vs
Cabin filter Fram or OEM BMW
If you still have the car, or run into this issue again, YES, the baking soda cabin air filter works. IMO Fram makes the best ones. I had almost your identical problem. As soon as the filter dies, the cigarette and perfume odors spew from the vents. I also did the ozone and vinegar treatments. I also had no luck with the carbon filters. The only thing that worked for me is the Fram baking soda cabin filter.
Pros: baking soda cabin air filter works
Cons: filter dies, odors spew
fram cabin air filter. been using them forever on all my cars. and also their engine air filter.
Vehicle:
Mazda
Just get a multi layered, charcoal infused filter for cleaner air inside the cabin. Fram makes a good example and it's available at all Walmarts.
Pros: cleaner air inside
Cons: not inexpensive
I bought a Fram/Arm & Hammer cabin filter from Walmart for about $20
Pros: inexpensive
Same issue in my 2019 M3. Replace the cabin air filter. Solved.
Pros: issue solved
Vehicle:
BMW
Go to Part Source. Take your filter in and see if it matches the CF11819 FRAM Fresh Breeze Cabin Air Filter for $30 dollars. Note, some of the filters on Amazon do not have the same amount of pleats as the OEM or the FRAM.
Pros: cheap alternative available
Cons: fewer pleats than OEM
Vehicle:
Hyundai Santa Fe
Part number: CF11819
I've had to replace the cabin filter 2-3 times because of this problem. At first the smell would go away after replacing the filter, but eventually returns, usually when spring rolls around.
Pros: smell goes away initially
Cons: smell eventually returns
Vehicle:
BMW
IMO, don't get the really thick ones with carbon (like Fram FreshBreeze) - they restrict airflow and can cause the resistor and motor to overheat (essentially it's like a clogged/dirty filter)
Cons: restrict airflow, overheat
Vehicle:
Toyota
You don't need to buy OEM - *especially* for a cabin air filter - but you could save some money by finding a good source of Bosch or Wix filters. Never Fram, ever.
Pros: save some money
Cons: Never Fram
The aftermarket ones like Fram with charcoal have noticeably restricted airflow for me. As I understand it, using the thick ones that restrict airflow can cause issues with the blower motor and resistor overheating and failing since there's not enough airflow to keep them cool (similar to operating with clogged filter).
Cons: noticeably restricted airflow
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