S63AMG888

iTrader: (3)

https://www.wsbtv.com/news/2-investi...OUKB26EY5DGH4/

NoVAe63s

Never thought I’d see the day when MB finally fessed up to their terrible design. I spent years doing superfluous acts such as turning the AC off 5 minutes before getting to my destination and running the fan on high to dry out the evap coils, or taking the cabin filter out and blasting the insides of the coils and ductwork with mold killer.

RIP smelly sock E class.

Now someone needs to class action the airmatic system and TCU... one day this forum might be a lonely place.

thanks for sending!

C130AMG

Any idea how they’re going to fix it, other then using the same cleaners we do?

NoVAe63s

Doing some internet research yields that this is a problem that plagues not only vehicles (multiple manufacturers) but also home HVAC systems. For decades. One theory is that it has to do with the quality, or lack thereof, of the aluminum being used in the fins or coils that somehow creates a better environment for mold. Recycled and/or cheap grade of aluminum somehow has more micropockets that create tiny homes for water to settle into and not drain. It may be a little xenophobic but China’s dominance in supplying the world’s alumina started in the late 90’s - the Dirty Sock Syndrome has been increasingly more prevalent in the last 20 years. Coincidence?

Another thought could be that modern efficiency and environmental standards are contributing via use of different refrigerants and cooling design. Post Montreal Protocol and now EPA SEER might drive design to save in one area (saving the ozone and lower energy consumption) at the sacrifice of others (lower coil temps/dew points, better dehumidification, better MOLD control).

Since this issue has been the Gordian knot for all HVAC companies for decades, I doubt Mercedes somehow just figured out how to solve it. If anything they’ll just firmware the cars to run the blower motor longer after it shuts down, force open the diverter valves for more air exchange and cover filter changes and sanitizer.

2012 merc amg

The last time I went in for service on my 2019 E450 the dealer had a sign up that they were doing a/c sanitizing with each service on cars. I kinda had a feeling something was up then but i've had no complaints about this.