Brian_I.

Anyone else have a funny smell (almost like vinegar with a hint of salted plums) coming out of their A/C vents? I took my car in for service this week and the SA told me he'd take care of this issue as well, told me it was common and they had a simple fix. Long story short the problem was not fixed and I can still smell it. I know some folks say there are mold issues where the condensation doesn't have time to "air" out but that should only apply to those who do a lot of short trips. I mostly use my car to commute back and forth to work and the average trip is about 40 minutes. That should be plenty of time for anything damp in there to dry up.

I left my SA a message and have yet to hear back from him but I'm wondering if anyone else has had this problem and more importantly did they get it fixed.

Thanks.

pa28pilot

I haven't had this problem, but there's a star bulletin about musty/moldy smells from the AC system, typically due to the growth of microorganisms in residual condensation on the evaporator and the interior surface of the heater box. The number is P-B-83.30/74a, the most recent revision is dated February 4, 2005.

It recommends a specific procedure using Wynn's AIRCOMATIC ultrasonic AC cleaning system with Wynn's AIRCO-CLEAN ultrasonic AC Treatment.

I have dealt with similar issues in Volkswagens. The use of an ultrasonic device to generate very small mist particle sizes can make a difference as to whether the treatment lasts. If they use a spray can, the biocide and/or growth preventer may not penetrate everywhere it needs to go.

You can also try something like Klima-Clean on your own (Autopia has it), but make sure of materials compatibility before you go spraying things into your ductwork.

alewifebp

I get this smell all of the time I am on short trips.

What I usually did on previous cars that I had was for the last few minutes of my trip, I would turn off the A/C and let the fan dry it out. With the E, it doesn't turn the compressor off right away, so you never know when you should turn it off in relation to the end of your trip.

Brian_I.

I don't think I should have to do anything on my own to prevent the smell. This is something that should definitely get taken care of by the dealership/factory.

MBE55AMG

Samoan, I believe this issue is related to this one as well: https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/109821-air-conditioning-problem.html

jameson75

Yeah, this is a problem with lots of cars, not only the mercedes e class. Its not an uncommon thing. Its a musty smell that is generated from the condensation in the evaporator. Like the other thread says, try letting the fan run for a bit before turning off the engine. You can also try running your temp control colder during your commute. Also try running your car with the re-circulate button on instead of the fresh air. I started to get the smell too, I started to run my a/c system like the agove mentioned and also bought a car air freshner call the "CAR BUG". Its a little rubber thing no bigger than an inch wide. They come in different scents including new car. Since its so small you can hide it under the seat. Even under the seat it will still work. When you turn on the a/c all you will smell is the sweet scent of new car. I bought mine at best buy electronics, but do a search on the internet, i'm sure they sell them everywhere. They actually last for a long time. I bought mine 5 months ago and everytime I get into my car and turn the a/c on, its still smells like a new car. The best thing it only cost about 3 or 4 bucks.

RJC

Had the exact same problem with my 03 CLK500; the drain pan was not angled properly and would let water accumulate without draining all the way which caused the mold and therefore the smell. The dealer re angled the pan cleaned up everything and all was well.

McGuireV10

Could you be more specific?

X72

I turn on the defroster and turn up the heat before I turn off the car. This helps some. As said earlier, it would be nice if you could instantaneously turn off the AC compressor like in other cars. Another idea is to use the REST feature if your car has it and turn up the heat.

I recently removed the combination air filter located under the hood. If you don't do this, the Lysol sprayed would end up on the cabin air filter. I turned on the REST feature and sprayed Lysol in there for quite a while. My car doesn't have the charcoal air filter, so I didn't have to remove that as well. I also moved the air vent selector to all its positions. Worked good for me but of course, I cannot be sure of compatibility issues.
William
2003 E 320

rickyfanmdr

I had that problem and I told my dealer about it. They fixed it and I haven't had the problem since.

norbury

Same here. The dealer first tried the chemical spray and it didn't work. The solution is to replace the condenser (and some other parts) in the a/c system. It is a major repair - takes 4 days and the whole of the dash area must be removed - and now the smell has gone completely.

It was done under warranty at no cost to me. Fortunately, everything went well and there was no damage done to the car's interior. They told me that they had done another car before they did mine.

TPAbnz

I think I asked this before in another post, how do I search Star Diagnosis? How do you find these issues?

raymond g-

http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/

pa28pilot

If you're the adventurous sort, you can log into StarTek Info, and launch WIS, the workshop information system. It's a Java application that will allow you to search for more information than you could ever use. The downside is that WIS is,well, byzantine.

I have found it easier to search the startekinfo bulletin section for anything that might apply to a 211.026, not read them, and just download the lot of them for later review, when the meter isn't running.

Otto

this is one of new car syndromes. my car (2003) had this kind of smell but after years, it is gone.

VBlaster_W211

Exactly what they told me too. They usually try with a spray first. If it doesn't work, it'll be a 3-day job with the replacement of condenser coils with the removal of the dash to facilitate it. The newer designed coils are supposed to take care of mould growth by having better drainage.

Going to send my E in this week for this treatment. Also under warranty, so it's FOC.

rickyfanmdr

My dealer was able to do the repair in 24 hours. I don't know if they had to remove the dash area or not.

Brian_I.

My SA actually told me he forgot to put it on my Work Order. I will have to bring it in again this week. I will wait and see what he finds out. I don't think it is a new car issue because I have over 11k miles and about 600 hours on the clock and this just started happening about 2 months ago.

Brian_I.

Hey, it really does smell that way. I actually have an almost bionic nose.

VBlaster_W211

Yep. Definitely sour vinegar smell that goes away after a few secs. Mould/fungi in coil for sure.

Brian_I.

I've actually begun to have a persistent cough the last couple of weeks that won't go away. I don't feel sick or anything so I don't think I've come down with something. I hope it's not all the mold spores I've been breathing.

E55 and 993

I live in AZ where we use the AC all year. Every car I have owned while living here has the smell when you start the car. BMWs, Porsches, Lexus, and Lincoln Navigators. All had the same smell.

I just live with it.

CE750

I too live in Phoenix, Az and had this problem on my 1997 Volvo 960.. the dealer did a retro fit of a mod that allows the fan blower to come on 20 min after shutdown to vent away the moisture that builds up in the ac system. All of my subsequent Volvo's (a V70 and now my XC90) come standard with this feature. No smell as a result. I wonder if MB has such a retrofit?

Brian_I.

The other day when I took some coworkers to lunch I hit the REST button when we parked at the restaurant and when we got back in there was no smell. My car's been at the dealership for two days now. I hope they can fix it.

konigstiger

As pa28pilot has mentioned there is a TSB on this P-B-83.30/74b JUN05. Initially your dealer will clean the system (treatment should last for at least one year). To reduce the possibility to reoccur it is recommended to operate the blower at higher speed and for cars with a REST function to use this feature when parking the car. If the odor returns within three months, they will install a new slanted heater box bottom (which allows the condensation to drain better) and a coated evaporator. All is covered under warranty.

FYI: the new heater box bottom & coated evaporator entered production as of VIN A675828 and X171590.

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