now.
Old 10-10-2017, 10:15 AM
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Originally Posted by S70Houston
And HOW EXACTLY does one do that? Any DIY write ups anywhere?
Thanks.
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.
Old 10-15-2017, 04:09 PM
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2012 C300 Sport 4MATIC (current) 2006 C280 Elegance 4MATIC (sold)
Originally Posted by S70Houston
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!
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.

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