[Artemis]

Waxy coating on the insulation ?

[CaptChaos]

I had a "chemical" smell in my M2 since I purchased it. It was very difficult to isolate and as it seemed to only occur when I had the AC on. Dealer cleaned the vents but it still did not go away. Dealer suggested it was the cosmoline (chemical they use on undercarrage while shipping) burning off.

It seemed to be worse in the summer and/or when it was very warm. With the help of the dealer head mechanic, we finally isolated it to the door seals.

When it was cooler, no smell but when sunny and warm, it would heat the seals up and the smell would occur.

Dealer replaced the doors seals on both doors, problem fixed.

Smell your door seals!

[Artemis]

On the topic of smell attracting rodents: here ("Rats can't resist wiring in newer cars: Here's why").

[gandapanda]

Call me wierd but I actually love that Crayola smell!

[GoneIn4Secs]

My car still has that new car smell after 15 months, even after i spilled water in the trunk and had musty smell for a while, but that went away and back to new car smell

Im a clean person,

[VisualEcho]

My '18 doesn't smell like crayon's, but it has that terrible BMW smell. I'm getting used to it, thankfully, but I miss that fantastic new car smell my '18 Lexus IS350 had. I could live in that damn car it smelled so good.

[RocketBoots]

I used to be a CSI, and with a little bit of detective work, I think I figured it out. The odor has followed the OP from car to car. Others have experienced a similar smell. What's the common thread?!? After accessing the FBI and CIA databases, wire taps, and surveillance footage, it was discovered that they all used Axe deodorant. In the summer, when the individual sweats more, the odor is worse. Sometimes, when going on dates, Old Spice is used, and thus no crayon smell. In the end, it's worth it, to look good and smell good

[Jeespinozar]

Originally Posted by bmxcamel

Not an easy fix:

I did not replace the insulation but I removed the panels under the dash and I put sound insulation ontop of it, I covered as much as I could specially on the passenger side where the A/C unit is located. Buy this on Amazon:
Noico Black 80 Mil 36 Sq Ft Car Sound Deadening