02 211 chasis,has a mildew smell when the air is first turned on,a/c drains are working.Reminds me when we had problems with 201 chasis.Service info notes leakage/seepage at heater core o rings,this does not smell like coolant or a/c oil from a leaking a/c evap.I do not want to spray frigi/wurth spray as it just seems to just mask and actually smells worse(in my opinion).........................................................any ideas???

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1982 300 td. 268k
1984 300d .345k
1986 190e 2.3 16v
1988 190e 2.3
1989 190e 2.6
1991 300e
1984 318i

There is also a bulletin on a "special" coated evaporator!

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Heat pumps in the home have this problem, too. It's called Dirty Sock Syndrome. They make coated evaporators for the home to deal with it, too.

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2012 E350
2006 Callaway SC560

MB has been dealing with the "stinky evaporator" problem for the last couple years. In my experience, the 203's and 211's have been the models affected most.

The first "fix" was to treat the system with the Wynn's Ultra-Sonic cleaner. This procedure fixed some, but not all, stinky evaporators.

The coated evaporator was the next solution. In addition, for the 211, a modified heater box lower half was avilable, which allowed condensation to drain more efficiently. Once again, this resolved some, but not all complaints.

MB's latest attempt utilizes a dis-infecting agent which is applied directly to the evaporator core, without having to remove it. This is done by inserting a spraying device into the heater box, via the evaporator temperature sensor opening. I've only used this method twice, but so far it seems effective. In my neck of the woods though, the real test will come in July/August, when the humidity is unbearable.