[jw3571]

I've noticed lately that after driving my 2020 M5C for a few minutes i start to get a vinegar smell coming from the vents, anyone else getting this? Is there anything that can be done?

[DrHeLpErZx]

Originally Posted by jw3571

I've noticed lately that after driving my 2020 M5C for a few minutes i start to get a vinegar smell coming from the vents, anyone else getting this? Is there anything that can be done?

Nope..... let us know what you find

[ashmostro]

Mold on your evaporator [corrected] from excess humidity on the surface. Two options: turn off recirc for an extended period (like days) and run the car that way to get more dry air flowing over the evaporator [corrected].

Second option is a spray fog that is meant to be sprayed into the external intake vents to flow through the evaporator [corrected] and supposedly kills the bacteria and mold. I've never used the product so I can't comment on how well it works but others have sworn by it. Unfortunately I forget the name of it offhand but I bet an hour on google would uncover it.

[DrHeLpErZx]

Originally Posted by ashmostro

Mold on your condenser from excess humidity on the surface. Two options: turn off recirc for an extended period (like days) and run the car that way to get more dry air flowing over the condenser.

Second option is a spray fog that is meant to be sprayed into the external intake vents to flow through the condenser and supposedly kills the bacteria and mold. I've never used the product so I can't comment on how well it works but others have sworn by it. Unfortunately I forget the name of it offhand but I bet an hour on google would uncover it.

I thought that as well since I know it all too well (Thanks Tesla). But it's a 2020. Seems way too new to have enough buildup but 🤷🏻

[BMWM5NYC]

Originally Posted by ashmostro

Mold on your condenser from excess humidity on the surface. Two options: turn off recirc for an extended period (like days) and run the car that way to get more dry air flowing over the condenser.

Second option is a spray fog that is meant to be sprayed into the external intake vents to flow through the condenser and supposedly kills the bacteria and mold. I've never used the product so I can't comment on how well it works but others have sworn by it. Unfortunately I forget the name of it offhand but I bet an hour on google would uncover it.

Evaporator... Not Condensor.

[ashmostro]

Originally Posted by BMWM5NYC

Evaporator... Not Condensor.

Thank you!

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by jw3571

I've noticed lately that after driving my 2020 M5C for a few minutes i start to get a vinegar smell coming from the vents, anyone else getting this? Is there anything that can be done?

Noticed something similar today for the first time. Haven't ran my AC for awhile now with the cooler temps but today it hit 80 and I was parked in the sun having lunch. Turned in the AC and had a bit of an odor. Had the car less than 4 months. Shouldn't be mold lol.

[bambo2888]

Same thing on multiple cars here in FL... only takes a couple days with the right conditions for mold or mildew to form and grow. Same advice as above...
1. turn off recirculate before you get out of the car (so the system naturally circulates fresh air while you're away - helping to dry some of the moisture). I think some other makes have made this a standard feature (outside intake valves automatically open when the car shuts off).
2. run the system for a few days with recirculate-mode off
3. use an antimicrobial treatment specifically designed for a/c system use. a/c systems are constantly trying to make the inside cabin opposite the outside environment... producing a ton of moisture that rarely dissipates completely. should be "foggable" and effective against at least bacteria, mold/fungus/mildew. Local dealer sold me permasafe, no problems since. something in it keeps working after the treatment and is epa registered.
cheers!