Places to get Mk7 pollen filter?

[flagger]

My AC was starting to get that mouldy smell for a couple of minutes when starting the car. I have fixed it by pulling the pollen filter out and spraying some anti-bacterial spray on it and in the filter box. This is probably only a temporary fix from what I have read.

I have found out that there are 2 types of filter replacement from MANN

Normal particulate filter
Activated charcoal + particulate filter

I tried searching on eBay for the above filters, but I had no luck. I know we can get the filter from VW service, but I assume there are cheaper places to source them from. Does anyone know where we can get the mk7 pollen filters? (preferably the charcoal filter)

[team_v]

Pull your filter out (2 minute job as you know) and get the part number off it then check ebay for the part number.

I tried a regular filter and an activated charcoal one.
The charcoal one would be my pick.

Cost about $12 + 3 postage, from memory the dealership prices are around $25 or $30

[flagger]

Good point. I just searched eBay for the MANN part numbers...

[Alex31]

How many km's has your golf done before the smell started?


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[flagger]

About 8000km. Received the car in November 2013, so it has been through a Brisbane summer. Funny thing is the smell was fine when I was using the the aircon all the time. When I read it's a good idea to turn off the aircon and run outside air a few minutes before arriving home, it started to smell a month after I started doing that. Not sure if coincidence or not.

The current filter panel looks like a activated charcoal version too (its grey, not white).

[DV52]

About 8000km. Received the car in November 2013, so it has been through a Brisbane summer. Funny thing is the smell was fine when I was using the the aircon all the time. When I read it's a good idea to turn off the aircon and run outside air a few minutes before arriving home, it started to smell a month after I started doing that. Not sure if coincidence or not.

The current filter panel looks like a activated charcoal version too (its grey, not white).

Flagger: I fixed my "musty" smelling AC with a can of Glen20 and a piece of small diameter hose. Turned the fan onto low, opened the bonnet, placed the tubing down the vents on either side of the windshield (under the wipers) and emptied half a can of Glen20 down the vents. Worked a treat!

btw: if you use the technique, be careful not to drop the tubing down the vents!

[team_v]

About 8000km. Received the car in November 2013, so it has been through a Brisbane summer. Funny thing is the smell was fine when I was using the the aircon all the time. When I read it's a good idea to turn off the aircon and run outside air a few minutes before arriving home, it started to smell a month after I started doing that. Not sure if coincidence or not.

The current filter panel looks like a activated charcoal version too (its grey, not white).

The "turn off aircon and let natural warm air dry the system out" process works a treat for me.
Brisbane gets a lot of sustained humidity which lets the mould and mildew grow in the filter.
Glen20 only masks the problem for a short while.

[flagger]

About 8000km. Received the car in November 2013, so it has been through a Brisbane summer. Funny thing is the smell was fine when I was using the the aircon all the time. When I read it's a good idea to turn off the aircon and run outside air a few minutes before arriving home, it started to smell a month after I started doing that. Not sure if coincidence or not.

The current filter panel looks like a activated charcoal version too (its grey, not white).

Heh, I might try that next time it starts to get smelly. I'll use a deodorizer that contains a anti-bacterial chemical though. I found the Woolworths brand stuff works well on my motorcycle helmet. Glen-20 only relies on ethanol to sterilise surfaces.

The "turn off aircon and let natural warm air dry the system out" process works a treat for me.
Brisbane gets a lot of sustained humidity which lets the mould and mildew grow in the filter.
Glen20 only masks the problem for a short while.

Yep. I am also thinking that the mould had started during the summer period...

[regu]

I got my original Mann&Hummel cabin filter from fry's spares (frysspares.com) for the MKVI. I managed to get a wholesale price and it was delivered same day (in Sydney). It was a little cheaper than from VW plus the convenience of delivery. New filter ($42) and Autoglym aircon sanitizer ($20) once a year keeps the smell away

[DV52]

Glen20 only masks the problem for a short while.

Team_V: It is with more than a degree of trepidation that I (oh-so tentatively) disagree with a moderator. The last time I did somehing like this, it wasn't pretty - for me!

Without wishing to make another enemy of a moderator, here goes.... There are two reason why I have found Glen20 to be effective for this application.

1. First it doesn't have a cloying fragrance that lingers.
2. Secondly, it has an anti bacterial base which I assume deals with the cause of the musty smell (i.e. mould), rather than the "effect" (i.e. the smell).

But, I'm neither a chemist, nor am I an employee of Reckitt Benckiser (makers of Glen20), so I could be wrong! Also, Melbourne ain't Brisbane albeit with climate change we are getting closer!

[team_v]

Team_V: It is with more than a degree of trepidation that I (oh-so tentatively) disagree with a moderator. The last time I did somehing like this, it wasn't pretty - for me!

Without wishing to make another enemy of a moderator, here goes.... There are two reason why I have found Glen20 to be effective for this application.

1. First it doesn't have a cloying fragrance that lingers.
2. Secondly, it has an anti bacterial base which I assume deals with the cause of the musty smell (i.e. mould), rather than the "effect" (i.e. the smell).

But, I'm neither a chemist, nor am I an employee of Reckitt Benckiser (makers of Glen20), so I could be wrong!

No worries, I only moderate the events section.

I have had experience with Glen20 in my previous vehicle hence my comments that it doesn't work.
In the short term it masks the smell but it doesn't actually kill the mould/mildew that lives in the filter.

Having said that, maybe the humidity levels in brisbane allow it to grow back faster hence my lack of faith in glen20 being a longer term solution.

Fortunately i have a backround in biotechnology (some focus on plant science) so i can confirm that antibacterials do not actually kill mould as they are of a different kingdom (fungus)


For the cost of a new activated charcoal filter on ebay ($16 or so) it's just easier to buy a replacement.

[DV52]

Fortunately i have a backround in biotechnology (some focus on plant science) so i can confirm that antibacterials do not actually kill mould as they are of a different kingdom (fungus).

Team_v:I stand corrected! Thanks for the info. So, if could respectfully press you further, from the viewpoint of biotechnology practitioner for plant sciences, what kinda of commonly found chemical can be used to kill mould (something that doesn't eat metal, dissolve plastic, or generally nuke the guy driving)?

[soogs]

Unfortunately nothing does effectively. You know the mould you get on silicone caulking around shower screens? Well I've tried Domestos (containing bleach) and concentrated benzalkonium chloride (in toilet cleaners) which is what anti-mould shower screen sprays contain and still they persists. Google mould removal and you will get pages of useless remedies.

Replacement and ventilation would be the best bet.

[team_v]

Team_v:I stand corrected! Thanks for the info. So, if could respectfully press you further, from the viewpoint of biotechnology practitioner for plant sciences, what kinda of commonly found chemical can be used to kill mould (something that doesn't eat metal, dissolve plastic, or generally nuke the guy driving)?

Basically, anything to prevent moisture.
Heat is the best way (turning off air-con and allowing the system to warm up at a regular pace with warmer air flowing over the ducting will prevent condensation and moisture build up.

You could try fungicide sprays but they might cause other problems (smell, toxicity etc)
For the cost of $16 per year (at a minimum, can last longer) for an activated charcoal filter on ebay you need to ask if it is really necessary to try other options which are less effective

[DV52]

Basically, anything to prevent moisture.
Heat is the best way (turning off air-con and allowing the system to warm up at a regular pace with warmer air flowing over the ducting will prevent condensation and moisture build up.

You could try fungicide sprays but they might cause other problems (smell, toxicity etc)
For the cost of $16 per year (at a minimum, can last longer) for an activated charcoal filter on ebay you need to ask if it is really necessary to try other options which are less effective

Team_v: Yours is a delightfully consistent message - buy a new one! Sounds reasonable to me!

PS: I had another look at my (half empty) can of Glen20. Given your advice, the message on the can is a little devious. And I quote (using the same bolding as written on the can):

"Dettol Glen20 is fast, easy to use and effective at:
Killing the source of mould allergens and controlling the growth of mould and mildew on hard surfaces"

The words misleading and deceptive advertising come to mind!