ronqureshi

I am in austin Texas. Had the same problem in my 2005 530i after 1 year.
Took it to dealer. For free, they did the whole process with chemical vapors
recirculated thru ac system for a while. Caused by mold growth on the
evaporator inside the car blower system.
To prevent in future: They suggest to not use recirculation on your ac
control.
Hope that helps

BMWNA

I'm with BMW of North America, LLC. I've checked with our experts regarding this issue. This is an industry wide problem caused by humid conditions. Moisture that condenses on the evaporator can provide an environment favorable to microorganisms drawn in either from the outside air, or from inside the passenger compartment (particularly from food or pets). This can cause a musty odor, when the air conditioner is first switched ON.

Using a specially designed tool, your BMW center can chemically clean the evaporator and evaporator box with disinfectant. However, while this can solve the odor problem for an extended period, it is not a permanent fix because the microorganisms can grow again due to the humidity in the air.

BMW recommends that you leave the A/C ON continuously (snowflake button on your A/C panel) to help prevent this situation from happening repeatedly.

Our engineers are still testing further options, but nothing new is anticipated for the immediate future. If you have additional questions or would like our assistance, you can reach us at 800-831-1117 or email us at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Rudy

Thanks BMW NA CR for replying with details, etc. I'm sure I speak for many here when I say that it is nice to see you posting more than just the "someone will be in touch with you about your problem" posts. (Not that they're a bad thing, it's just nice to see more!)

Biff Trout

I had the issue too way down yonder in humid New Orleans. It is easily cured though the cure requires an additional step at shutdown.

When parking and exiting, I 1) shut off the engine then 2) turn on Parked Car Ventilation then 3) shut down the car. Parked Car Ventilation runs the fan for approx. 30 minutes which thoroughly dries the evaporator coil. Result - dry coil > no mold or mildew > no smelly AC.

Turning on Parked Car Ventilation is easy using I-drive shortcuts. Go thru the I-drive menu for Climate and end up on the Parked Car Ventilation screen. Shut down the car. Until you make a change to another Climate screen (I have not made a change to Climate through I-drive since initial setup in 2-06), the Parked Car Ventilation screen can be reached by moving the I-drive controller right then depressing and holding the controller for a second or two until the Parked Car Ventilation screen appears.

Parked Car Ventilation can only be activated between engine shutdown and car shutdown.

This sounds complicated in writing but is simple in practice. It adds about 3 sec. to shutdown. Once you get into the habit, it becomes second nature.

BOBUCRUZ

Thanks for the directions. I got the same problem. Went to the dealer today for an oil change and mentioned the problem. They said $150 to clean it. I decliend at the time. Do you know if I start using this method if it will correct it, or do I need to have it cleaned first?

Biff Trout

I have experienced the smell in my e60 infrequently in the past but no longer do. That is the best answer that I can give to your question.

bmw4life

uh, using the trick i found on this forum was helpful to me and my car....

blast the heater for about 5 mins in FULL BLAST

then cool yourself with AC for another 5 mins and keep it on if you'd like

OU812545

I had and still have this problem. A few months back, I had the car in for service and I told them of the "smell" problem. They did the chemical clean out and it did help for about 3 weeks. The long term fix is unclear. The dealer recommended that I turn off the A/C about 3 to 5 minutes before turning the car off. I did this and I still have the problem. I have tried several other suggestions from this forum, still with not luck.
I have a friend with the same car and he doesn't have the problem at all. The dealer said there is nothing else they can do for me.

(I hope the mold does not cause any health issues).

Has anyone seem this problem with any other types of cars or is this just with BMW?

jordan23junkee

I can only suggest to maybe dry out with the heater before shutdown , but in 100+ degree heat its going to be tuff.