1MavRick

As the title says...when I first start the car, a strong odor of...well, **** comes through the vents. The first few times, I checked my shoes and even the tires to see if I ran through a massive steaming pile. That was a couple months ago. It still persists.

Ive read about problems with a mildew smell coming through in certain MB vehicles but this smells a good bit more offensive. The smells seems to go away after a minute or 2.

Any ideas?

timm206

Try replacing the cabin filter and then bombing the interior with couple of these:

Meguiar's G16602 Whole Car Air Re-Fresher Odor Eliminator – Sweet Summer Breeze Scent, 2 oz

PeterUbers

You need a service where they can clean the vents with a detergent .. dealer will do it for $100-150

well worth it

1MavRick

Thanx, guys!!!

PeterUbers

FastWgn

As the others say - you have a mild cad of mildew in your system. Smell stops because the dry air of the A/C stops the mildew from releasing more smell.
BMWs used to do this all the time.
There are a number of products to use, they all spray into the system and kill the fungus.

S63AMG888

iTrader: (3)

Get this done at the dealer for $99.

1MavRick

Thanx, Peter!!! SUCCESS!!! it takes a T15 head to get the screws out but after that, its easy. one difference from the video is the placement of the evaporator core. its up and towards the firewall in the C/W218. but yeah....smell is completely gone. thanx, guys!!!

taphil

I’ve used that product and method in the YouTube video successfully on my dad’s W212, CPO car came from humid Houston. Supposedly there was a software update that runs the blower for a bit 30 mins after car is shut off to dry out the evaporator and prevent mildew growth.

PeterUbers

Well done!