I bought an 07 6spd brand new in Dec. of 07....& a brand new 08 automatic a year later.........the 07 never had the odor....the 08 has always had the odor. Fortunately it only take a few seconds with the windows down to clear it out. Pretty sure it's chemical not growth.

 

Mine stinks too but I've learned to live with it. I've cleaned out the windshield water trap, replaced the inside cabin filter and tide with oxy cleaned the carpets, put coffee grinds in an open bowl under the seats, fabric softener sheets in the floor boards and trunk. Smell remains

 

Funny mine does not have this crayon smell.

 

I think my car had this smell when I bought it in 2010 (2nd owner, purchased at 5,600miles 2008 Ltd Silver Roadster). Now that it is winter on the NC coast, I don't smell nuthin. Maybe Bosch cabin filer is doing its job. And if not, makes no difference to me - the car always smells like fun.

Winter - sure do love the heated seats!

Alicia

 

My roadster has the crayon smell if I have the top up and windows rolled up for a while. I guess it does not bug me too much. However, after running the A/C for a while and turning it off, I will get the "vinegar" smell when the condensation dries off. The vinegar smell is from an old cabin air filter. After replacing the filter, the vinegar smell goes away.

 

I'm personally inclined to think it was the tanning process for the leather.

That said, and going on the basis it is the carpet, I strongly recommend 2X Ultra Bissell. It's supposed to be used with a steam machine, but I've even been able to get out dog pee stains (and smell) in my office/living room carpet with it. I use it pretty concentrated with not a lot of hot water and use the scouring part of a kitchen sponge. As far as chemicals go, to me it has a pleasant smell which goes away pretty quickly.

Biba

 

I have two 2005 roadsters, and NA and an SRT. The NA has no crayon smell. The SRT has a crayon smell. Keeping the SRT windows down when parked in the garage significantly reduces the odor.

 

The only other smell the XF has is when my brother in law rides with me. Especially after lunch at " Pappasito's Cantina"

 

I guess you have to take the good with the bad. After all you are stooping his sister.

 

The only other smell my crossfire has is when my friend with the constant head aches and anxiety issues visits from California.