[Jams_123]

Hi all,

Recently picked up a 2017 540i and have noticed that when I first get in the car, especially when it's been parked in the sun, there is a strong smell of cigarettes from the previous owner.

I've sprayed Febreeze all over the headliner and carpets but it hasn't helped.

Does anyone have any ideas of what I could try please?

Cheers

J

[claykin]

You also need to change the cabin air filter behind the passenger glove box.

You can try an air cleaner fan with a HEPA filter, but I doubt it will work well.

The ozone generator is going to help dramatically, but beware of the health effects. Keep in mind that overuse of an ozone generator can degrade rubber, some fabrics, etc. So, use it a couple times for 20 minutes or so and let the car vent well. Don't keep using it if the results aren't satisfactory as you may end up with other longer term issues.

Good luck.

[Jams_123]

Wow. I had no idea it would be this big a job. Should probably stop wasting money on the old wives tales remedies then!

[claykin]

Originally Posted by Jams_123

Wow. I had no idea it would be this big a job. Should probably stop wasting money on the old wives tales remedies then!

Well, I'd suggest not buying second hand cars driven by smokers.

Hopefully my suggestions work for you. Let us know.

[CLABRO]

Congrats on your new car, I hope you enjoy it like many of us on here do!

I have heard it's quite an ordeal getting rid of the smell from a previous smoker so I'm not surprised to see the posts above.

I wish you the best in getting rid of it so you can enjoy your car in good health.

[LuvMyE92]

My previous BMW was a F01 750i that I bought used. It was a former smoker's car, and the dealer did a fabulous job of removing most of that odor with (I think) the Meguiar's odor eliminator product. The problem for me was that I can't stand the smell that the Meguiar's left behind. I spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to get rid of it, including more deodorizers, scrubbing the carpets, bombing everything with baking soda and then vacuuming it up, and scrubbing the leather. It turns out that the leather seats (and especially the steering wheel) kept in an awful lot of the odors, including the remnants of the smoke.

I presume it was the Meguiar's because I had some (came as part of a kit that I won in a contest) and it smelled exactly the same.

I never could get rid of the smell, although it got less noticeable, it was one of the primary reasons I got rid of the car and bought a new 5.

The last bit of leather cleaner I got was awesome and did a great job. I can't remember the name, but will look for it tonight if anyone cares.

Oh yeah, and ditto on replacing those air filters. And scrub the steering wheel. I think a lot of detailers miss that, and smokers' fingers will be stinky.

[clee1982]

has anyone try grounded coffee bean?

[cbarden]

Using an ozone generator can really eliminate the smoke smell but it is quite dangerous if not used correctly.