nikko64

Hello all. I was hoping you could shed some light on my problem. For the last 1-2 weeks there has been a musty odor coming from the vents. Never before, but started after the weather got cooler here. Is this temporary or is there something wrong with my system...seems abrupt and coincidental with the weather change. Anyone have info. I am still covered under warranty and maintenance so Im okay from that standpoint, but was wondering if this is something that does not need to be dealt with by dealer.

Thanks


2005 545i with smg tranny, nav, hud, comfort seats, etc

andy535xi

You have to tell the squirrels living under the hood to start using deodorant ... j/k I don't have that problem and can't suggest anything sorry

mag75

I had/have the same issue. I took it to the dealership and they said the microfilter was responsible for the smell....BUT since the stupid idrive said I didnt need a new one, they couldnt replace it....so they cleaned it, sprayed some stuff on it and that seemed to do the trick.

nikko64

Thanks. I also found an SIB online that dealt with this issue thanks to a previous post here the other day. I guess thats the only way. Dont think they will change the filter as my i drive says its still good and they are trying to sell me an extended maintenance plan (mine expires end of may 2009)

nikko64

I asked and they declined, citing religious/cultural beliefs

andy535xi

lol ... its your car, press charges.

MIK_82

I saw a spray at my dealership that removes odor. It's supposed to be good.

dhelmreich

I had a similar issue with my 550i and took it in for service. The guys jokes that they don't warranty smells, etc, but were clearly avoiding the issue.

I bought new microfilters from www.germanfilters.com, did the replacement myself and cleaned out the existing filter boxes of leaves, junk, and dirt.

The other issue that is common with these cars is that shutting off the car in recirc, or that using recirc all the time, and not auto, will build up moisture in the system.

Anyway, the above worked for me, and I haven't had a musty smell since.

MacSid

The musty smell is most likely from residual damp that ends up sitting in the microfilter after running the a/c in warmer air. What seems to work for me is to switch off the a/c but leave just the blower running for the last 1/2 mile or so of my drive home to clear the artificially cooled air out the system before shutting the car down. Seems to work 99% of the time.

double_trouble

Have them check your heater core. I had a failure on my '04 E60 at 25K miles. The first symptom was a musty smell.

Good luck.