Newbie needs help!

[cyclepath9]

Hi everyone,

Im just a typical newbie who joins a forum when the've got a problem.

Well I've got a 2000 E39, 28I sport auto and i am totaly in love with the car, wish I had bought a BMW years ago.

I bought it second hand from a bmw dealership back in February, over the past few months a strange smell has appeared, especially when the car has been left overnight or for a few hours, and with the tempreture getting warmer its gettingb worse.

The smell is of urine, yes I know its not nice when your pride and joy smells like the loo's at kings cross station. I have spocken to the dealer who has never heard of it before and I know its not from any misshap from my wife or me, so please can anybody shed any light

Thanks guys I hope together you can come up trumps

Cyc

 

[Tom]

The smell could be coming from your vents due to mildew.

What I normally do is turn my A/C off about a block from the house and just keep it on vent. This way it will dry out most of the condensation that's in the vents.

 

[cyclepath9]

Thanks Tom I shall try that, and anything thing else that may help.

Ive tried washing through the vents (external) just incase something in there might be smelling, most of the time we dont use the a/c, we dont really need it here in good ol England.

But never the less I will try it

Thanks

Cyc

 

[M_Six]

I've been through King's Cross station too many times. Long walk up from the tracks.

Tom's idea sounds like a winner. But if the smell persists, try spraying some Lysol or other mildew fighting spray in your vents. And maybe change the microfilters, if you have them.

EDIT: DOH!!! Where are my manners? Welcome to the Board!!

 

[Dinan55]

Yea I've heard of problems like this, it could range anywhere from being a minor AC problem to having to clean out your entire ventilation system. I guess you have to look for professional help...

 

[Malachi]

I've been through King's Cross station too many times. Long walk up from the tracks.

Tom's idea sounds like a winner. But if the smell persists, try spraying some Lysol or other mildew fighting spray in your vents. And maybe change the microfilters, if you have them.

EDIT: DOH!!! Where are my manners? Welcome to the Board!!

Instead of spaying them in the vents themselves, spray the Lysol in the suction area (under the hood, where your cabin filters are). I sparay about half the can into both vents with the AC running on max. You may need to wipe down the interior afterward. This allows for the bacteria killing product work thoughout the system.

 

[cyclepath9]

Thanks for all your help guys, its nice to hear of some options on how to get rid of the smell..
May I be stupid and ask what is "Lysol"?? I have noticed that all who have mentioned it live stateside, and I will need to obtain a UK simular.

Thanks

Cyc

"nice to meet yo all"

 

[adrean8j]

It is a mildew, odor killing liquid in an aerosol can. Usually used to kill pet odors, odors in the bathroom, or even smelly feet! I am sure you have something equivalent in England. Matter of fact whatever they use to spray inside the shoes at your local bowling alley should be sufficient.

 

[tool fan]

Good to have you aboard. No comment on the issue other than ,"May the forces of evil become confused on the way to your car!!!!"

 

[bonswa93]

May be a helpful thread:

http://member.rivernet.com.au/btaylor/BMWText/technical/BadOdourRemoval.html

 

[cyclepath9]

Thanks all for your help, Ive found that by switching off my ac five minutes before i get home i loose the smell in the car next morning (thanks Tom)

Its nice to know theres help out there when you need it

Cyc