A/C - Musty Odors From Vents
SI B64 08 91October 2006
Heating and Air Conditioning
Technical Service
This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. 64 08 91 dated January 2002.
[NEW] designates changes to this revision
SUBJECT
Musty Odors from Air Conditioning System
MODEL
E46 (3 Series)
E39 (5 Series)
NEW E60, E61 (5 Series)
NEW E63, E64 (6 Series)
E38 (7 Series)
NEW E65, E66 (7 Series)
NEW E85 (Z4)
E53 (X5)
SITUATION
Moisture that condenses on the evaporator can provide an environment favorable to microorganisms. Mold, fungi, bacteria, and mildew may grow as a result of contamination from the outside air and cause a musty odor, particularly when air conditioner is first switched ON.
CORRECTION
On a customer complaint basis, clean evaporator with disinfectant using special application tool90 88 6 641 450 (obtained through the Automatic Tool Shipment Program).
As a disinfectant that can be used to treat A/C systems, BMW recommends "Professional LYSOL Brand No-Rinse Sanitizer" manufactured by Reckitt Benckiser Inc. (1655 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ 07474). "LYSOL No -Rinse Sanitizer" is available as a100% concentrated solution in one-gallon containers through professional cleaning supplies stores.
To perform an evaporator cleaning, a solution with 5% concentration is sufficient (for 1 liter of disinfectant mix 50 ml of concentrated LYSOL with 950 ml of clean water).
IMPORTANT:
Complaints of this nature are not caused by defects of material or workmanship, but rather by the environmental conditions in which the vehicle is operated. Consequently, there is no warranty reimbursement for labor or materials associated with disinfection of the evaporator.
PROCEDURE
Warning:
When handling cleaning agent, observe following protection measures:
- Wear protective rubber gloves and protective goggles.
- If cleaning agent comes in contact with eyes or skin, wash immediately with lots of water.
Important:
To protect interior of the vehicle:
- Close all air vents,
- Cover carpet in the work area.
- Make sure that A/C condensation drains are not being clogged, so the cleaning agent can escape freely through drain openings in the transmission tunnel.
NEW A detailed description of cleaning procedure can be found in BMW TIS:
- E38; E39, E53 with IHKR system; E46 with IHKA or IHKR system Repair Instruction RA 64 51 001
- E39, E53 with IHKA system; Repair instruction RA 64 51 002
- E60, E61, E63, E64; Repair instructions RA 64 51 001
- E65, E66; Repair instructions RA 64 51 001
- E85; Repair instructions RA 64 51 001
PARTS INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Complaints of this nature are not caused by defects of material or workmanship, but rather by the environmental conditions in which the vehicle is operated. Consequently, there is no warranty reimbursement for labor or materials associated with disinfection of the evaporator.
Disclaimer