Weird smell and metal rattling coming from car
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Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 198
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Benz
Weird smell and metal rattling coming from car
The car's a little over 2 years old(MY16) and there's this weird odor coming from the vents when the AC turns on. The odor lasts a few minute and then disappears. It smells vinegary. The dealer says it might be condensation and mildew build-up inside the vents. They offered to replace the air cabin filter and spray something to get rid of the mildew for $270 CAD as they said it's not covered under warranty. Is this normal for them to change me for something that seems like a vehicle fault? Would this be a easy DIY fix?
Another problem is, I hear some metal rattling when the mash the gas pedal in 2nd gear. It usually happens near the upper RPMs(around 6-7K). Other gears seems fine. Has anyone experienced this before?
Thanks.
Another problem is, I hear some metal rattling when the mash the gas pedal in 2nd gear. It usually happens near the upper RPMs(around 6-7K). Other gears seems fine. Has anyone experienced this before?
Thanks.
Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 81
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From: Chicagoland
C400
The first (smell) is very common, and a search will yeild many results of previous experience among the w205 ownership. Yes, it's mildew. It's a bit better when I run it in non-recirculation.
The second (rattling) may be wastegate(s). Search for it. There's way better info than I can provide on this, but rattling can be caused by wastegate actuator. They put a clip on my gti to fix this, and I believe w205s have this problem too.
The second (rattling) may be wastegate(s). Search for it. There's way better info than I can provide on this, but rattling can be caused by wastegate actuator. They put a clip on my gti to fix this, and I believe w205s have this problem too.
Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 146
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W205
Yeah mine seems to stink when it first starts up. I have prepaid maintenance that includes the filter but my entire engine was just replaced like 500 miles ago but car says maintenance due in 90 days... so who knows what I’m supposed to do.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
Have had that mildew smell on all my cars ... e class, Bmw, acura
its usually during humid hot months and ac condensation as discussed above promotes microbial growth
its usually during humid hot months and ac condensation as discussed above promotes microbial growth
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Joined: Nov 2012
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A gaggle of MB's
In more humid summer conditions - when running AC "too low temp" - not uncommon for the evaporator to frost up - when evap frosts up system actually gets less efficient too ("doesn't feel cold enough") ... when car is turned off - that evap frost melts leaving system damp/weepy - and ultimately yes that will also mildew climate control air filter.
You can "clean/disinfect" from the dash vents - best product I have found to do this is Klima-Cleaner :
It doesn't happen to me anymore - since I now choose to rely on Auto almost all the time - which I normally have set to like 72
You can "clean/disinfect" from the dash vents - best product I have found to do this is Klima-Cleaner :
It doesn't happen to me anymore - since I now choose to rely on Auto almost all the time - which I normally have set to like 72
