Any ideas on how to get rid of 'old' smell in cabin...

[Seattle135is]

So, I just got my Z4M R 2 weeks ago - the previous owner did ~2k miles in 2 years, so the car was stored for an extended period. Now, it has a 'old' smell to it - not quite a damp smell, but definitely not befitting of a 6 year old car. I tried numerous fresheners but these seem to be only a temporary solution - any ideas for a permanent solution? And, I don't want it to smell like a strip joint either...
Thanks...

[Finnegan]

You could try desiccants to start with to remove any residual dampness. These can be found at hardware stores. Just make sure you remember to remove them before driving!

Other than that, it depends on you. I'm not a fan of "air fresheners", but after that, it's essential oils (orange oils, lemon oils, eucalyptus, lavender) that can be added to some rags and put in a container to "air out" the car. Or, if you can find one you like and the scent doesn't bother you, you can leave some incense sticks (not burned, just opened) in the car.

[Huz-Z]

In addition to the above, I would give the car a thorough vacuuming and detailing inside, under the seats and in the trunk. You could also get a good quality leather conditioner for the seats as that stuff may freshen up the cabin. Have a good look under the seats in case the previous owner let something roll under there that may be contributing to this. Repeat this last one for the trunk area too.

If you are parking the car in a safe location like your driveway or garage, leave the top down on a clear day to help it air out naturally. I'm betting that over time, this last one will do the trick for you. So the more you air out the car, the faster you will get results. And drive top down as much as reasonable.

[Seattle135is]

Originally Posted by Finnegan

You could try desiccants to start with to remove any residual dampness. These can be found at hardware stores. Just make sure you remember to remove them before driving!

Other than that, it depends on you. I'm not a fan of "air fresheners", but after that, it's essential oils (orange oils, lemon oils, eucalyptus, lavender) that can be added to some rags and put in a container to "air out" the car. Or, if you can find one you like and the scent doesn't bother you, you can leave some incense sticks (not burned, just opened) in the car.

Thanks - I like the idea of oils - I'm also getting the car fully detailed - carpets deep cleaned; leather/dash cleaned and treated, so I'm hopeful these cleaning products will also bring some new fresh smells to the cabin.

[brother i]

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

If you are parking the car in a safe location like your driveway or garage, leave the top down on a clear day to help it air out naturally. I'm betting that over time, this last one will do the trick for you. So the more you air out the car, the faster you will get results. And drive top down as much as reasonable.

+1 on top down driving and letting it air out.

Another thing I have heard of people do with varying success is leaving coffee beans in the car.

[Seattle135is]

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

In addition to the above, I would give the car a thorough vacuuming and detailing inside, under the seats and in the trunk. You could also get a good quality leather conditioner for the seats as that stuff may freshen up the cabin. Have a good look under the seats in case the previous owner let something roll under there that may be contributing to this. Repeat this last one for the trunk area too.

If you are parking the car in a safe location like your driveway or garage, leave the top down on a clear day to help it air out naturally. I'm betting that over time, this last one will do the trick for you. So the more you air out the car, the faster you will get results. And drive top down as much as reasonable.

Thanks - I personally vacuumed under the seats - it was pretty clean. Yes, I will leave the top down as much as safely possible and hell yeah, I drive with the top dropped at any opportunity

[Taylorguy74]

That aerosol spray stuff that you add to the intake of the A/C vents while running did wonders for me. Really freshened things up from the inside when I got mine used as well.

[SD ///M4]

When I thoroughly cleaned the interior of my car I found a couple of french fries left behind by the previous owner, way under the seat.

All of the above suggestions make sense. Most of the mustiness is probably in the carpet and/or mats, shampooing will help with that. I'm also in favor of lavish application of a good smelling leather conditioner like Zaino. Slather that stuff on, let it sit in the sun for a few hours, then buff it off with a microfiber cloth.

[Loogey Clapp]

THIS: http://www.carpro-us.com/so2pure-odor-eliminator-120ml/ They also have different sizes of it. Also, Corey at Car Pro is a fountain of knowledge and always eager to help.

[pelerojo]

Did you change the AC cabin filter? Be sure to sue the activated carbon ones not the plain paper ones.

[The HACK]

We bought our (now my parent's) 545i from a heavy smoker. At our mechanic's suggestion we got a couple of "car odor bombs" (seriously, that's what he told us to get). Set it off inside the car and left the vents on for ~20 minutes. Eliminated 99% of the odor.

According to my mechanic, NOTHING will get 100% of the cigarette smoke smell out of the car because it gets inside the leather. But it got it to a point where it's tolerable for a non-smoker like me.

As to why a couple of non-smokers would buy a car from a chain smoker, that's another story all together.

[Steeler]

Next time you store it put clothes dryer sheets down on the carpet , under seats, in the trunk etc.
Done this for years and keeps the meeces away too.

[KLH]

I've judiciously sprinkled baking soda on the carpet, sometimes leaving it on for several days and then vacuumed it up. Inexpensive, non-toxic and it works. As a previous poster mentioned, changing the cabin air filter to a charcoal one can definitely help too.

[WAMz4]

Change the cabin filter (it's a bitch to wrestle out of there). Change your floor mats, still available at a dealer for about 80 bucks.
Also don't forget about the rooftop lining. Smells tend to float up with the heat - don't underestimate the power of Fa-breeze!
Spray the roof liner and carpet down and let it air out. several times.

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by The HACK

We bought our (now my parent's) 545i from a heavy smoker. At our mechanic's suggestion we got a couple of "car odor bombs" (seriously, that's what he told us to get). Set it off inside the car and left the vents on for ~20 minutes. Eliminated 99% of the odor.

According to my mechanic, NOTHING will get 100% of the cigarette smoke smell out of the car because it gets inside the leather. But it got it to a point where it's tolerable for a non-smoker like me.

As to why a couple of non-smokers would buy a car from a chain smoker, that's another story all together.

A work buddy of mine does that in crowded elevators every now and then.

[dubsesd]

Silica bags. I place them in the car in various areas to absorb moisture and odors. They sell gel silica in bulk at pet stores as well

[KevinC]

I recommend a liberal application of this product.. its scent is so realistic, it's incredible...

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Chemical...air_069_16.htm

[unluky]

I have taken dry detergent like gain or whatever and put it in a big bowl and then left it in the closed up car in the sun. A little strong when you first open it up, but it airs out quick and usually takes the odors with it. Frebreeze does work good as well if you let it air out afterwards as well.

[earlgrey69]

+1 on the baking soda. I usually keep a container of the stuff in my cars to absorb odors. Also, don't be afraid to sprinkle it all over the carpet and vacuum up later.

For what its worth, I have a coupe that I only drive about 2-3k per year and it still smells brand new.

[Seattle135is]

Thanks all for the great responses - I did buy new M mats - the car is being detailed this weekend - and I'm going to ensure the leather is treated with liberal amounts of Zaino - on the cabin filter - isn't this changed at Service Inspection II?

[intoflatlines]

Vacuum/shampoo carpets, desiccant containers for a week. When we store our cars for the winter we also put a couple fabric softener dryer sheets under the seats, which makes it smell nice and supposedly keeps the mice away.

[Seattle135is]

Originally Posted by dbarton62

Next time you store it put clothes dryer sheets down on the carpet , under seats, in the trunk etc.
Done this for years and keeps the meeces away too.

This is such an easy solution and works great - I spread about 20 of these sheets in the cabin - smells fresh! Thanks!