Musty smell after using A/C

[dpnguyen]

The air from my vents smell really musty after I turn the A/C off with the recirculated air setting on. However, if I turn the A/C off with the recirculated air setting off (fresh air from the outside allowed in), there is no musty smell. With A/C on continuously, there is no musty smell no matter what the recirculated air setting. I've only had this car for a few months so I'm thinking the air cabin filter shouldn't need replacement. Any thoughts?

 

[bmw046series]

Is your air dusty?

I had this problem in my Z4 - it's pretty dusty around here and I ended up cleaning the whole system out with an air compressor.

 

[dmilam]

There is a TSB on alldata.com for the '02 e46 mentioning this exact issue.
http://www.alldata.com/TSB/06/0206A043.html
640891 JAN 02 A/C - Musty Odors
I have an '03 330i and get the same problem if I turn the AC off while I'm driving. I didn't notice the recirculation difference though. Thanks for pointing that out.

 

[slato1]

I had the same problem on my 03 e46. My front passenger floor board was wet. I took it to the dealer and they said that my door seal was leaking. I cleand the carpet really well after thay repaired it and no problem now. The intake for the AC is on the floor so if the carpet smells so will your AC.

 

[ywonder]

i have that problem when i turn it on for a couple of seconds but then the smell goes away,
anybody else
?

 

[jonnyz16]

i have that problem when i turn it on for a couple of seconds but then the smell goes away,
anybody else
?

I've just noticed that also on my 325 . Someone posted that its a clogged drain hose . The one that drips the condensation I believe. The fix is to take it in if you're under warranty or blow out the drain hose . Unfortunately I've done neither.