Mildew!

[Crashdad]

My "new" (to me) 2003 has a distinct mildew odor. It seems to emanate from the trunk, but also comes through the ventilation system. I've taken everything from the trunk, given it the Lysol treatment, left it open in the sunlight....nothing works.

I've owned a number of BMWs before, but never had this problem.

Can anyone help?

 

[codex57]

Can you still take it to the dealer? If you don't use the a/c for a while (like over the winter), supposedly it can start smelling mildewy.

 

[Crashdad]

Yes, it still is covered by BMW's basic warranty and also the certified warranty. I was just curious if any others had experienced this issue, and what was the "cure."

 

[Wadula]

is it a constant "stink" or does it only happen for instance if you drove with A/C on the day before?

or maybe someone (supposingly the pre-owner) just spilled some milk in your car? that stuff really is nasty...

 

[Abdoman]

Did you run lysol through the ventalation system? - I know the E39 was notorious for the smell. The remedy was to remove the carbon filters and spray lysol into the intake while the a/c is running.

 

[Crashdad]

Interesting; I have not tried the Lysol method. Will do when I return from vacation next week.

What about smell from the trunk? I cannot locate the source of that mildew odor. Are there any areas especially susceptible to mildew in the trunk?

 

[Wadula]

SPILLED MILK!!! (or other stuff that sticks stinky in the carpet)

 

[codex57]

The trunk is a new one to me. Maybe some seals are bad so that water got in some how (whether rain, condensation, whatever) and now mildew is growing?