My A4 has recently developed a very unpleasant smell like damp carpets, particularly evident when opening the door after the car has been left got some time. It does nor appear to come from the aircon.

Took it to main dealer who said it is not damp related in that all carpets are dry. They don't know cause and didn't seem particularly desperate to find it. Only recommendation was to hang a fragrance dispenser in the car. Has anyone any helpful suggestions?

Hi Mike

Oust should do it but I would get a Air con clean just to be sure. or have a full deep carpet clean (and ceiling) 

Bradley

When was your air con last serviced? And pollen filter changed? There could be stuff trapped within the system. Might be worth having the system checked. 

Where does the smell originate from (front or rear)? If it's front could there be a leak into the cabin under the dash? (Through the bulkhead)

Cheers

steve 

I agree. Check all the above. You can get air con bombs you put in your car and run your air con so it sucks it all in as bacteria and mould can form in your heater sections. Try that. ROB