BMW Uses Expert Sniffers To Get Rid of New Car Odour

BMW uses a team of olfactory experts and lab testing to minimize VOC-based “new car smell”, ensuring a cleaner and safer cabin environment for passengers.

The German automaker employs a dedicated “nose team” and specialized labs to rigorously test cabin material scents. Since 1999, materials have been evaluated in simulated high-temperature chambers across three stages: individual components, larger parts, and the complete vehicle. BMW VP Nils Hesse notes, “A car doesn’t exist in a lab, but with its occupants.”

While BMW’s “new car smell” research is specific to their brand, it offers key takeaways for all drivers: heat increases cabin emissions, while cooler temperatures mitigate them. To improve air quality, prioritize shaded parking and consistent ventilation; these steps can reduce chemical compounds by about 20% weekly. Additionally, advancements like microfiber materials and nano-filtration represent the future of healthier, odor-free cabin environments.

Although compounds such as benzene and formaldehyde are classified as potential human carcinogens, typical concentration levels within vehicle cabins are not currently considered a serious health risk. While the United States has yet to implement federal regulations concerning in-car air quality, China mandates rigorous chemical testing prior to vehicle sales. Ultimately, BMW’s core philosophy for new car buyers is that a truly high-quality cabin environment is one that remains neutral in scent.

• Also See: 40 Years After The First M3, BMW Builds Its 1 Millionth M Vehicle