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BMW 5-Series (G30) Forum Cosmetic Maintenance: Wash, Wax, Detailing, Repairs Cigarette smell

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      09-15-2019, 02:40 PM   #1
Jams_123
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Cigarette smell

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
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      09-15-2019, 05:39 PM   #2
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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.
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      09-17-2019, 06:13 PM   #3
Jams_123
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Wow. I had no idea it would be this big a job. Should probably stop wasting money on the old wives tales remedies then!
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      09-17-2019, 07:55 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jams_123 View Post
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.
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      09-20-2019, 08:39 AM   #5
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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.
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      10-10-2019, 01:58 PM   #6
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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.
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Last edited by LuvMyE92; 10-10-2019 at 02:00 PM.. Reason: words, spelling and other words
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      10-10-2019, 02:34 PM   #7
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has anyone try grounded coffee bean?
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      11-17-2019, 09:05 PM   #8
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Using an ozone generator can really eliminate the smoke smell but it is quite dangerous if not used correctly.
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      01-14-2020, 06:39 PM   #9
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In detailing the rule of thumb is to always start with the least aggressive method and then work your way up.

Try this first and if that doesn't work I would recommend by using a proper upholstery cleaner and go at it by hand. If you want to skip all the steps go towards the option recommended above.

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Whol.../dp/B00G49DVGG
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      04-19-2020, 07:21 AM   #10
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  • White vinegar is an excellent defense against cigarette smoke.
  • Baking soda is commonly used to remove many odors and can be used against smoke smell too. (keep a bowl inside overnight)
  • Another common method is using a bowl of charcoal in your car for a couple of days to absorb the cigarette odor.

Hope this might help
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      04-20-2020, 01:39 AM   #11
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put some baking soda in a bowl and leave it for few days.. your car will smell brand new
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      05-19-2020, 12:01 PM   #12
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When I purchased a 650i GC a few years ago the first thing I noticed after driving it home was a faint smell of cigarettes. The dealership masked the smell with air fresheners but I could still smell through it. I tried everything, smoke air freshener bombs, charcoal bags, water/vinegar solution, you name it. I sprayed the water/vinegar solution on the carpet, headliner, seats. After the vinegar smell faded, the smell of cigarettes was still ever so faint. Next I bought an ozone generator and ran it for an hour with the A/C running. After the ozone smell faded, the car smelled great for about 2 days. The old cigarette smell now turned into the smell of stale furniture. Changed the cabin air filter and tried the ozone treatment several more times. Each time the end result was the same. The car never smelled fresh or new again. All I could do was mask the stale odor with potent smoke bomb air fresheners. The best one I used was the one called Odor-X by Turtle Wax New Car scent. It actually kept the car smelling clean for a little under 30 days. But that's as good of a solution I could find. Now I will never purchase a pre-owned car that has been smoked in.

Fast forward to the purchase of my M550i, similar story but different outcome. The M550i was a non-smoker, but had an awful smell of BO in the car. The car still smelled new, but had a secondary odor that I could not stand. Did the ozone treatment, smelled good for a day or two, then it came back. Finally I noticed it more when the A/C was on, bought new cabin air filters and that solved the problem. Immediately the car smelled fresh and the brand new car smell resurfaced.

OP I hope you have better luck than I did trying to get the smell out. My nose is just super sensitive so no matter what I could smell something.
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      01-04-2021, 05:45 AM   #13
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I had a neighbor buy a smokers car and it took a full interior detail and 5 treatments with My Ozone Machine but it's good now. I treated it over the course of 3 weeks. Ran it inside the car for 1hr with the last 15 minutes of each with the HVAC Running in various modes. He put in a new cabin filter both before and after as the first one initially seemed to saok up a lot of smokiness. the 5th treatment I ran the machine in the trunk.
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