Anyone else having problems w/ horrible vinegar/mold smell in ac of 2015 ML 350 (Mercedes).

I have the same 'smelly feet' issue with an MB Gle 350 diesel brand new in feb 2016. 7 months later smelly feet on startup...

Also it's been cleaned by MB and two months later the smell is now coming back again.

its unacceptable , and there is a law suit pending against mercedes. I have a $ 120k AMG that stinks nothing can be done

I HAVE THE SAME ISSUE IN 2012 ML. THIS SMELL MAKE THE CAR UNDRIVABLE. I HEARD ABOUT THE LAWSUIT. I GOT INTITLED. HOPE THEY WIN. IT IS UNACEPTABLE! HERE IS THE LINK: https://www.lieffcabraser.com/defect/mercedes-benz-ac-mold/?gclid=COKtg5O7rNMCFcFehgodUxQPqA

Thanks for the link , Jalp123. We just signed up. It's unacceptable in a car of this caliber or any car for that matter. I read that a judge in Calif refused to throw out 2 Mercedes dismissal pleas regarding this issue.

Sign up for the class action. Luxury cars should admit their problems and fix them obviously, with the number of complaints, this is a problem. My message to Mercedes. I am embarrassed to have people ride with me, so we use our Lexus.

There class action lawsuit going on. https://www.lieffcabraser.com/defect/mercedes-benz-ac-mold/? gclid=CjwKEAjw1a3KBRCY9cfsmdmWgQ0SJAATUZ8bDm9M8N 5e26G93E64QGGKnr4Dxrcj_OxnTSoLPaLgWBoCc6Xw_wcB I just signed up for it as I have the same issues.

My 2010 ML350 smells terrible and I did the freshy fresh as the dealer calls it, did nothing for the smell. I was told the same BS, run your heater for a minute every time you turn off your car. CRAZY!

No!!! No one should have to babysit an AC UNIT! We have this problem on our 2017 GLS 550, a $105,000.00 car! Seriously? I ended up on oxygen due to car! Since I have not been driving it, my breathing is much better. Now we have contacted an attorney and are awaiting a resolution.. or court date. There is a case now going on dealing with this same issue. If you would like to reach me, my email dlgrunfeld@aol.com . Thanks

Same here...I have a 2011 C300 (40k miles), and my father has a 2014 C300 (19k miles). I contacted Mercedes and was told "while aware of the situation, it is the consumer's responsibility to pay for any an all costs associated with the issue."

I own a 2015 GL 450, have changed filters 4 times! The sour smell from AC keeps coming back ! Mercedes needs to do something about to! Thanks for posting the lawsuit link, I just signed up.

Same here. Melbourne Australia ML250 problem since getting the car, now out of warranty, has been fixed 6 times.

Same issue here. 2014 ML350 that my wife is ready to sell, she hates the car because of this and is embarrassed to have people in the car. We've had the issue since 2015. The dealer told me that the design of the A/C system "traps" the condensate to prevent the dripping of water that's common on most all other cars, it's a proprietary luxury design by Mercedes! He indicated the intent is for the refrigeration system (hot gas side) to actually evaporate the condensate prior to it becoming stale water sitting in the drain pan. I asked if they could simple drill a hole to allow the water to drain, they said no....lot's of techno reasons why they couldn't. So a terrible design by Mercedes and apparently no solution for a fix, resulting in unacceptable Customer sanctification in our experience. My Toyota is older, blows ice cold air, drips puddles all over the driveway and smells like roses! Duh...

I just signed up for the class action my daughter is getting sick driving her car having some allergic reaction to her MB which just 35K miles brought it Rusnak and same BS they wanted me to pay for the new cabin filter.

I have had the same awful issues with my C230 and now my ML350. Its very bad and i am paying for this car via a loan to smell mould and crap. Something needs to be done...I am so embarrassed about the smell of my car and MB is not helping. what do i do?

I have GLC 300 and had same problem ever since i bought it. Less than a year, i changed 3 times. Funny thing is, last visit, they told me i am not supposed to have any car air freshner in my car and said thats what cayses odor. What?????!!!! They mentioned it's "written" some where that benz car doesn't recommend air freshner in car. WHAT?!?!?!??! Ridiculous.

I have the same problem in my 113000 USD brand new Ml 400 2015 . Mercedes benz dealer in Beirut Lebanon has the same arrogant attitude : changing the filters every 3 months and the bad odors will disappear without taking into consideration my worries about the impact of these smells on my health , which MB negates their existence. By the way l am a Surgeon. Could anyone tell me what was the decisions taken by the courts ?

I have a 2014 ML350 and had the same smell, flush and filters covered under warranty. It came back in about a month but it was close to winter. Waiting for spring to see what happens.

I have same issue with 2016 GLC 300 and complained about vinegar smell and they 'couldn't replicate it'! It gets so bad at times that I have to turn off AC and I live in So. California.

I had the same vinegar sourish nasty socks smell in my 2016 GLC 300. Started getting worse after my first so called service B. I had it taken into the dealership 4 times for the same issue after service B. I ended up smelling stronger and stronger chemicals every time and the moldy smell mixed with chemical smell did no good. my allergies got worse and this is my primary car in which I tow my children. GOT RID of it for a LEXUS. Divorced MB after being a loyal customer for 19 years.

I have 2014 GL450 and the odor coming out from the vent is so bad. I asked the dealer to find the cause of this odor and they told me to change the filters. I changed the filter twice but the odor still coming back and it is getting worse. I feel so sick in my lungs everytime I drove this car. what is the link to add myself to file a lawsuit for this car?

I saw online the state of Georgia is suing MB over the issue with the foul/vinegar smell. My dealer said I have to pay to have foam put into the system ($200) to alleviate the smell, typically every 6-12 months. So how does this work again: it's a known issue and MB doesn't cover it even when still under warranty? I would never buy another MB! Has anyone tried writing the company to see what their response is, short of a lawsuit?

I have a 2012 ML350 and the smell is awful. It makes me sick every year when I have to use the AC- i also have a child and it’s my daily driver and I am very worried about the effects on our health. Mercedes doesn’t care and has done nothing but charge $300 to change my filters month after month and it just comes right back. It is an outrage and I am boycotting the brand and urge all of you to as well.

I think that MB will negate the problem. We should do something about this arrogant attitude. Other brands are more tolerant about this problem. We should wait for a court decision so our attorneys can have an idea how to suit MB. Meanwhile you should change the filters periodically or search for another brand.

Same issue had it on my 2002 ML350 and now my 2017 GLC300! Not what you'd expect from MBZ. Dealer no help, just wants to flush system at my cost. MBZ needs to step up to plate and fix design flaw!

I have a 2017 Mercedes GLE 350 and 6 months after purchase I have same smell. Prior to it I had an ML 350 and the same thing happened. It’s very embarrassing to have people get in my car.

A lawsuit has been filed because of this smell. Google Mercedes-Benz car smell lawsuit or go to this link. https://www.google.com/url? sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.car complaints.com/news/2017/mercedes-benz- air-conditioning-odor- lawsuit.shtml&ved=2ahUKEwjJ4Y_HmuLaAh VH1oMKHbgWAOoQFjAAegQIBhAB&usg=AO vVaw2aj3WUjA4nO0COppIB9Z1R

I too have this issue , 2016 glc300 have the same issue. Today It is first time ever when start the car horrible smell ,I need to call dealer to find out what their answer to it

I have a 2018 E400 with the exact same problem. Car is currently at the dealer and they are going to clean the evaporator coil and change the filter so we will see if this resolves the problem. I absolutely love this car and truly hope MB will resolve this. I too have felt I'll from breathing this awful smell. Lori Wood, Austin Texas

I live in Hawaii and my wife and I drive 2013 C250 and 2011 E350. We are having same issue of foul smell (doo doo smell) coming out of our A/C system. I took the car and paid for the cleaning 3 times and it did nothing to solve the issue. It really Stinks!!!!!

I have a 2016 GLE 350 and having the exact same problem, probably my last Mercedes..

I have a 2014 e350 and the smell is so bad that I can't use my air. It's making me sick to my stomach...

We have a 2016 GLE 350, same issue. Have taken the car to the dealership 4 times. Today (7/2/2018) they told me it is performing as designed but I can pay 375 to get it fixed. If it’s performing “as designed” why would I need to spend money to fix it. I’m looking into the class action. This is a joke!

2017 GLE 350 and I thought that something had got inside and died! I am calling next week. I read where the Judge in Georgia just denied MB of a summary judgement in March. They are now moving forward with Discovery. I have contacted the law firm that is handling the case.

Our 2017 Gls 450 has been to the dealer 7 times for the same mold smell issue. According to our service advisor at Mercedes, "moisture gets trapped In the AC and causes mold". Mold which is detrimental to your health. This is a Factory defect that Mercedes will not admit to as it will cost them millions as it affects many of their models. The dealer has done everything but swap the car which Mercedes has refused to do. We have contacted Mercedes Customer Service a dozen times and they keep giving us the run around. Florida has a lemon law and we are taking Mercedes to court.

We have a 2006 ML350. Strangely the smell only started in 2017 (11 years later). Sent to MB numerous time. Nothing long term can be done. Just have to live with it :-(

Has anyone gone the lemon law route in CALIFORNIA??? Mold/Mildew problems with hvac will cause health problems which is bodily injury! After 2 attempts to 'fix' this problem with no ending solution would let us tap into the lemon law. Anyone??? 2018 GLC 300 here. Smell started at around 3k miles, have owned for less than 3 months!! First time, dealer denied the smell. Couldn't help me. Second time, dealer scoffed at us for bringing vehicle back in for "smelly a/c". I drove 45 min on freeway on a summer day to let the smell accumulate **just for the dealer**. Service advisor initially declined to sit in vehicle to check for the smell, I assertively, yet politely, told him he needed to sit in it with me. Turned the a/c on full blast and the stank hit him right in the face. Told him there's no denying. He asked if I was looking for a buy back and i said YES. We all know they can't help us and they can't offer a permanent fix and I would be seeking an attorney. 2 days later they changed my filters. Let's see how long it takes for the smell to come back so I can go back to the dealer and exhaust my "second attempt" and proceed to retain an attorney. Anyone else going through this, please email me. BDXLS@YAHOO.COM

I had c300 2015 lease car, same problem. I could not drive during summer month , I am California. I took to MB service, they mentioned it is known manufacturer problem. As they are dealer they can not do anything. I wrote a complaint letter to MBUSA, they are reviewing. I suggest write complaint letters to MBUSA and also submit complaint thru USA Transportation authority to investigate this known car manufacturing defect.

MBUSA is no help whatsoever. I called to complain to them, and they just sent me back to the dealer after pretending to be 'reviewing' my situation, too. The dealer denied knowing of the issue and ended up flushing the system. The smell came back less than month later, and they said they forgot to change the air filter. I've asked for copies of all technical service bulletins for the issue, and it's been 2 months and still nothing. Once again, MBUSA says I have to obtain these from the dealer, but they are not responding. Wish I'd thought to ask for the old air filter. Has anyone had their system checked for mold and who does this kind of work? This must be a health hazard. Not sure what transportation authority takes this kind of complaint, but that info would be helpful, too!

I just noticed a response from OneLove08 but don't know how to reach out to you to reply!

Does anyone have any further input since their last posting? My 2018 GLC 300 is at dealer again, when I said I wanted my moldy filters bagged up to take home, they said I'd have to pay for them. WTF! Mercedes Benz of Valencia

Look up Klima Cleaner ($18) or Kool It foam cleaner ($11) on Amazon. You have to spray this type of product on the evaporator coil to kill the mold buildup. Those products come with long tubes you stick into the ducting or by the cabin filter to get directly into the evaporator coil. This is what the dealer does and charges $300 to do.

Hi everyone, I first started this string of comments 2 yrs ago with my 2015 ML350. I had that car flushed 3 times and we refused to pay. But believe me, it took some doing and some loud conversations backed with printed off research and the pending lawsuit shoved in their faces. Update; 6 months prior to my lease ending on my 2015 , MB started contacting us to upgrade to a 2017. We went in and discussed “at length” the mold issue and why we wouldnt be doing that. After month long discussions back and forth with saleman/dealership we ended up leasing the 2017 (with more bells and whistles) with a written promise from them that we would NEVER EVER pay for flushing/new air filters etc connected to the mold issue. Also, we’re paying less for this car than my previous version(that could be because my husband plays the “buying a car game” really well !) Anyway, I’ve had it flushed once this year so far, in early summer, and there was absolutely no discussion of a payment. I plan on taking it back just as soon as I smell it again. Maybe it just comes down to your dealership being “hungry” enough at this point to keep your business. They know what’s going on and they’ve all be told by corporate to deny, deny, deny. They know the class action lawsuit is out there but since it has gone to trial they don’t have to admit to any wrong doing yet. Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions. It’s good to know other MB owners are out there fighting the fight. Damn, why did I have to fall in love with this particular car !

Thanks everyone for your comments. I've been dealing with the same issue for over 8 years (2010 E-350). I've brought it up so many times to my local dealer and authorized repair shop that I've almost given up. I'm glad I found this page and I really hope that there is a resolution in the near future. This is unacceptable!

Buy a pine bomb from autozone and remove the cabin filter and turn on the heater for 30 minuets, the smell will go away

Same here. 2013 ML 350. Has always done this. Twice they changed me a bunch to replace the cabin filter. No results. A few months ago they did some flush thing to tjw tune of 300 dollars. No result. Smells even worse since. I have called NEW COUNTRY MERCEDES IN HARTFORD CT three times. With no service tecnicians available I have left messages for someone to get back to me. No one has even had the courtesy to return the call! Next is the service manager. The receptionist wanted me to make an appointment! Right! I live 45 minutes away and I am not going to pay them another dime! Also going to write an online review!

I have the same issue. I hope to get good news from MB. What a terrible horrible car!!!. I will not buy Mercedes car any more.

Gurux9fnc, are you asking mercedes for a buy back?

Any update on class action yet?

I have had 3 GL 450 and the most recent one that I own currently is a 2014 and the only one with this horrible moldy smell. There was a water condensation stain behind the command center that they ended up replacing the screen initially and since then, I have had to flush the ac a couple times at $300 and many air cabin filter replacements . I just signed up for this class action lawasuit. I will take to them again next week to check things out. They keep saying there is no recalls on the ac and even when I asked them about the replacement of the command center, they could not come up with the records. Thankfully, I keep meticulous records and just found the copy of what they did.

Ill be signing up for the class action. My 2015 GL350 AC smells so bad! My 2011 E350’s AC is just starting to smell too. I have two appointments set up at MB...we’ll see if they make me pay for the flushing and replacement of the filters...

Did the law firm ever reach out to anyone for more information?

Aaplfan, not me!!! I'm in CA. I've resorted to Lysol for my glc. Almosy used the whole can, didnt help any. Thankfully, it's getting cooler out so I don't need to turn the ac on anymore. Either way, though, the smell is still there. Ac doesn't even need to be on, the build up is that bad that the smell just lingers inside and is seaping into everything. I've contacted 2 different lawyers and they basically gave me NO hope. Very long case, difficult case, probably go to trial, if I lose at trial, I'll be responsible for all legal costs, mine and mercedes'. So over this!

Did you also sign up at https://www.lieffcabraser.com/defect/mercedes-benz-ac-mold/ ? i didn't contact any lawyers on my own. I just entered some information at the above link. I'm in Northern CA. I am bringing in my E350 for service tomorrow and will ask them about it. I doubt they will cover the costs but it's just starting to smell. My other car smells so bad that my kids keep asking why it stinks... Might try this video as a DIY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWmODSQozyg

I did sign up at that link and contacted outside lawyers too....every dealer I've been to deny deny deny. The only time they actually serviced the ac is when I went ape shit on the service advisors. Something else I've noticed, even when they claim "smell cannot be duplicated" the smell was miraculously gone when I picked up the car and would stay gone for about 2 or 3 hours. It wasnt until the last time that I realized that even when they deny everything, they spray something to COVER UP the smell for when you pick it up! There was a slight smell of air freshener left when I picked it up. Great tactic, mercedes, not!!! Will you email me? Bdxls@yahoo.com

I asked the dealer today about the smell issue since I'm bringing in my 2015 GL350 next week to have it "cleaned". They said it's not covered by warranty. I didn't get a quote but they would replace the filter, clean the AC unit, and "recode it" (SW update) to reduce the amount of condensation. They claimed that this would fix the issue.

Your dealer is lying to you, go to another one. It is covered by warranty but they're yanking your chain because you just started with the problem. I had filters changed and cleaner sprayed into hvac at no cost, all covered under warranty. Nothing will fix the smell, the mold is a result of the poor hvac design.

You’re right..I asked again and was told the cleaning was covered by original warranty my 2015 GL falls under but under not the “extended warranty” of my 2011 E350. How long did the smell go away before it returned?

I don’t even want to drive my leased 2018 350e GLC. I have to take clients in my car for work and they all comment on it. It’s so embarassing. My clients are never ever going to purchase a Mercedes now. Today my grandson said Grandma I’m dying in here. It smells like moldly tuna fish smell or something. It’s the most awful smell. I’ll be trading my car in for an Audi or Rover. I’m done with Mercedes.

I suggest everyone reach out to your news networks. I have, to many in LA area, and I got not 1 single response. If we can all speak up to them in high volumes, maybe they will actually cover this story!! Or someone start a fb group or something, be able to speak to other people going through same thing has been somewhat helpful. Thoughts?

I have the same issue with my 17 GLC 300 , one of the service rep told me they happen to all car . I was told to clean the compartment air filters and clean it Lysol wipe in side every few months. The issue should be taken care of

Hi I just bought an 2017 GLS450 and noticed the horrible smell! Thanks for this great thread - super helpful. I will signed up to join the legal effort. Meanwhile, I am going to take it to my dealer in the Bay Area and claim it under warranty - "defect in materials and workmanship". Has anyone had any success with your local dealers in the Bay Area? Thanks!

So I had the foul AC smell in my 2015 GL350 (still under original warranty) serviced at MB in the bay area on Oct 18th. My service advisor had to smell it for "proof". She said that this fix has been working and has not had any customers return after the "recoding of the software". Note: this is not covered by an extended warranty and would cost about $400-500 to fix out of pocket. It's been a few weeks so it's too early to call it a success but so far the car smells normal again... Here are the codes from my invoice: 540650 - On-board power supply voltage maintain (when checking / testing and troubleshooting) -Cleaning agent -Fine particle filter -Dust filter 540991 - Program and code control unit 1084WEXP8 836640 - A/C Evaporator clean 611029 - Remove / Install all covers on underfloor, replace if necessary 35622 - Caused by odor in evaporator. Confirmed upon first start up. Vinegar type smell, Follow Guided steps of Li00.00-p-066047. Follow odor check list and attach to RO. Clean Evaporator, update software & perform coding of acc. Replace Cabin and dust filters.

Aaplfan, please keep in mind that summer is now over. I hope this fix worked for you, cause then there may be hope for the rest of us. however, can't claim victory yet until after summer, in my opinion.

besides the lieffcabraser.com site to sign up is there another site for me to sign up?

Having same problem with our ML350 and E 350. Both 2014, dealer says there’s nothing they can do.

Same issue, here. 2017 Mercedes CLA250 - awful mold smell. Dealer is denying this is a defect.

I guess misery loves company. I can almost say DITTO to what everyone else has already complained about. I bought a 2016 GLE 350 and started to have AC issues within 4 months. After a couple of Biopledge flushes and cabin filter changes and calls to MB headquarters, I gave up after owning it for less than a year and took a loss. I bought a 2017 GLC 43 AMG because I just fell in love with the look of their sports SUV. The honeymoon was over in 5 months. This one stinks just as bad but I don't complain to the dealership anymore because I know it'll be the same song and dance. I also bought my wife the 2018 C-class 300 cabriolet and sure enough hers smells worse than my GLE and GLC ever has! I'm happy and sorry to say these will be the last Mercedes we ever buy.

I have a different or perhaps related problem. Brought my 2002 320E to dealer for service b. Chemical smell in car after I picked it up. Smells similar to soap or antifreeze. Odor comes from vents when heat is on. Dealer stumped. Car never had an odor. I removed the new service b air filter under the hood (it had same odor) and replaced with non-Mercedes filter. Odor decreased slightly. Tried to change cabin filters but couldn't get glove box off. Could it be the filters? Smell is horrendous. Not vinegar or moldy as described elsewhere. I checked the antifreeze and washer fluid for odor, none present. Can't imagine what was done in service b that would cause the problem. Not a burning odor.

I'm here to say, "Yeah, I'm also in the same boat". Smelly-ass C350. Premium car, smells like trash. I keep this car spotlessly clean but the smell would have you think otherwise. I just called the dealership and they said the cabin filter needed to be replaced. I just replaced it in Feb of 2018 (less that one year ago). $200 every year for a new cabin filter? What a scam. Thanks, Benz, for the waste of time, money, and energy. Time to go back to Audi. My 2000 A6 is a champ - love everything about it. This Benz can rot in hell for all I care. It's not worth anybody's effort to drive a car full of mold. Anybody have a link to a Virginia class-action lawsuit?

Is your C350 still under original warranty? If it is, see if they can do a "recoding of the software" (see my post above for full details). It's been a few months and so far the smell has not returned, but we'll see once summer rolls around with constant AC use... I filled out the class-action lawsuit but never heard back...

Dies ist ein stinkendes Auto, es riecht nach faulem Sauerkraut.

I have the same issue in Arkansas! It is so embarrassing to have such a beautiful vehicle that stinks so bad! My customers faces when the A/C comes on is just mortifying! I’ve had cabin filters changed and A/C deodorized at my cost 3 times - keeps coming back - I’ve been having terrible sinus issues - I think it’s the mild making me sick. I’m going to get a mold test and an attorney.

I have a 2014 ML350 and am arguing with the dealer and MBUSA to perform tasks 4 and 5 of the service bulletin (LI00.00-P-066047) under warranty….and have been hitting much resistance. Re-programming the fan to come on after 3min to dry-out the system is the only thing that may work to correct this defect. 4. Update the latest software for the air conditioning control unit. 5. After the update go into workshop coding and set the following codings: a) coding #000 (Regulation of evaporator temperature) to: "Fixed value 2°C" b) coding #005 (Drying of the evaporator after the ignition is switched off (Waiting time: '1h')) to "NO" c) coding #006 (Drying of the evaporator after the ignition is switched off (Waiting time: '3min')) to "YES"

Has anybody tried Liqui Moly A/C cleaning system? I did it four months back with my ML 350. The smell was awfull vinegar before that years. I order whole system consisting liquid, hoses and cleaning gun with pressure tank. Then I went to local MB dealership and asked them to do entire procedure based on Liqui Moly dedicated instructions of MB ML W166. It required to remove fan under the glove box and flush the evaporator with the liquid. The whole procedure took two hours first time with learning curve. What is the result? Absolutely great! Smell was gone and has stayed away now 4 months. Easy and absolutely working solution. The only thing what I wonder is why MB does not either know or recommend this solution? Now they know that in Finland since I have shared my experience thru MB country organisation.

There are other specific instructions to various makes and MB models. Here you have W166. https://www.liqui-moly.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Downloads/Klimaanlagen-Infos_EN/Mercedes/Mercedes_W166_EN.pdf

...and please bear in mind that the vinegar odor sits in all textiles, floor mats etc. long time but the air blow is clean. In my case it took about two months that whole inerior started to smell leather again. I did not try ozone treatment to kill the smell of the interior. That might give a rapid help after Liqui Moly flushing.

I have a GLS 450 YR 2018 and every time I turn on the AC I can smell gasoline/Odor. What should I do?

We purchased a Mercedes Benz GLS 450 last July 2018. At times I would smell at slight vinegar smell but I thought it was from my husband cleaning the windows. He said he didn't use vinegar. Now, in May 2019 the weather here in Houston, Texas is HOT and there is a strong SOUR SMELL in our SUV when the A/C is used. i've been googling to see what others did about this issue or if there is a class action lawsuit. Any help would be appreciated!

Our dealer told us to leave the car running, turn on the heater, and let it run for about 15 minutes. It will dry out the area that has the mildew/mold. I let him know that spending 65k for a car...then having to do this ridiculous fix is a design flaw. That being said...it worked. You may have to do monthly. We don’t live in a humid place, you may have to do more often. I also had the dealership pay for the $300+ air purifying system flush. They will want to charge you; just stand in the sales area and talk really loud about how upset you are. They comped it for us. We didn’t yell, we didn’t threaten, but I did speak loud enough that potential buyers could hear me.

Please try Liqui Moly treatment! See my instructions two months back on this list. That definetely kills the vinefar smell.

We tried letting our SUV run for 15 min. with the heater on high. It didn't work!

Please see this one:https://www.liqui-moly.com/en/service/ac-system-instructions.html Here you find MB W166 specific instructions!

FYI: There really is NO easy fix to this. I even had my dealer conduct the tech service bulletin which supposedly changes the setting for the fan to come on 3 min after you shut off the car (in lieu of the factory default of 3 hours) which is supposed to dry out the evaporator, but either they didn’t actually do the re-programming, or it still doesn’t dry out the evaporator enough. Running the car with the heat ON will do nothing, the evaporator is before the heater core…(i.e. using defrost, the air goes through the evaportator to dry it out and then goes through heater core to warm the air) Also, another issue is that even if you shut off the a/c a few minutes before you shut your car off….the a/c compressor automatically runs for the first 10 or 15 min of driving REGARDLESS of whether you manually shut off the a/c; try it, you’ll notice that ice cold air still comes out vents if you turn off a/c right after you just started the car. Therefore, your trip would have to be approx. 20 min or more, to be able to turn off the a/c compressor and dry-out the evaporator. Removing the particulate filter and 2 fine filters, and spraying evaporator cleaner in the running system is not too difficult, and likely the procedure I will have to continue to conduct every so often.

I responded to this question previously as I had the exact same problems with my GLE 350, GLC 43 and C300 cabriolet. I traded the GLE in for the GLC and still had the horrible AC smell. After 2 1/2 years of driving it not knowing when it would act up next, I finally made the best decision of my life. I got rid of the GLC, traded it for the brand new 2020 KIA Telluride and have never been happier. No more worries about the AC and no more frustrating trips to the dealer only to be told the same thing over and over. Unless you can get Erin Brockovich on it, you'll continue to be angry and upset about this unresolved issue and hate the fact that you've spent all this money on an expensive vehicle that can't even give you pleasant smelling air. Best of luck to all of you out there.

I actually found myself looking at cars yesterday. I didn't once think of perusing the Benz offerings, I'm totally fine with checking out other makes. Oh well, time to move on!

To the person that traded in for a Kia. How much of a loss (money wise) would you say it was? With as many service tickets I have opened, my glc is surely worth nothing. When I try to get a trade in value on kbb, it literally tells me its unable to provide a value! Would you mind sharing specifics on your trade/purchase amounts?

Instead of KBB, use the research on CarGurus. It showed my GLC 43 with 39,000 miles with a trade in value of $36K. I owed $36K on it. If I sold it myself it said I could get around $44K. Which would put it in the GREAT DEAL category. The KIA dealership gave me $41K so I put the $5K difference as a down payment and my monthly payment went down $130. More technology, more warranty, more bells and whistles, more room (3 rows), more cargo and NO MORE STINKIY AIR! All I give up is some acceleration but who cares?

I have had 3 mercedes cars and this has happened to every one of them. It stinks in both winter and summer. I'm an idiot and am now going to trade and changing to a different car. I love these cars but I have had a bronchial infection for almost two months and I'm certain this is why.

Yeah, I won't be looking at Benz for my next car, either. It's a good car but a.) they don't address the problem; and, b.) their dealerships and service personnel don't address it either. Selling me a new cabin filter every time I have my car serviced. Are you kidding me? No other car I have owned needed a new cabin filter every 12,000 miles. I don't need to be ripped off with every visit nor do I need to have a mildewy smell in my damn "fine German automobile". @Audi, you want a new customer? Well, it would be my third Audi, so I'm good with that.

So, I confirmed that my dealer must have performed tasks 4 and 5 of the service bulletin (LI00.00-P-066047) as I requested, because I can hear/feel the air (very quietly) being drawn into the hood climate control intake. This helps to dry out the evaporator by re- programming the fan to come on after 3min (after engine shut down), instead of waiting 1 hour after shut down. The other thing that seems to help, is that I open both drivers and passenger windows 8 inches, or so, after I park the car in the garage. It seems to help get any of the humidity (coming from the a/c system) out of the car, while it's parked in the garage.

Has anyone had any luck with a resolution in Florida? If so, please email me, mstokke@cfl.rr.com Thank you....

I have a 2013 ML350. The same horrible stinky, moldy smell has existed at some level over the last two years. I currently live in Maryland. The summers are fairly humid from mid-June through early Sept, so when the AC is on during the summer I would expect it to pull a lot of moisture out of the environment, I had my system professionally cleaned and the cabin filters changed last summer. It was just a temporary fix. The stench so bad this summer, my wife and I rarely run the AC, and when we do, it is horrid. Just called the service manager at our local dealer and he seemed to informally acknowledge that their have been complaints, but didn't offer much info or help as of yet. There is a clear design flaw in these newer model MBs, as they don't effectively drain the condensed moisture from the evaporator coils. I have a 2008 GL450. No significant problems with the AC unit and very little smell if any.

I have same problem with 2014 e350 which I purchased in GA. However, I'm a Virginia resident. Anyone know if any action is happening in VA? Also, does this problem exist on newer Mercedes (2017 or newer)?

We love our GLE 350 and have been using it happily for 46,000 + miles, until the moldy smell started to appear in August. It has a very specific sour smell that gives us headaches, nausea, and vomiting. We took the car to Mercedes Benz and they have performed the filters change. It was supposed to be around $200, but they did not charge us, even though the vehicle was out of warranty. Such action gave me a hint that there was a problem that required serious work. We left the vehicle overnight, and when we picked it up, there was clean air coming out of the car, but then a different sour smell appeared in the vehicle. It was not bad for a day, but the next day forward the car smells very sour and it not possible to drive it. Personally, I drive Lexus, but it’s only because my actual first vehicle was used Mercedes- Benz 2012 ML 350. It was an amazing, truly beautiful and reasonably priced black-on-black 4Matic, but it had a horrible smell even after using all sorts of cleaners. I had to return the vehicle and get all the money back. I thought it was flooded and decided to never deal with used cars. I was wrong. It's not because it was used. It is very suspicious how Mercedes did free filter change for this car, and returned the money after several hundred miles of driving (completely different city and dealership store). Recently I was curious and decided to browse around several different Mercedes-Benz used vehicles in different cities, and ALL SUVs have exact same odor. There is something serious going on and it is not possible to drive vehicles. Thinking that I might find an answer on Google, I found lots of people complaining about the same issue. There are lawsuits going on with Mercedes. What can be done? I am not the only one with the problem because there are literally hundreds of excellent condition GLE/MLs with only 30-35K miles on them, indicating that people return those cars because of the smell. I am going to ask for a new-generation GLE because this is a luxury vehicle and we spent $60K+ on it.

I have A 2019 gla purchased from Eldorado Hills and it started to smell so bad around 10.000 miles. This will be my third trip to maintenance because of the smell. I have suffered very bad headache, sore throat, cough and no my chest hurts each time I take a breath. This car will kill me if I keep driving it. I am going to sue regardless of the cost. They tricked me into buying this car without honest disclosure and still refuse to acknowledge the problem.

The best thing everyone can do is get rid of the car. After a year of in and out with my GLE and a couple trips to the dr. for my daughter complaining of breathing issues, we traded it in. I ate about $3,000 but so worth it. I even had the inside cabin tested for mold, which came back positive and I took my result to Mercedes and they said “we’ll let us clean it again” - I went all the way to corporate and still nothing. So my suggestion is get rid of these cars. Shame on MERCEDES.

We have signed up 2 times with the lawyer representing the lawsuits and no one has replied. Any info on the lawsuit?

I've signed up for the lawsuit a couple times too, no one ever gets back to me either. I actually have my 18 glc at the dealer for several issues right now. Ac, suspension(my tires started going bad at around 12k miles and now at 18k are GONE and uneven at that) random sensors going off, lock/latch issues with my doors, loud clicking at take off. This whole car is just garbage. Well, I'm in a loaner, 2019 glc 300, the tags on it are from JULY, and guys, the ac stinks!!!! New generation cars are not the answer, the design is the problem. Until they redesign the problem will always exist

Our 2016 GLE350 is our second Mercedes. We bought the first one low mileage used an e350. It started stinking the first summer we owned it and we paid to have it "repaired". It was fine for a season. We took it back and they wanted to charge us to clean the system again and recommended that we turn the ac off 5 minutes before arriving at out destination. We traded it for the new GLE. Imagine our surprise when it started smelling bad.

I started to have the same issue with my 2018 GLE43 AMG when it was on 7,000 brand new miles, I would like to sign up in the law suit, where should I start from ?

Good luck. Doesn't seem like anyone's had luck with any lawsuits yet. I had the GLE, horrible AC, so I tried the GLC 43, horrible AC. I cut my losses and got rid of it 4 months ago.

Mercedes Benz is not 'the best or nothing', it's 'the worse and nothing'

We have had the same issue with three Mercedes vehicles. The one we currently have came with an assurance we were dealing with an isolated incident. The new one smells the worst. We have already paid once to have the cabin filter replaced and system cleaned, at our expense. It helped for two weeks. Now they want us to do the same on this vehicle. That chemical used to clean the system isn't good to breathe either. Since we started driving these vehicles spewing mold spores in our faces, our son has been extremely ill with migraines, vomiting and incessant coughing/sinus issues, we have had nail fungus that we can't get rid of, and some of our black clothing has developed rings of mildew, even after washing! Mercedes will do nothing to help us. We are trading our third vehicle in, and will now have two Range Rovers. Never again will we pay another penny to Mercedes.

My 2019 GLC63 spews the same moldy smell that others on this site have described. I just joined the lawsuit.

What lawsuit did you join???

Hi, it's posted earlier in the thread. https://www.lieffcabraser.com/defect/mercedes- benz-ac-mold/? gclid=COKtg5O7rNMCFcFehgodUxQPqA

I have a 2016 C 300. it has been the same nasty smell since i bought it. Which i keep being told nothing can be done. Now, they are flushing it and replacing the filter. Trying to get me to pay for it. I'm in Texas. You can not live without an A/C in the summer here. My allergies and my daughters have been worse then ever. Ive had to stop wearing my contacts due to irritation and discomfort. Mind you i have worn contacts for 20 years. I have had several migrains since purchasing the vehicle. I had no health issue in the past 3 years and then 3 months after i bought this car last December it has been episode after episode. They sold me a non certified Mercedes in October 2018. Which they bought back but i lost about $1500.00. Now i cannot get Mercedes to call me back. I have called the agent and she never calls back. Correction she called last Thursday i called her back in 3 minutes and voicemail since then. The smell has gotten worse over time. Now i have a bronchitis, sinus infection, and ear infection. I paid in advance to replace my filter with my 60K mile maintenance which i am at 50K and they want me to pay for a filter and to flush. That is just crazy. I would of never bought a Mercedes if i knew this was an issue. I plan to reach out to the lemon law in Texas and see if i have any options.

Sorry for your issues. Sounds miserable. I found a way to solve my problems! I am ditching my Benz and getting an Audi. I'm picking it up next Wednesday. Yay!

In Sydney Australia here with the same problem in my GLC 2016, I love my car but this is really horrible. 3 times in one year and the last time they charged me 300! Waiting to speak to the manager of the dealership. So disappointed.

Hi Moldy Mercedes owners, can’t believe it’s been 3 years since my post. But guess what, Mercedes has finally had to own-up ! Check this out : https://www.kiro7.com/news/trending/mercedes- benz-agrees-massive-settlement-after-mold-found- growing-hvac- systems/UGF44HMF4BC7BPGJNNOG2Y4SKY/

I saw this post come into my inbox but I can't find it in this thread any more...Any idea what happened to it? I'm sure others have seen it as well (if they're "following" the thread and receiving email updates). "Hi Moldy Mercedes owners, can’t believe it’s been 3 years since my post. But guess what, Mercedes has finally had to own-up ! Check this out : https://www.kiro7.com/news/trending/mercedes-benz-agrees-massive-settlement-after- mold-found-growing-hvac-systems/UGF44HMF4BC7BPGJNNOG2Y4SKY/"

https://www.foxbusiness.com/money/settlement-reached-in-mercedes-mold-lawsuit Finally.......some justice!

I have similar mildow odor issues with G550, which unfortunately was not a part of the class action lawsuit. MB USA and dealership do not respond. Will soon be initiating new class action lawsuit to include MB G-class vehicles

I had the same issue with the smell in my GL 500 till few days back when the battery died .. so when i changed the battery the smell just vanished .. i think the smell came from the battery as it is located under the passenger seat in GL 500 .

I had a 2015 GLK that suddenly lost power and the whole electrical system died. I towed it to the dealer and it was diagnosed with water corrosion. that will cast !5,000 to fix. I ended up trading it in with a negative balance.Now it makes sense because the water was not dripping out. I did not connect it it to the smell and did not know there was a law suit until I received a settlement notice in the mail. Did anyone else have electrical problem as i did?

Here it is!!! The settlement has been reached. Justice has been served: https://www.mercedeshvacsettlement.com/

I did get paperwork for the settlement for the mold issue and all they will do is pay for any repairs that were related to that and also starting for May 11, they will pay through December 7 for any repairs that are needed with the receipt. It is very particular what they asked for. They want the date of service as well as how much it cost. I got that information from the dealership. They also want information on whether you own the car at that time so either a copy of the registration or insurance card.

I am also wondering if the 2020 has been fixed because that year was not in the lawsuit/settlement. Does anybody know?

The settlement is a crock. Had to endure a smelly GLK for 8 years and they only offer a single evaporator cleaning OR filter replacement?! I was considering replacing my Tesla with a MBZ electric or hybrid, but now I see the smelly HVAC was endemic to pretty much all MBZ and they did nothing. F*CK U MBZ. I'm only buying Porsche or Audi in the future.

Guru7QF23, thank you!!!! What everyone needs is a lemon law lawyer. Everyone needs to call around asap to find one. This settlement is a complete crock of sh. Any owners who are happy over getting reimbursed (potentially only partially) and a limited number of future repairs is IGNORANT. MBZ has not fixed nor will they fix the root of the problem until we fight for our rights. I have already reached out to several news stations in LA, NO ONE REPSPONDS! We are not making enough noise! When will everyone reach their boiling point, when you and your grown children end up sick after years and years of exposure to the mold spores!? Wake up people!!!

And as far as the 2020 being included, chances are, not enough time has passed for any issues to yet arise. My AC issues started in June of the first year of make and ownership. If the MBZ hvac design has not been made at fault here, I highly doubt they will change their design any time soon. 2020 model owners, watch out!

How can a Lemon Law attorney help us? I successfully sued BMW on the basis of the Lemon Law over 10 years ago. Back then, you needed to have experienced 5 or more repairs within the first 2 years or something like that. I sued with less service visits and past two years, but the problem with my wife's 325i check engine light problem nearly got us killed when the engine stalled while crossing high speed traffic. The dealer had told us to just ignore it unless we noticed any other serious problems after multiple episodes and failing to find the reason for the light! How can those of us successfully sue if we don't have the multiple service visits or substantial fees to recoup to make it worth the while for a Lemon Law attorney to get involved? I won my past Lemon Law case on contingency.

Guru7QF23 if you don't have multiple service attempts over this AC issue then it must not be a big enough issue for you to be on this thread. There are multiple people on this thread who have taken their car in for service several times and the dealer cannot "repair" this issue. Lemon law will help THOSE people. Perhaps you should stop letting the dealer pull the wool over your eyes and keep going back to the service department, as have I. I've had service technicians claim there are NO tsb's over this issue. Right. If you let them fool you, that's on you, they won't fool me. You go to the dealers, stand your ground and don't back down. All you need is the service attempts and documentation. The more, the better, the longer, the better. Its a hassle but, try it. If you have to be the loud, jackals, then so be it. Dealers are NOT your friend.

FYI, everyone has until July 25th 2020 to opt out of that sh I tty class action settlement (if you plan to sue them) !!! www.mercedeshvacsettlement.com

thanks everyone. I'll service it myself, replace filter, run the foam in it, dry it out afterwards, then sell the damned thing in the fall when it's cooler. my 3rd and last MB!

Apparently, these odors are due to a defective design of the HVAC where the evaporator fails to adequately evaporate the condensation build up when the AC is in. The water build up, pools, and eventually grown mold and other contaminants. There is NO FIX to this problem until they repair the faulty design. In other words, if the parts are actually changed out, the problem will reoccur. My daughter has a 2016 MB GLC that is horrible. If you have a GLC with an odor problem, please let me know. Maybe we can all help each other get this problem resolved.

It's very easy to pull the HVAC filter cover off (spring clips), and remove the dust and "fine particle filters", then spray AC cleaner into the "squirrel cage" fan. It take a couple minutes, and results lasts for many weeks. AC cleaner is very cheap (i.e. Frost King). Don't bother replacing the expensive filters, unless they are really dirty; the mold/mildew is not on the filters.

@gurumc2f why should we have to deal with a problem that's a result of a manufacturer defect regardless of how easy you may think it is to deal with? The point is we shouldn't be dealing with this and the manufacturer needs to take responsibility but that's not going to happen, especially after all the diimwhits simply opted to get a partial reimbursement through the class action lawsuit for repairs they were incorrectly forced to pay for at dealers.

I agree! Why should we have to engage in any remedial effort to remedy a defect? They built a bad system in what appears to be evident in multiple models. My daughter got sick from this. Anyone else get sick?

Your responses are ridiculous. The first person called me a "diimwhit", for giving them good advice for dealing with a problem, that they likely have NO other reasonable course of action for. Be my guest...and go ahead and sue Mercedes-Benz... good luck with that. The next person whines like a child with their rhetorical question; and complains about how they continued to drive a car, until the point that their daughter got sick. Again... go ahead and sue, if you like. I simply posted useful information, for people to VERY SIMPLY deal with a problem. Attacking me and complaining about your issue in an argumentative way, does not help anyone on this forum. If you don't want to conduct the VERY SIMPLE cleaining procedure, you both should have kept to yourselves.

The real ridiculous ones are those who fork over $50k plus only to turn a cheek to a manufacturer defect that is consistently denied. Have fun "cleaning" your hvac every other month. You're only masking the smell in the same way the dealers do and now for free. You're not solving anyone's problems. Its people like you who have not made this a strong enough controversy to require rectification. Its people like you who have given this issue ZERO validation by turning a cheek and attempting to fix this yourself. Hope you're content with your partial service reimbursement. Now that I think of it, you almost sound like a service advisor. HA

Again.... you're mad at me, for "turning the other cheek"? That nebulous statement means nothing. I signed up for the class action, and I shared a SIMPLE way to help deal with this issue, which may help people who don't want to get rid of their cars...at least in the near term. You have done NOTHING but complain. What are you going to do (other than complain and insult), to solve this problem? You offer NOTHING to this forum. Why don't you simply sell the car, instead of getting angry at other owners, for sharing their mitigation techniques? There is NO lemon law to help you. And you will NOT find/start any other class action lawsuit, than the one that was initiated. Stop complaining and insulting, and either sell the car or deal with it. It's really your only two options.

Thanks GuruMC2F7 for the information. I appreciate it. People should STOP complaining; the time for complaining is OVER! Post useful information, or stay out of this thread. FYI: The court has granted final approval for the settlement on 9/11/20. Go to: https://www.mercedeshvacsettlement.com/

From the Approval document: "....a total of 20,528 repairs were filed, a number likely to increase as Class Members may still submit claim forms for repairs occurring in a period between the Notice Date, May 11, 2020, and December 7, 2020, within 75 days of the date of repair. In addition, 196 Class Members submitted timely and potentially valid opt-outs, and five Class Members objected." Obviously, the VAST MAJORITY of people responded to join this class action, and submit claims. Therefore, the person NOLEMONSALLOWED was absolutely absurd, in calling all these class members "diimwhits" for doing so. Maybe that person was part of the 1% to not join the class action.

The VAST MAJORITY of the people who signed up for the class action lawsuit or didn't opt out (like you) are the dimwhits. The only recourse for you people is a PARTIAL reimbursement for past repairs that must fit a very specific set of requisites and a limited number of free future repairs. Good luck with that! I hope you have a lifetime subscription for the hvac cleaner and filters (Why you do this, I don't know! When the dealer will do it for FREE!) (NOW). LOL

my GLS350 2012 has been having the same smell past several years. How can I remove it?

I just received a $716 check from the settlement! Woohoo! At least "it's something". Like I've posted above... Shutting of the AC at least 5 min before the end of your trip can help dry everything out, but the overall trip must be of a sufficient length of time, because the AC can take like 5-10 min to actually shut off the compressor (you can feel it still blow cold for quite some time, after shutting off AC buttton). Additionally, "It's very easy to pull the HVAC filter cover off (spring clips), and remove the dust and "fine particle filters", then spray AC cleaner into the "squirrel cage" fan. It take a couple minutes, and results lasts for many weeks. AC cleaner is very cheap (i.e. Frost King). Don't bother replacing the expensive filters, unless they are really dirty; the mold/mildew is not on the filters."