A couple weeks after purchasing my 2003 325ci I started having some respiratory problems. Brought the car in under lemon law but they found nothing (didn't smell anything). I kept having lung issues/ dizziness. Brought it to a local mechanic who took all the vents apart and cleaned them for mold. That has had no effect. There is a distinct smell to the car (distinct but not recognizable). It is now undrivable to me, but so subtle that I don't see how I will get it fixed. Any suggestions from others who have dealt with mold/bacteria problems?? What is the purpose of that vent behind the backseat headrests? Could that be a source? Thanks.
Respiratory Problems
- Thread starter christhekid
- Start date
Yep, cabin air filter changed.. Had a mechanic take apart entire vent system and scrub down with mold killer. It's funny you mention the excitement factor. The first week or two I just thought my head and stomach hurt from motion sickness.. as if I had purchased a roller coaster. But since then, I and my wife have had serious lung issues. I suspected industrial cleaner... ? Given that neither my wife nor I have any known allergies.... and the fact that I am short of breathe and 'out of it' even today (two days after last driving it) I am completely confused as to what it could be. Thanks for the response.
I remeber discussing this before, and reading a few other discussions about this on other boards. Seems to vary depending on a lot of factors, where you live, climate, how often you drive the car, how often you use the heat and A/C, etc.
Here is a link from BMW Board:
http://bmwboard.com/forum/printthread.php?t=13246
And this was discussed on Bimmerfest, take note of the last paragraph:
I have a '03 BMW 325iT and I was driving it up Laurel Canyon (windy mountain road) on a rainy day. I noticed the windows were starting to fog, so I immediately hit the defroster.
This resulted in the entire windshield being covered in a green mist that smelled terrible. I couldn't see out (making it very dangerous), so I immediately turned off system and most of the mist went away. However, it was still coming out of the interior dash vents and smelled horrible.
I took the car to the dealer to see what was wrong. I don't have any idea if they're lying to me or if it's horrible design.
There's a couple things here. First, our windshields are somewhat more prone to fogging than other cars. BMW has an informational bulletin on this, which starts:
SUBJECT
Windshield Fogging
MODEL
All E46, E38 and E39
SITUATION
The front windshield may fog after heavy rain and high humidity.
CORRECTION
Advise the customer to keep the inside surface of the windshield clean to avoid excessive condensation. In addition, some E46 customers may find it desirable to reprogram the Key Memory settings to activate the A/C compressor on engine start-up and "open the defrost vent when cooling".
This setting will automatically activate the A/C compressor each time the ignition key is turned on and will still allow for the A/C compressor to be turned off or on "manually" from the IHKA control panel.
And of course, all the old standbys, like opening the windows a tad, etc. can help with this, as can changing the air recirculation button setting on the climate control panel. A lot depends on whether it is warmer/cooler outside, wetter/drier outside, etc. as with any other car.
Next, the E46 climate control is known to develop a musty smell from mold in the microfilter and associated ductwork. This isn't unique to our cars - a friend had a Taurus that was even worse than this. BMW recently updated their service procedures for this problem and you should refer your dealer to service bulletin 64 04 03, as well as the older bulletin 64 08 91.
Here is a link from BMW Board:
http://bmwboard.com/forum/printthread.php?t=13246
And this was discussed on Bimmerfest, take note of the last paragraph:
I have a '03 BMW 325iT and I was driving it up Laurel Canyon (windy mountain road) on a rainy day. I noticed the windows were starting to fog, so I immediately hit the defroster.
This resulted in the entire windshield being covered in a green mist that smelled terrible. I couldn't see out (making it very dangerous), so I immediately turned off system and most of the mist went away. However, it was still coming out of the interior dash vents and smelled horrible.
I took the car to the dealer to see what was wrong. I don't have any idea if they're lying to me or if it's horrible design.
There's a couple things here. First, our windshields are somewhat more prone to fogging than other cars. BMW has an informational bulletin on this, which starts:
SUBJECT
Windshield Fogging
MODEL
All E46, E38 and E39
SITUATION
The front windshield may fog after heavy rain and high humidity.
CORRECTION
Advise the customer to keep the inside surface of the windshield clean to avoid excessive condensation. In addition, some E46 customers may find it desirable to reprogram the Key Memory settings to activate the A/C compressor on engine start-up and "open the defrost vent when cooling".
This setting will automatically activate the A/C compressor each time the ignition key is turned on and will still allow for the A/C compressor to be turned off or on "manually" from the IHKA control panel.
And of course, all the old standbys, like opening the windows a tad, etc. can help with this, as can changing the air recirculation button setting on the climate control panel. A lot depends on whether it is warmer/cooler outside, wetter/drier outside, etc. as with any other car.
Next, the E46 climate control is known to develop a musty smell from mold in the microfilter and associated ductwork. This isn't unique to our cars - a friend had a Taurus that was even worse than this. BMW recently updated their service procedures for this problem and you should refer your dealer to service bulletin 64 04 03, as well as the older bulletin 64 08 91.