2009 Mini E: Ooh Ooh That Smell

I had what sounds like the same problem with my R56, and I also noticed a similar issue with my E90. With the E90, the stink is not nearly so bad and comes on when you turn off the AC but leave the fan on. Probably not a problem for you, but I noticed that leaves accumulate in screens for what must be the air intakes, and cleaning that out seemed to help somewhat.

BTW - I almost never use the recirc setting, but I also frequently leave the entire AC system off in case that matters.

I don't have this problem with my Mini E, but I usually remember to turn the AC off a few blocks from home and let the fan blow to dry any condensation in the system. I've always done this on my cars and I never get the musty smell, and my wife never does this and her cars always stink with the AC on!

usually i have this problem when:

i smoked in the car

i ate smelly food in the car

i left smelly food in the car

recirc is left on too long

to remedy this problem- i buy a "special" air freshener- at target- it looks like a little sandbag- that you tuck below one of the seats... keep the ac on when you drive and it seems to work.

otherwise replace the a/c filter.

I'm puzzled here so if you run the A/C it reeks? Normally I ask if this was a smokers car but thats not even a valid question.

Is there a service that can "sweep" out the duct system to see if maybe somehow something is in the ducts?

Also could it be maybe a small amount of Freon your smelling thus maybe have a leak?

My R56 had this problem as well. If, as Dan suggests, the recirc is the problem, then that would make sense for my situation - I found the MINI A/C so weak that the only way to cool the car down in anything worse then +20oC was to have recirc on constantly. Interesting.

Get can of Lysol. Start car, turn on HVAC fan to high (A/C setting should be turned off. Find cabin intake vents, usually near the winshield wiper assembly. Spray Lysol for 2-3 minutes. Leave fan on car for 5 minutes. Lysol will kill that funk.

Mold in car a/c systems is a common problem. Condensation builds in hidden, dark places throughout the a/c ducts providing a nice home for mold. Using the recirc. setting exacerbates the problem by providing a closed, damp system in which the mold spores thrive.

There are disinfectants specifically designed to address this issue, which can be a real problem for those allergic to mold.

I have this problem sometimes too. I never use the re-circulate setting but I often try to remember to shut off the A/C a minute before I arrive at my destination - seems to help. Had a similar problem on my old car... but it clears up after a minute on my MINI, whereas the old car would take a long time to clear the funk smell.

It's a relatively minor issue compared to the driver's side window that keeps frying itself (repair #2!) and the sunroof that won't open when the car sits in the sun too long (not fixed yet!). But it's so hard to stay mad at that MINI - I mean, just look at that cute face...