AC smell
#1
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: U.S.
Posts: 1,673
Received 645 Likes
on
422 Posts
Last 5 years: S560, X7, X5, Accord; Sold:15'S550, 20'BMW X7; 19'BMW 530e; 20'Lincoln Navigator,LS460
AC smell
Now with temperature warming up, I feel a a smell from the AC during the first 5-10 seconds when the AC kicks in. It is not a moldy smell, and not that bad, but it does not smell fresh like I assume it should. I assume it is not a hard to track type of problem and kind of common; or is that even normal when temps are still in the 60-65F range with AC working? I don't recall that in my former W222 but now I am in a different climate zone and state anyway. The smell disappears 100% after the first 5-10 seconds. AC filter was installed in Dec 2022.
What are the different things I should look at?
What are the different things I should look at?
Last edited by S_W222; 04-29-2023 at 12:29 PM.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: NYC
Posts: 405
Received 146 Likes
on
103 Posts
S63, GLE580, Monster 1100S
The only solution I found for this (with all cars, not just the S) was when I would be parking overnight or a few hours, 5-10 min before arrival at destination. Turn off the Air Con and leave the fan on (I turn it on higher). It reduces condensation inside of the vent tubes which breeds the moldy/mildew odor source. Once or twice a month or so (during A/C use months) when the car is at operating temp, I turn on the heat full blast for about 10 min to fully dry out whatever is in the vent system.
in the same regard, in the winter I kick on the A/C for 10 min or so once of twice a month to circulate freon (not sure if its an old wives tale that the system needs to circulate periodically to stay lubricated internally)
edit to add: I'm in NYC where humidity and heat gets nasty, condensation on cooled venting builds up quickly once the car is shut down. I just remembered my previous cars had the "rest" button available where when the car was off, the climate control system continued to circulate air for a little while. This eliminated or reduced condensation buildup. I dont recall seeing that on the w222 (i don't look at the console buttons often), maybe someone knows and can chime in.
in the same regard, in the winter I kick on the A/C for 10 min or so once of twice a month to circulate freon (not sure if its an old wives tale that the system needs to circulate periodically to stay lubricated internally)
edit to add: I'm in NYC where humidity and heat gets nasty, condensation on cooled venting builds up quickly once the car is shut down. I just remembered my previous cars had the "rest" button available where when the car was off, the climate control system continued to circulate air for a little while. This eliminated or reduced condensation buildup. I dont recall seeing that on the w222 (i don't look at the console buttons often), maybe someone knows and can chime in.
Last edited by vincheung; 04-29-2023 at 02:44 PM.
The following 2 users liked this post by vincheung:
MercedesBenzers (04-30-2023),
Nice Ride (04-30-2023)
#4
What the person above me said. If you leave the AC on all the time, moist will stay in the system and attract bacteria. This can turn in to mold, doesn't have to, but bacteria will smell aswel. Make sure to turn the AC off at least 5 minutes before parking, but keep the ventilation going so the filters can dry.
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
The only solution I found for this (with all cars, not just the S) was when I would be parking overnight or a few hours, 5-10 min before arrival at destination. Turn off the Air Con and leave the fan on (I turn it on higher). It reduces condensation inside of the vent tubes which breeds the moldy/mildew odor source. Once or twice a month or so (during A/C use months) when the car is at operating temp, I turn on the heat full blast for about 10 min to fully dry out whatever is in the vent system.
in the same regard, in the winter I kick on the A/C for 10 min or so once of twice a month to circulate freon (not sure if its an old wives tale that the system needs to circulate periodically to stay lubricated internally)
edit to add: I'm in NYC where humidity and heat gets nasty, condensation on cooled venting builds up quickly once the car is shut down. I just remembered my previous cars had the "rest" button available where when the car was off, the climate control system continued to circulate air for a little while. This eliminated or reduced condensation buildup. I dont recall seeing that on the w222 (i don't look at the console buttons often), maybe someone knows and can chime in.
in the same regard, in the winter I kick on the A/C for 10 min or so once of twice a month to circulate freon (not sure if its an old wives tale that the system needs to circulate periodically to stay lubricated internally)
edit to add: I'm in NYC where humidity and heat gets nasty, condensation on cooled venting builds up quickly once the car is shut down. I just remembered my previous cars had the "rest" button available where when the car was off, the climate control system continued to circulate air for a little while. This eliminated or reduced condensation buildup. I dont recall seeing that on the w222 (i don't look at the console buttons often), maybe someone knows and can chime in.
The following users liked this post:
BenzNinja (04-30-2023)
#6
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: U.S.
Posts: 1,673
Received 645 Likes
on
422 Posts
Last 5 years: S560, X7, X5, Accord; Sold:15'S550, 20'BMW X7; 19'BMW 530e; 20'Lincoln Navigator,LS460
Thanks everyone, problem solved. I should have checked the cabin air filter, but because car history shows it was replaced just less than a year ago, I did not think it could be it. I pulled the air filter and really looked not that bad. I replaced the filter as I have an extra one already, problem solved 100%. Like I said, the smell was NOT like (mold) but it was somewhat not up to W222 spec in my view. Listen learned, from now on, I'll have FCPeuro filter replaced every 12-months utilizing the lifetime warranty replacement.
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Maryland
Posts: 5,515
Received 2,735 Likes
on
1,749 Posts
2020 S560 4Matic
FCP Euro lifetime replacement is not what it once was...
It could be the filter that was used. Some filters have an odd smell
It could be the filter that was used. Some filters have an odd smell
Trending Topics
#8
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: U.S.
Posts: 1,673
Received 645 Likes
on
422 Posts
Last 5 years: S560, X7, X5, Accord; Sold:15'S550, 20'BMW X7; 19'BMW 530e; 20'Lincoln Navigator,LS460
Agree that FCPeuro warranty in the past used to be better, but for my typical use, I am yet to have any issues with them. They have honored refunding me on most items like wiper blades and filters. I paid them more for OEM wiper blades when I had my older W222, and I got them again for my current W222 but it will pay for itself after the 2nd replacement. Most forum members here replace them for free after 1-year based on what I read on the other thread about wiper blades from FCP with no issues. They are still my preferred vendor after the dealer on a few items.
#9
MBWorld Fanatic!
Seems like FCP Euro’s business model could only result in failure.
Hmmmm.... Perhaps I purchase my next set of 24 spark plugs from them. I get to replace them every 18 months.
Hmmmm.... Perhaps I purchase my next set of 24 spark plugs from them. I get to replace them every 18 months.
Last edited by JohnLane; 04-30-2023 at 12:55 PM.
The following users liked this post:
BenzNinja SII (04-30-2023)
#10
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: U.S.
Posts: 1,673
Received 645 Likes
on
422 Posts
Last 5 years: S560, X7, X5, Accord; Sold:15'S550, 20'BMW X7; 19'BMW 530e; 20'Lincoln Navigator,LS460
From their website:
"How can FCP Euro afford to offer this? We only offer high-quality parts and reputable brands. This makes warrantying everything for life a little easier, but we also consider replacements the cost of business for keeping our customers happy and coming back for life."
As you can tell, they markup their products just a little over OEM prices, so that it is just enough that the additional markup from most buyers who do not send the parts for replacement, would cover the cost of replacing parts for the smaller % of customers who would send their parts for a replacement. In many cases, they still sell items below dealer's asking price for the same item. By offering such replacement warranty on most items, they can lock in customers for life (as in my case for instance, I even buy some* of the fluids from them such aswindshield fluids that are of course not covered by replacement). Engine oil by the way are also covered under lifetime replacement if you flush the oil and send it back to them in the original container. Check their YouTube there is a video on how many oil containers they receive per day for replacement and how they deal with the returned oil. I never bothered about engine oil as I do my oil change at the dealer rather than doing it myself, but I get wiper blades, OEM engine filters, OEM cabin filter, OEM spark plugs, brake pads and windshield fluid always from them.
Last edited by S_W222; 04-30-2023 at 01:35 PM.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: South Dakota / Maryland
Posts: 263
Received 149 Likes
on
83 Posts
Various
Thanks everyone, problem solved. I should have checked the cabin air filter, but because car history shows it was replaced just less than a year ago, I did not think it could be it. I pulled the air filter and really looked not that bad. I replaced the filter as I have an extra one already, problem solved 100%. Like I said, the smell was NOT like (mold) but it was somewhat not up to W222 spec in my view. Listen learned, from now on, I'll have FCPeuro filter replaced every 12-months utilizing the lifetime warranty replacement.
#12
Out Of Control!!
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Yours to Discover
Posts: 13,577
Received 2,560 Likes
on
2,176 Posts
PFL205.064 with M276.823 (Oil pump solenoid defeated)
I can google it, but I’ll ask here, where is the cabin air filter? I replaced the cabin filter in my past 19 E class and won’t do that again, what a PITA. Getting the bottom cover back on was a job. The one in the engine bay is a piece of cake, but when needed I may let the dealer change the cabin one based on your comments.
The following users liked this post:
NbyNW (04-30-2023)
#13
MBWorld Fanatic!
My bet was on the cabin filter as well but I should confess I didn't expect it to go bad in just 12 months either
Anyway, now you have more comfortable car to drive which is important
Anyway, now you have more comfortable car to drive which is important
#14
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: U.S.
Posts: 1,673
Received 645 Likes
on
422 Posts
Last 5 years: S560, X7, X5, Accord; Sold:15'S550, 20'BMW X7; 19'BMW 530e; 20'Lincoln Navigator,LS460
Last edited by S_W222; 05-01-2023 at 01:24 PM.
The following users liked this post:
BenzV12 (05-02-2023)
#15
Out Of Control!!
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Yours to Discover
Posts: 13,577
Received 2,560 Likes
on
2,176 Posts
PFL205.064 with M276.823 (Oil pump solenoid defeated)
@BenzV12 , I think I came to a conclusion the air filter that the service history was referring to in Dec is actually the engine air filter not the cabin filter. The service history records did not elaborate, which is stupid, and I previously assumed that it was the cabin air filter that was replaced last year by the dealer. Looking over the service history records I have from the 1st owner, it says "Air Filter Replaced", so you can't really tell for sure if it was the cabin or engine air filter, and there are no part numbers recorded. I don't have a reason as to why I always assumed it was the cabin other than the fact the cost to replace it was closer to cabin air filter than engine air filter when I cross-link the estimated price of both filters, but clearly that is not a definitive way to tell. Based on how dirty the cabin air filter was, I am convinced that the service records were referring to the engine air filter. When I replaced the engine air filter a couple weeks ago, I remember the old one actually looked pretty good, which also leads to the same conclusion. I already threw away that engine air filter, which apparently was only 6-months old if my conclusion is accurate. Regardless, I have a piece of mind now that both filters are new and clean.
#17
MBWorld Fanatic!
This is what car dealers use. I've used it in my home a/c and it cleaned up the musty odor. Great stuff. Spray it into air drawing vents with a/c on.
http://aircare.niteoproducts.com/ozium-2/
http://aircare.niteoproducts.com/ozium-2/
Last edited by Jud Chapin; 07-20-2023 at 10:04 AM.
#18
Apart from a clogged drain and an old cabin filter, make sure you leave your AC on AUTO at all times. I used to get stank vents in my W204 until I started doing that. I was manually setting the climate control options, turning it off, etc. If you do not leave the AC in Auto all the time, the car will not dry the vents out after you park. I never had stinky vents ever again.
#19
Happy to answer any questions with photos for anyone who has been thinking about it. They were good dudes and helped me a lot.
Thanks
Joel
#20
Out Of Control!!
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Yours to Discover
Posts: 13,577
Received 2,560 Likes
on
2,176 Posts
PFL205.064 with M276.823 (Oil pump solenoid defeated)
This is what car dealers use. I've used it in my home a/c and it cleaned up the musty odor. Great stuff. Spray it into air drawing vents with a/c on.
http://aircare.niteoproducts.com/ozium-2/
http://aircare.niteoproducts.com/ozium-2/
#21
Out Of Control!!
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Yours to Discover
Posts: 13,577
Received 2,560 Likes
on
2,176 Posts
PFL205.064 with M276.823 (Oil pump solenoid defeated)
Apart from a clogged drain and an old cabin filter, make sure you leave your AC on AUTO at all times. I used to get stank vents in my W204 until I started doing that. I was manually setting the climate control options, turning it off, etc. If you do not leave the AC in Auto all the time, the car will not dry the vents out after you park. I never had stinky vents ever again.