AC odor
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Gle 350
AC odor
Hi, I own a 2022 GLE 350. As the weather warmed up, I’ve noticed that when I turn my car on after it being off for few hours, my AC smells horrible. It only smells bad for about 10-15 seconds. After that it’s normal. It’s only happens with the AC. If I turn the heat on, it doesn’t smell. Has anyone faced a similar issue?
Thank you.
Thank you.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2021
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From: Central Indiana
2021 GLC 300 4Matic
I have this as well and it has happened in nearly every vehicle I have owned and is not MB specific. Using the Rest option after shutting the vehicle off doesn't seem to help either. I live with it since it only lasts a few seconds after start up.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2019
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From: Philadelphia, PA
2020 Mercedes GLE 450
What I usually do, is about 5 to 10 minutes before arriving, I turn off the AC and leave the fan running. That usually give it enough time to dry the evaporator enough to remove most of the moisture on the system, which is what the likely cause of the smell.
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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
Hi, I own a 2022 GLE 350. As the weather warmed up, I’ve noticed that when I turn my car on after it being off for few hours, my AC smells horrible. It only smells bad for about 10-15 seconds. After that it’s normal. It’s only happens with the AC. If I turn the heat on, it doesn’t smell. Has anyone faced a similar issue?
Thank you.
Thank you.
I know cars without the fragrance option default from Recirc back to Fresh.
As I understand it, that fragrance option (can't remember its name) is supposed to open and close Recirc according to air quality, but in either case there should be enough fresh air across the exchanger to discourage mold.
Is your Recirc off most of the time? Or is it stuck on?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Hi, I own a 2022 GLE 350. As the weather warmed up, I’ve noticed that when I turn my car on after it being off for few hours, my AC smells horrible. It only smells bad for about 10-15 seconds. After that it’s normal. It’s only happens with the AC. If I turn the heat on, it doesn’t smell. Has anyone faced a similar issue?
Thank you.
Thank you.
Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 126
Likes: 47
From: Idaho
2023 GLE 450
My last Benz ac smelled like vinegar when first switched on. Not sure there is a fix but it does help to run turn off the ac and continue the fan for a few minutes before you arrive to your destination. I have not had any issues with the GLE. I do turn it off as described and I’m the original owner this time, lol. I run it a lot right now since it’s been over 100 Fahrenheit a lot lately.
I should have added an easier and more pleasant way to clear out the AC after driving is after parking, turn off ac and turn the fan on high or max until the cool air is gone, much nicer then driver for 10 minutes without the ac.
I should have added an easier and more pleasant way to clear out the AC after driving is after parking, turn off ac and turn the fan on high or max until the cool air is gone, much nicer then driver for 10 minutes without the ac.
Last edited by PLINYELDER; Jul 22, 2023 at 03:27 PM.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: San Diego, CA
08 E63 Arctic White/Black
Very common MB performance. Search this site and you will find the dirty sock smell reported across models and years. No solution but rather only a temporary treatment exists. MB does not know what they are doing in many areas of their business, AC design is one of those examples. It’s not the best, therefore it’s nothing.
our "fix" was to spray lysol into the hood vents when the engine was on, but that only worked a few trips and the smell was back. i had a shop install a remote starter so that i could start it up as i was approaching the car so that the smell could come out of the vents before i was sitting in the seat. but it still was cringey to think what kind of mildew was being spewed by the ac vents into the cabin ... it was embarrassing sometimes driving friends or other kids and telling them oh roll down your windows, the smell will go away in a few seconds.
some forums would say, oh when you come back home turn off the AC and run the heat for 10 minutes. in summer temps and with kids in tow, i don't know how or why people think that is a solution!! and again, no other brand car i have had driven in the same way and parked in the same garage has had this kind of smell so...
still loved all of our MBs, but that AC odor just boggled my mind
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GLE 580
My old Lexus use to leave a puddle of condensation on the garage floor after using the AC and parking the car. I noticed my 580 doesn't do that. Where does that condensation collect? I should note that I have the shield plate underneath my 580.
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
If the condensation is not on your garage floor it’s puddled on the underbody shield. It doesn’t accumulate, rather it drains. Give it more time or park on a sloped surface and you will find where it dribbles out. Usually over top or near the transmission where it joins the engine block.
Member
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2022 GLE 450
it dries moisture from the evaporator.
what I do is gain access to the evaporator if I can and use this..
https://nextzettusa.com/klima-cleane...cleaner-10-oz/
with my audi I could put the hose in the vent and spray. it would fall onto the evaporator and clean it well.
with my volvo the cabin air filter is right next to the evaporator so I spray it after removing the filter.
if my benz ac gets funky I'll see if I can access the evaporator.
the spray gets rid of the odor and generates much cooler air.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 496
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From: Philadelphia, PA
2020 Mercedes GLE 450
this man knows.
it dries moisture from the evaporator.
what I do is gain access to the evaporator if I can and use this..
https://nextzettusa.com/klima-cleane...cleaner-10-oz/
with my audi I could put the hose in the vent and spray. it would fall onto the evaporator and clean it well.
with my volvo the cabin air filter is right next to the evaporator so I spray it after removing the filter.
if my benz ac gets funky I'll see if I can access the evaporator.
the spray gets rid of the odor and generates much cooler air.
it dries moisture from the evaporator.
what I do is gain access to the evaporator if I can and use this..
https://nextzettusa.com/klima-cleane...cleaner-10-oz/
with my audi I could put the hose in the vent and spray. it would fall onto the evaporator and clean it well.
with my volvo the cabin air filter is right next to the evaporator so I spray it after removing the filter.
if my benz ac gets funky I'll see if I can access the evaporator.
the spray gets rid of the odor and generates much cooler air.
But personally, when I am driving by myself, I would just take the heat for the last 5 to 10 minutes of the drive and let it air dry (or if you have the 48v system, just leave the car running for about 5 to 10 minutes after park. For most of the time, the car is able to keep the engine off while keeping the rest of the system running).
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 24
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From: Hudson Valley, NY
2016 E350 Wagon w/AMG, 2018 GLC300 Selinite SUV w/AMG Night(sold) 2021 GLE450 AMG Night
Try BG Frigi Fresh or similar product designed for automotive AC. Remove the cabin filter and spray into the fresh air inlet with the blower on, ac off.
Also check the amount of condensate on the ground with AC on at idle. The question is why there is residual condensate in the evaporator housing causing odor. Partially restricted evaporator drain or is it a design issue?
Also check the amount of condensate on the ground with AC on at idle. The question is why there is residual condensate in the evaporator housing causing odor. Partially restricted evaporator drain or is it a design issue?
Member
Joined: Aug 2021
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SUV
This is the most disturbing issue I have with BMW and Mercedes. I remember the smell from my X5 very early on, like only a few thousand on clock. I took to the dealership and they told:
1. I run Recir too much
2. I didn't run pre condition at the end of each drive. They say this is the advantage BMW gives you that no other band does
3. It is what it is. You live in a hot area of the country. When I told the manager that I didn't have this issue with my Lexus vehicles. The sad part kicked in, he indirectly admitted Lexus build quality was better.
What I did: 1, 2 and also I read on forums to run system at highest temp for a few minutes.
Result: I gave up. I just remote start the car before going or shut the middle vents off for a few minutes.
I was happy that the GLE didn't give me this problem until recently. It's about 10k now and it smells too.
Thanks I will try this to see if it helps. Seems like a simple thing to do. I'd rather not get under the car to get the stuff in.
Is this even possible? This is the most annoying feature on this GLE. It shuts off too fast on its own. BMW also does but much much longer. Lexus will only force off when you have Auto on.
1. I run Recir too much
2. I didn't run pre condition at the end of each drive. They say this is the advantage BMW gives you that no other band does
3. It is what it is. You live in a hot area of the country. When I told the manager that I didn't have this issue with my Lexus vehicles. The sad part kicked in, he indirectly admitted Lexus build quality was better.
What I did: 1, 2 and also I read on forums to run system at highest temp for a few minutes.
Result: I gave up. I just remote start the car before going or shut the middle vents off for a few minutes.
I was happy that the GLE didn't give me this problem until recently. It's about 10k now and it smells too.
This is more likely to happen if you use Recirc a lot.
I know cars without the fragrance option default from Recirc back to Fresh.
As I understand it, that fragrance option (can't remember its name) is supposed to open and close Recirc according to air quality, but in either case there should be enough fresh air across the exchanger to discourage mold.
Is your Recirc off most of the time? Or is it stuck on?
I know cars without the fragrance option default from Recirc back to Fresh.
As I understand it, that fragrance option (can't remember its name) is supposed to open and close Recirc according to air quality, but in either case there should be enough fresh air across the exchanger to discourage mold.
Is your Recirc off most of the time? Or is it stuck on?
Member
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 170
Likes: 32
2022 GLE 450
Try BG Frigi Fresh or similar product designed for automotive AC. Remove the cabin filter and spray into the fresh air inlet with the blower on, ac off.
Also check the amount of condensate on the ground with AC on at idle. The question is why there is residual condensate in the evaporator housing causing odor. Partially restricted evaporator drain or is it a design issue?
Also check the amount of condensate on the ground with AC on at idle. The question is why there is residual condensate in the evaporator housing causing odor. Partially restricted evaporator drain or is it a design issue?
the volvo design has the filter right against the evaporator so I bet the filter gets soaked if it's not allowed to dry.
the evaporator is cold so moisture in the air coming through it condenses. there's a drain for that water to go but when you don't let the coil dry before shutting off the car the moisture just sits on the coil.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 24
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From: Hudson Valley, NY
2016 E350 Wagon w/AMG, 2018 GLC300 Selinite SUV w/AMG Night(sold) 2021 GLE450 AMG Night
the moisture just sits there and mold and bacteria grow.
the volvo design has the filter right against the evaporator so I bet the filter gets soaked if it's not allowed to dry.
the evaporator is cold so moisture in the air coming through it condenses. there's a drain for that water to go but when you don't let the coil dry before shutting off the car the moisture just sits on the coil.
the volvo design has the filter right against the evaporator so I bet the filter gets soaked if it's not allowed to dry.
the evaporator is cold so moisture in the air coming through it condenses. there's a drain for that water to go but when you don't let the coil dry before shutting off the car the moisture just sits on the coil.
So again, could the drain be partially restricted or is there a design flaw that does not allow the evaporator case drain completely?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 496
Likes: 214
From: Philadelphia, PA
2020 Mercedes GLE 450
The point is that moisture should not just sit there. The minimal amount of residual moisture that is present when the ac is turned off should drain and or evaporate so as to not cause mold or odor.
So again, could the drain be partially restricted or is there a design flaw that does not allow the evaporator case drain completely?
So again, could the drain be partially restricted or is there a design flaw that does not allow the evaporator case drain completely?
This is similar to when you take a can of soda out of the refrigerator. When a cold surface (evaporator) met warm surface, water will condensate on the surface, in this case, on the evaporator. There will always be some amount of water left on the surface, especially since evaporator is not a flat surface, so if you didn't let it dry, overtime, mold and bacteria will gather, causing the odor.
Member
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 170
Likes: 32
2022 GLE 450
exactly. just look at an evaporator...
https://www.dcpowersolutions.com.au/...ore-for-holden
the response should be how does water not get removed? most of them are also situated vertically. if they were horizontal you'd think there would be a better chance for the condensation to freely drain.
so in the meantime just follow the advice of the white haired folk.
https://www.dcpowersolutions.com.au/...ore-for-holden
the response should be how does water not get removed? most of them are also situated vertically. if they were horizontal you'd think there would be a better chance for the condensation to freely drain.
so in the meantime just follow the advice of the white haired folk.
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Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 170
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2022 GLE 450
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 24
Likes: 7
From: Hudson Valley, NY
2016 E350 Wagon w/AMG, 2018 GLC300 Selinite SUV w/AMG Night(sold) 2021 GLE450 AMG Night
Why does this not make sense to you or better how would you fix the problem?
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GLE 580
Thankfully no one here is getting only hot air from the AC because that means your evaporator probably needs to be replaced. You have to remove the entire dash to do so, the same goes for the replacement of a $35 actuator which I had completed under warranty a few months ago:
https://www.reddit.com/r/mercedes_be...ator_on_a_167/
https://www.reddit.com/r/mercedes_be...ator_on_a_167/
MBWorld Fanatic!
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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
Thankfully no one here is getting only hot air from the AC because that means your evaporator probably needs to be replaced. You have to remove the entire dash to do so, the same goes for the replacement of a $35 actuator which I had completed under warranty a few months ago:
https://www.reddit.com/r/mercedes_be...ator_on_a_167/
https://www.reddit.com/r/mercedes_be...ator_on_a_167/
