AC odor
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2017
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Mercedes 2022 GLE 350
thanks!
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 293
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From: Boston, MA
25 GLE53, 24 Macan, 15 GLK350
I've used a similar foaming product (2008 BMW that had odor that I couldn't get rid of) that you spray into the system through the duct and it worked perfectly. Only issue was that eventually the audio head died (several years later), and I assumed that some foam might have escape the vent system and eventually caused corrosion. I was never really sure, but that was my guess.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 787
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From: SWFL
2024 GLE 450, 2009 SLK 300
How I finally beat the oder: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007PHD0S...roduct_details
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,011
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Reading the reviews, this is obviously not a Mercedes unique problem. I wonder if some sort of behavior such as driving in recirculate all the time, or never driving with the windows open and the system off contributes to the problem. Maybe the manufacturers should put a UV light at the evaporator to help kill mold.
Mold in AC is not a Brand thing. It's regional and owner's practice related.
Once it takes residence in your system it's hard to permanently kill it.
Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 121
Likes: 29
From: Northshore of Lake Travis, TX
2022 GLE 450/2020 Gen 2 Raptor/few others
I've used a similar foaming product (2008 BMW that had odor that I couldn't get rid of) that you spray into the system through the duct and it worked perfectly. Only issue was that eventually the audio head died (several years later), and I assumed that some foam might have escape the vent system and eventually caused corrosion. I was never really sure, but that was my guess.
Reading the reviews, this is obviously not a Mercedes unique problem. I wonder if some sort of behavior such as driving in recirculate all the time, or never driving with the windows open and the system off contributes to the problem. Maybe the manufacturers should put a UV light at the evaporator to help kill mold.
UV light is a very good idea. Esp not too big and issue on a luxury vehicle that already has "disco" lighting as a gimmick.
Last edited by Zeusmotorworks; Sep 29, 2023 at 12:53 PM.
Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 121
Likes: 29
From: Northshore of Lake Travis, TX
2022 GLE 450/2020 Gen 2 Raptor/few others
...side note, had to treat my 2020 Raptor for the same problem. Don't remember it being a issue with other vehicles over the last 40 years.
The Raptor I introduced the product through the evap drain. The GLE I went through the center vent.
The Raptor I introduced the product through the evap drain. The GLE I went through the center vent.
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GLE 580
How I finally beat the oder: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007PHD0S...roduct_details
Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 121
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From: Northshore of Lake Travis, TX
2022 GLE 450/2020 Gen 2 Raptor/few others
Will post back when I have to treat again. Has not been a month yet, but still good and both are daily's. Both driven 2 hrs a day M-F, some on weekends.
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GLE 580 & EQS 580
Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 121
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From: Northshore of Lake Travis, TX
2022 GLE 450/2020 Gen 2 Raptor/few others
Drain has a bellowed drain tube from box to body and two 90 degree angles. That had me irritated for a while so removed cabin filter, then cracked door open pushing hose up to condenser (I have inspection camera). Used spray then quickly closed door and let foam work. However drain is recommended and would put you on other side of condenser I believe.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 7
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GLE 580 & EQS 580
Drain has a bellowed drain tube from box to body and two 90 degree angles. That had me irritated for a while so removed cabin filter, then cracked door open pushing hose up to condenser (I have inspection camera). Used spray then quickly closed door and let foam work. However drain is recommended and would put you on other side of condenser I believe.
Turns out the evaporator was clean. The detail guys just used a bunch of fragrance cleaners …. Time for baking soda, charcoal and a steam clean.
I broke out my inspection camera as well.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Unfortunately "clean" may not show the smelly mold or other suspects.
Other strategies are needed, and good luck with yours.
The usual MB haters say that "it's only a Mercedes problem," but they are just chewing cud. Ignore.
Think about it. Would several hundred brands make a line of AC mold busters, if their only market would be Mercedes cars?🤔
If so, why aren't they clearly labeled "for Mercedes?"🤔
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 3
GLE 580 & EQS 580
Good investigation.
Unfortunately "clean" may not show the smelly mold or other suspects.
Other strategies are needed, and good luck with yours.
The usual MB haters say that "it's only a Mercedes problem," but they are just chewing cud. Ignore.
Think about it. Would several hundred brands make a line of AC mold busters, if their only market would be Mercedes cars?🤔
If so, why aren't they clearly labeled "for Mercedes?"🤔
Unfortunately "clean" may not show the smelly mold or other suspects.
Other strategies are needed, and good luck with yours.
The usual MB haters say that "it's only a Mercedes problem," but they are just chewing cud. Ignore.
Think about it. Would several hundred brands make a line of AC mold busters, if their only market would be Mercedes cars?🤔
If so, why aren't they clearly labeled "for Mercedes?"🤔
Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 121
Likes: 29
From: Northshore of Lake Travis, TX
2022 GLE 450/2020 Gen 2 Raptor/few others
Good investigation.
Unfortunately "clean" may not show the smelly mold or other suspects.
Other strategies are needed, and good luck with yours.
The usual MB haters say that "it's only a Mercedes problem," but they are just chewing cud. Ignore.
Think about it. Would several hundred brands make a line of AC mold busters, if their only market would be Mercedes cars?🤔
If so, why aren't they clearly labeled "for Mercedes?"🤔
Unfortunately "clean" may not show the smelly mold or other suspects.
Other strategies are needed, and good luck with yours.
The usual MB haters say that "it's only a Mercedes problem," but they are just chewing cud. Ignore.
Think about it. Would several hundred brands make a line of AC mold busters, if their only market would be Mercedes cars?🤔
If so, why aren't they clearly labeled "for Mercedes?"🤔
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 787
Likes: 407
From: SWFL
2024 GLE 450, 2009 SLK 300
There is no logical reason to run with recycle on all the time. The GLE is more than capable of adequate cooling without using recycle. I rarely run with recycle on (almost never). I drive with the windows down around town on nice days with the AC off. I live in Florida with a hot, humid environment and have yet to run into this problem. I don't know if constant use of recycled air contributes to the problem, but there does seem to be some correlation with the complaints seen on here.
Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 121
Likes: 29
From: Northshore of Lake Travis, TX
2022 GLE 450/2020 Gen 2 Raptor/few others
Has nothing at all to do with cooling.There is no logical reason to run without recycle on 24/7 in the land of "bro" pickups "rolling coal", 1,000 skunks per mile, same for dead deer and other animals on the side of the road, dusty conditions, overpopulation and I could go on and on. You do you and I'll do me.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 7
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GLE 580 & EQS 580
Noted on the clean but still smelly. I’ll do the baking soda / charcoal thing and an ozone treatment and see where we are. I stuffed my face into the carpet in the back and darn near passed out from the perfume. Turns out they used a fragrance on the carpet and a different one on the all season mats. Uggg… used car detailing.
I’ll hit the evaporator with the foam if any smells persist. I have to rely on my daughter for the smell test as my sniffer isn’t 100%…
so far enjoying the GLE 580. Not as fast as the 605 hp S8 but far more practical.
I’ll hit the evaporator with the foam if any smells persist. I have to rely on my daughter for the smell test as my sniffer isn’t 100%…
so far enjoying the GLE 580. Not as fast as the 605 hp S8 but far more practical.
Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 121
Likes: 29
From: Northshore of Lake Travis, TX
2022 GLE 450/2020 Gen 2 Raptor/few others
Noted on the clean but still smelly. I’ll do the baking soda / charcoal thing and an ozone treatment and see where we are. I stuffed my face into the carpet in the back and darn near passed out from the perfume. Turns out they used a fragrance on the carpet and a different one on the all season mats. Uggg… used car detailing.
I’ll hit the evaporator with the foam if any smells persist. I have to rely on my daughter for the smell test as my sniffer isn’t 100%…
so far enjoying the GLE 580. Not as fast as the 605 hp S8 but far more practical.
I’ll hit the evaporator with the foam if any smells persist. I have to rely on my daughter for the smell test as my sniffer isn’t 100%…
so far enjoying the GLE 580. Not as fast as the 605 hp S8 but far more practical.
Enjoy your car. Just wish we didn't have this irritating issue to deal with.
