[Bill335]

Hi All, decided to take the plunge and join you on the forums - so be gentle with me! I have 'lurked' for quite a while and enjoyed the discussions and the wit!

I did a search of all of the forums regarding an issue that I have with my 335D and as I failed to see any comment, I thought it might be useful to seek advice here and also inform you of the problem.

For the last couple of months, the interior of the car was continually covered by a fine white powder (and no, not the type you stick up your nose!) every time I drove it. As I have the use of another car, I don't drive the beemer every day, and therefore did not initially treat the problem as being serious.

I assumed that the powder was residue from cleaning materials or from the 'outside', but as it persisted, I visited my local dealer to report my pride and joy as 'having dandruff'!

After a bit of research by service reception, I was advised that there was known fault with the air con, and that the car would need to 'fixed' under warranty.

I asked the very nice lady who was dealing with me if the powder constituted a health hazard? After a quick 'conflab' with her manager, they advised me that they would get back to me. Later in the afternoon, they left a message for me to contact BMW Customer Services.

I got through to Customer Services fairly quickly and explained the above, and requested clarification about the 'white powder'.

Again, a pregnant (10 minute pause ensued) as management was consulted, I was told that they would get back to me later! I got a call the following day and was informed that they did not think the powder was dangerous - when I asked who had made this judgment, it was intimated that senior management had the final say - so the saga continues...

Has anyone else had this problem?

Whilst I am not a medical professional, I do know that fine powder can be rather dangerous if inhaled and it lodges in the lungs. If this powder is from a filter or mechanical component, then potentially, it could constitute a far greater hazard! Finally, about a week or so after I noticed this powder, I had a rather nasty chest infection that took 5 weeks or so to get rid of; coincidence?

Any advice, help and assistance would be appreciated.

Old Lurker, new member,

Bill.

[quattrogmbh]

I can't think of a single component of the HVAC system which would cause white powder.
Charcoal in the Microfilter is obviously black.
The plastic used in the fan blades is black
The evaporator is only filled with Gas and PAG lubricant, neither of which would cause a white powder

Any issue with HVAC would be apparent across the whole E87,E90, 91, 92, 93 range as they all use the same components. Intrigued now to know what was replaced :-)

[CD]

Hi Bill .... first of all great car ( dandruff or no dandruff )

i have the same model and cant say i have noticed anything, sounds quite concerning though, not suprised your a bit peeved with their 'answer' i wouldnt be happy with breathing in faulty air conditioning chemicals either, keep on at them and dont let them fob you off

hope you havent got the black dacota leather, that would look awful inside

i hope one one of these guys can help you more and im sure you will enjoy the forum even more now your a 'non lurker'

Chris

[vivekk]

The 'expert' in this field is Squeezey, without a doubt.

I'm sure he'll be here shortly, with his words of wisdom.

Viv

[beemerbird]

Welcome Bill! Better to join than lurk eh.

Great car - obviously

Sorry can't offer any advice re. the white powder as mine doesn't do this. Presumably this powder is entering the cabin when the air con. is in use? Could it be the gas reacting with the aluminium in the air con. system? Just a thought.

All I've had is a sticking headlight wash cover and the drivers door needs 'nipping up' a bit.

Like Chris (cd) has said, keep on at them and let us know the outcome.

[Dr.Crap]

I have no idea what that white stuff is!

But I can probably help with the rest of the query. Whatever the substance is it does not have to be of a chemical nature to be an irritant to your lungs. Dust is the biggest irritant going and its mostly dead skin. The chest infection you had may or may not have had anything to do with the powder and its unlikely you can ever prove that it did.

So unless the powder is a known chemical irritant you won't get any goodwill from BMW other than some sort of compensation for the inconvenience. If you smoke you definitely won't get any compensation.

The only other thing I would say is that if you have had a new persistent cough for a couple of months you should see your doctor with a view to getting a chest x-ray and some further tests.

If you need any more medical info PM me, but by the sound of your message your health is fine but your 335 is'nt!

[CD]

Originally Posted by beemerbird

All I've had is a sticking headlight wash cover

mine does that too sometimes it comes up and others it doesnt go back down properly , could be something in the air

[beemerbird]

Aye could be something in the air Chris

According to Gibbo, this is a known fault and involves our dealer replacing said sticking headlight wash cover thingy but it also needs spraying to the colour of the car. A trip to the bodyshop is also required. Mine is now doing it intermittently but I'll have to get it sorted.

BTW, I've heard some rumours about our local dealer ie. how much longer they may be 'there'

[Serjames]

Wow I have this too !!

I seriously thought I just had a worse than usual dry skin problem...

lol

I'll take pics tomorrow...

Who'd a thunk it !

[Steve A]

Originally Posted by vivekk

The 'expert' in this field is Squeezey, without a doubt.

I'm sure he'll be here shortly, with his words of wisdom.

Viv

[vivekk]

Originally Posted by Steve A

Steve, you know as well as I...all this is going to do is give Calvin an inferiority complex.

Viv

[creepy coupe]

If it's around the handbrake and gear lever it could be underarm deodorant falling out of your shirt sleeve.

[dxb335d]

Hi Bill, welcome to E90post.COM... I dont think the DXB has such issues but i will ask her later


Carlos

[- Paul -]

Originally Posted by creepy coupe

If it's around the handbrake and gear lever it could be underarm deodorant falling out of your shirt sleeve.

+1 - or just dead skin

[Boo34]

I've noticed this before - just been out to have a look and the back seat is covered.....

I've attached a couple of photos.....

[- Paul -]

Mmmmm - thats not skin!!!!! - My AC has never had that problem.

[3_toed_tree_sloth]

Nothing head and shoulders could n't sort.

[nagge]

I thought I had some white particles but nothing close to the pictures posted above! When did you last detail the interior?

[m.rk77]

i did not have this problem. Maybe you should take a sample and have it tested so you know what chemicals is in the powder then you can establish a link between your infection and the powder...

[Boo34]

That's probably a couple of thousand miles worth (3 or 4 weeks).....

It's a lot more noticable in the back than in the front.

It seems quite sticky (it's not like dust - it smears a bit if you try to dust it!).

[NFS]

Originally Posted by Boo34

That's probably a couple of thousand miles worth (3 or 4 weeks).....

It's a lot more noticable in the back than in the front.

It seems quite sticky (it's not like dust - it smears a bit if you try to dust it!).

That's not being created by the AC system. It's got to be an impurity in the air that's entering the system from outside.

Sounds to me as if it may be fly ash. Do you like anywhere near a power station, cement works or gypsum plant?

[Boo34]

The locations that I work at can be quite dusty (or more often muddy!) - but I would have thought that there would have been some sort of filtration built in to prevent the dust from entering the car?