yes, it helps but only when done way in advance to allow the evaporator and the ducts to warm up and thus avoid condensation of the outside air.

Driving the last bit (minimum 5 minutes, preferably 10-15 minutes) is not nice at all as humid and warm air starts to fill the cabin. Especially if the airco isn't very clean, the smell is bad. To speed up the process, you can turn up the ventilator but

Turning it off and then turning off the engine is pointless. The ducts are then still cold and water from the outside air will condensate anyway. Creating a growing ground for mold.

A molded airco smells less bad when turned on as it's drying out the funghus when cold. But after the trip, more and more starts to grow so over time, it get's nasty.

 

on hot days i blast my ac on max for about 20 minutes and the smell goes away for a couple days

 

The "Parked Car Operation" can be used to ventalate the car after driving. I think it runs for 20 minutes and will clear out any water vapor and dry the AC condenser.

You activate this after the engine is turned off and before you remove the key.

I usually activate this feature when I park the car for the last time in the evening.

 

That's a GREAT idea! I think I finally found a use for one of those "Favorites" buttons.

 

Smart tprindle, obvious solution. never thought of that.

 

how do you activate the "Parked Car Operation"...which button do you hit or is it something via the iDrive?

 

You do it through iDrive, but to get to it more quickly, just press the AUTO button on the climate controls to bring up the ventilation controls. Then bump the knob forward a click or two and scroll left or right to bring up Parked Car Operation.

 

Check and confirm that the under-car drain is free and permits accumulated moisture, extracted from inside the vehicle, to drain from the system.

In many instances that tube that is somewhere under the passenger side of the car has become blocked with debris. And insects find it a curious place to investigate ... climb in and die ... blocking the tube and causing water to pool in the AC area and become breeding place for mold.

 

only for LCI's. My pre-LCI does not switch I-drive to climate items when you hit 'auto'. You probably can get into different modes by pressing ' auto' more often too.

To get to the vent controls 'quickly' I keep the I-drive knob to the left and then do what you describe.

 

Getting mold spores in you lungs is even worse...wear a mask when you try to cleaning that stuff.