Volvo Repair: Smell from dashbord vents on 1998 Volvo S70, volvo s70, 1998 volvo s70

Question
My 1998 Volvo S70 suddenly developed a very foul smell like that of a dead animal that comes out of the front vents.  It occus whenever the vents are open, is worse when first starting the car and then tends to clear over time, but occurs again each time the car is used.  It occurs irrespective of whether the air conditioning or fans are on, but is worse when the fans are blowing.  The air conditoning still seems to work fine.  Local repair shop states the entire air conditioning system needs to be replaced.  Could this be something more limited, such as the evaporator filter?  

Answer
Joel, figures that some moron would tell you that.  What needs to be replaced is the evaporator core.  Mold and junk grows on there and causes that smell.  Have the dealer or Volvo shop do this repair because its Labor intensive.  Joe's garage will mess your car up.  Be prepared to pay around $1000 for the repair.  Roger