Why is there a bad smell from my E46 316 vents?

Question

I have a 2002 BMW 316 E46 and sometimes just after starting there is a really bad smell comes from the vents. It's a peculiar smell, not petrol or food or anything. It's like stale water or something. Could it be the air filter or air con or something?

Answer 1

"The E46 has a small tray in the bottom of the dash that collects water (bad design) while the AC is running. You turn it off and leave your car.. it warms up, mold grows.."

Answer 2

If the vehicle has Air Conditioning then that is the most likely explanation.

The ventilation system needs disinfecting - that is the various hoses that carry the air round the system.

You get a build up of bacteria over time - just like a drain.Ask you local AirCon specialist what is involved and a price.

Can be done yourself but is not as easy as some think. On some vehicles it can involve stripping out various trims to gain access.

Answer 3

I am pretty sure there is a micro filter in that car....it should be replaced at every service 2 inspection. Jiffy Lube can do it...its not expencive....but I just noticed you are not in America....so any lube tech could do it, or you could. That would be a start. I believe the heater core is in the dash on that car, you may have a small leak in a hose or the core itself, and that would cause a smelly 'water' smell.

Answer 4

it is the air con chllers water drainage is clogged.
Drive your car up a ramp with air condition and engine running.
u or someone go under the car and see if the drainage pipes having free flow .Am sure one side is definately on the passenger side.
get the drainage hoses in free flow conditon.
It helps to clear your problems.
Or is there any water getting into your car.please check if carpets are wet.the dampness could be from wet carpets too.
check it out too.

Answer 5

the musty smell you discribe is coming from the air-conditioner evaporator the under car drain tubes may be blocked allowing water to stay inside the evaporator case and become moldy.
while the cabin air filter probabley needs to be changed there are also charcoal elements that probabley should be changed as well
NOTE THE CARBON ELEMENTS ARE EXPENSIVE and the possible drain situation should be addressed first.and while they are out a biostatic solution can be sprayed into the evaporator, "wurth" makes one that doesn't smell bad
good luck

Answer 6

It could be the catalyst warming up, they often produce a smell when starting from cold. Additionally, the "stale water" smell is very much pointing towards the air con, best to get that one checked out. IF you get it fixed in its early stages of damage, at least it wont cost you leg and a arm because you could prevent it from total failure.


I trust this helps? I would really appreciate it if you could please rate me as BEST ANSWER :-)

Answer 7

I went on a hike as quickly as to what became supposedly a dazzling waterfall and river. as quickly as I reached that waterfall I on the instant began to gag. The scent became so terrible (smelled like rotten eggs and ineffective animals). The river became filthy! i ought to even stand via it for like one million min. I had to start trekking pass into opposite because of fact the scent became so terrible!

Answer 8

Could be your heater matrix has a slight leak, do you get any steam or condensation on the inside of the windscreen at this time?

Answer 9

simply change your air filters easy

Answer 10

Check if my husband is in there! He stinks