Re: Fwd: Very Disappointed in BMW

[Patrick D'Cruze <pdcruze@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Sun, Aug 13, 2000 at 02:05:17PM -0400, Michael Reilly wrote:
> 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.

<snip>

I'd second this.  My wife purchased a brand new Volkswagen Polo in
Australia a few years ago.  It was summer and we used the aircon quite
a bit.  After a while we started noticing this smelly odour.  Smelled
a bit like rotten eggs.  The Volkswagen dealer explained that the
problem was likely mold growing in the airvents/plumbing from the aircon
due to condensation collecting in the plumbing.  The condensation
together with the warm weather lead to the mold.

The solution was to spray some bacterial disinfectant and air freshener
into the air vents.  You need to spray it in as far back as you can.
Its best if you can attach some sort of straw to the disinfectant
nozzle and push the straw into the airvent.

If this solves the problem - great.  You've killed all of the mold.
But if just some of it survives, then the odour will return.  In
which case you'll need to take the car to your local BMW garage and
ask them to remove all the airvent hoses and plumbing and disinfect
it as thoroughly as they can.  Once the mold has been killed completely,
it is unusual for it to return (so I was told).


Patrick


> 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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>  
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> 
>     "The Purpose of life is to matter, to count, to stand for
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>                                                   -Rostenwich
>     Michael Reilly
>     Webmaster - National Technical Institute for the Deaf at RIT
>     http://www.mreilly.com
> 
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