Smell after my X1 gets wet...

[TrueRedi3]

As the title states, I am smelling a funny smell after my X1 gets wet (rain, washed, etc) and sits over night. Anyone else experience this? Any ideas of other things to check? Thanks!

[Carlin/14/E84]

I took the x1 to the dealer...according to the work form they evacuated the A/C system and re-charged same, plus odorize the evaporator drip pan (for bacteria) anyway it did work for a while, now the smell does come thru when the A/C is on, but for a short time.

[outlawdevil]

BMW is notorious known for bad AC smell, you can google it. The only solution that I found was to turn off AC 10 mins before your destination and let the fan do it's work or moldy smell will return.

[nicknaz]

another thing you may want to try is to use your app or the idrive to set a time to turn on the fan

Also, this might not be applicable, but you could also try to sanitize the car with a handheld steamer/rug cleaner on the carpets (But make sure you keep the steam away from the interior trim)

[zeevette]

If the smell is centered on the driver's side, maybe a shower would help.

[0w40X1]

Originally Posted by zeevette

If the smell is centered on the driver's side, maybe a shower would help.

Ha! You jest, but didn't you see the Seinfeld episode where the BMW had the funk?

I got my X1 back from Euro delivery, and it had the funk like some bum was in the car....maybe?

[TrueRedi3]

You guys are too funny... Definitely not coming from the a/c. I'll try the shower suggestion and report back. Dealer said they were unable to reproduce the smell. I'll just have to drop in after I wash it again. FWIW there is rust on the door hinge. Not sure if it's related but the passenger side door doesn't have any.

[CSPM]

If you have the PANO roof, you might want to have them check the drains, there is a possibility that one is clogged keeping standing water, since your driver side door has a little bit of rust evident. They should start on that side.

[TrueRedi3]

Thanks for the recommendation CSPM. Do you know if that is something I can check myself?

[CSPM]

I do not have a breakout for location of items on the body, but I am sure someone on this forum has access to it and could contribute their 2 cents. Good luck.

[derSpeed]

Originally Posted by TrueRedX1

Thanks for the recommendation CSPM. Do you know if that is something I can check myself?

I had a similar problem on a past vehicle. This may sound gross, but it works. Find the drain holes in the pano roof tray/track. Get a long straw or tube and place it into one of the holes. Get a mouth full of water and spit it into the straw or tube. Then, watch the car and make sure the water comes out somewhere below the car. Do each hole in the roof tray/track. If the water does not come out, you may have a blocked or crimped drain tube.

[TrueRedi3]

Thanks derSpeed. I will give that a shot this weekend.

[Teutonic]

Gentlemen, the smell comes from the two pieces of material that are placed under the vehicle and covers the bottom to protect the cables, reduce the noise and improve the aerodinamics.
Under the car, they mounted two big pieces that are made of some material that is covered with some plushy material. When it gets soaked it takes some time to dry out. If the vehicle doesnt dry or wont get ventilation, it will smell until it dries out, especially in a closed garage.
Go, wash the car and next day in the morning put your fingers and touch the material. You will get the same smell.
If the car sits outside in the sun or has time to dry prior to parking it in the garage, there will be no smell.

In regards with the AC it is a good ideea to turn it off sometimes and let the normal air ventilation to run and dry out the condensation.