Rotten smell from vents at startup...
 

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?

Mice? Carcass? You're right about the mildew scent, but this is obviously different.

Sounds like you have mold issue in the vent. This happen to us southern folks often. Basically what you need to do and this worked for me on CLK Cabriolet was turn the fan on HIGH with the A/C. open all of the windows and spray a lysol or something of that nature into the exterior vents for a little bit. It worked for me. Also, when did you last change your cabin air filter?

i've never changed it. thats gonna be the FIRST thing that i do. thanx!!!

Mine has been doing that too! I’ve read that it happens to us with humility area’s that parks in the garage. I ordered a cabin filter but I’m pretty sure that will not fix it. Apparently some mold may be on the coils. Not sure how to get rid of it either.

Garages have NO humility! LOL

Lmao. Oops

1000% cabin filter. Order 2, and keep an extra on hand too as they don't last forever. The smell will go away.

The key is to turn the fans on with the AC off every now and then so the condensor tip doesn't sit with condensation on it after you turn the car off. Thats how the mold grows.

I ordered one the other day. I’ll install it this weekend to see what happens. Man, it stinks so bad too.

May wanna try this, too. i just ordered some Kool-It on amazon for $17. should be here tomorrow...

I saw that. Report back and let me know how it works!

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!!!

Can you or someone post the link to best place to get the filter? Thx!!
2014 CLS550

Awesome! I’ll order it and tackle this too! Thanks man