Smelly A/C

[yhp2009]

Summer's here and along with it the musty smell of my AC. Does anyone have a definitive solution to this problem? Tried various foam radiator cleaners including "Klima Cleaner Pro" and they dont last more than a few days. Short of replacing the entire AC unit is there any real solution?

[Stack]

Have you changed the cabin air filter ?

Most smells come from left over moisture left in the vents.

Try running it on hot for 10 min through the vents

Then use the Klima cleaner


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[yhp2009]

Yea, cabin filter changed every year. WHen you use the Klima cleaner do you send the foam straight down into the AC vents? I wasnt sure if thats safe

[Stack]

You want to spray it on the evaporator core

And let it soak for about 15-20 mins

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[yhp2009]

Thats what i thought as well. PITA to get to it too. Emptied an entire bottle. Also did the same for the heater core. It lasted like a week at most. Maybe NYC humidity is to blame and its inevitable

[Stack]

I’m in queens I get you man
Every time I’m gonna park the car
After using the AC I always put it in hot and rub for 5 mins to get that moisture out


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[elbert]

Most smells come from left over moisture left in the vents.

Try running it on hot for 10 min through the vents

This.

You should also leave the a/c "on" year round, if you're not doing so. The system will automatically turn the compressor on and off as needed.
During the winter the a/c will act as a dehumidifier to prevent moisture build up, as Stack said. Not to mention the refrigerant has lubricant that needs to be circulating, which will protect the seals.

[Estoril]

Shut off AC 3 minutes before you get to your destination. That way moisture doesn't sit in the filter breeding funk while parked.

[old///MFanatic]

I read this issue early in the E46s life in a Service Bulletin long ago.
As described it’s moisture that gets accumulated in the AC drip tray. With the warmth it grows bacteria. A couple of things, make sure your drip hose isn’t plugged up. Next try and turn AC off a little bit before shutting off car (but fan on) so fan dries the water droplets/moisture. Next what the SI says is to spray a disinfectant spray (with a long tube hose)thru the left side floor vent. That’s basically to get the drip tray disinfected.
Hope this helps.

[yhp2009]

I read this issue early in the E46s life in a Service Bulletin long ago.
As described it’s moisture that gets accumulated in the AC drip tray. With the warmth it grows bacteria. A couple of things, make sure your drip hose isn’t plugged up. Next try and turn AC off a little bit before shutting off car (but fan on) so fan dries the water droplets/moisture. Next what the SI says is to spray a disinfectant spray (with a long tube hose)thru the left side floor vent. That’s basically to get the drip tray disinfected.
Hope this helps.

THis is the first time i heard about the drip pan. I'll try the left side floor vent method. THanks

[old///MFanatic]

All good.

[SteelGreyM]

Summer's here and along with it the musty smell of my AC. Does anyone have a definitive solution to this problem? Tried various foam radiator cleaners including "Klima Cleaner Pro" and they dont last more than a few days. Short of replacing the entire AC unit is there any real solution?

Are you catless

[yhp2009]

Nope all US stock