Fwd: Very Disappointed in BMW

[Michael Reilly <mreilly@xxxxxxx>]

I don't know if this is the cause, but I remember reading about a 
problem that produces a moldy/musty odor. The problem is related to 
the air conditioner, the condensing unit gathers water from the air 
and when you shut off the car, the water collects in there, but 
doesn't dry out. Standing water that never dries, in certain 
conditions will cause mold to grow. So then when you run the air 
conditioner you draw the mold spores and musty smell into the car. A 
suggestion that I heard to solve this problem is to have the AC fan 
run for a period of time after you shut off the car, this circulating 
air will help the water dry or at least keep it from collecting in 
there. I thought the article said some cars are adding this feature, 
and I was wondering if BMW had. My 330Ci doesn't seem to contain this 
feature, or at least it's not obvious if the fan remains running.

This is a similar to a problem found in forced air heating systems in 
homes that have a certain type of humidifier. That type is one with a 
wheel of absorbant material that rotates and lifts the water into the 
path of the air going to the house. The problem is, the trough of 
water is a place for this mold to grow, and it makes people sick 
breathing in those mold spores. The new humidifiers have a grate in 
the air path that water runs down, and what doesn't evaporate runs 
down a drain and out of the house.

So I only know what I've read and detailed above, but I would look 
into the air conditioning system. Especially since you said that the 
problem is worse in the summer time. In a warm humid climate, the 
water will never dry, and in my non-scientific opinion, I would think 
that's a good environment for mold.

Hope this helps...

Michael



>X-Sender: jatshudy@domain.elided
>Date: Sun, 13 Aug 2000 13:34:39 -0400
>To: bmw@domain.elided
>From: "James A. Tshudy" <jatshudy@domain.elided>
>Subject: Very Disappointed in BMW
>Mime-Version: 1.0
>Sender: owner-bmw@domain.elided
>Precedence: bulk
>
>I have been a loyal and enthusiastic BMW driver for about 15 years. I
>presently have two BMWs.
>
>I have had a problem with my 1997 528i for three years. The problem is an
>interior odor and air quality problem. In short, it smells bad and it is
>unpleasant to be in the car. It's aggravating to have an "Ultimate Driving
>Machine" that you don't want to be in and are concerned about your health
>when you are.
>
>The dealer has tried a few things, but hasn't solved the problem and say he
>doesn't know what to do next. The technical field rep hasn't been of any
>help. He dismisses it by saying that it's not a product problem and hasn't
>done a thing. Maybe it's not a product problem for him, but it's a product
>problem for me!!
>
>I've tried to contact BMW about the problem by letter, email, and other
>means, but no one replies or even acknowledges my communications. I must
>say - That's been very, very disappointing, considering all the advertising
>and customer service claims BMW makes.  At the moment they seem to be
>ignoring me. I haven't been one of those constant complainers. I think I've
>been very civil and professional about the whole thing.
>
>Questions:
>1. Has anyone had any similar problems with a musty, moldy, dirty odor
>particularly on hot summer days? If so, has a solution been found?
>2. Does anyone have any contacts (addresses, phone numbers, etc.) at BMW
>North America or BMW AG worldwide that might help me get in touch with a
>real person with some authority to do something and who takes the BMW
>customer service advertising claims seriously.
>
>Unless I get some help soon, I fear there's a Lexus or Mercedes in my future.
>Help, I don't want to do that!
>
>Jim
>
>
>
>--
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    Michael Reilly
    Webmaster - National Technical Institute for the Deaf at RIT
    http://www.mreilly.com

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