[Shovelman]

Sure wish I had more control of the A/C. It usually comes on when asked but often it comes on when not wanted. The only way to stop it is to set the temp too high. This particular nanny is annoying.

[Apo Zubulthums]

I agree, it's the most annoying nanny.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by Shovelman

Sure wish I had more control of the A/C. It usually comes on when asked but often it comes on when not wanted. The only way to stop it is to set the temp too high. This particular nanny is annoying.

I haven't used mine since last year and had to read the manual to remember how all this works. I'd forgotten how involved the car's climate control system is.

With A/C switched on and AUTO program switched off, my routine is to manually set: temp, intensity (speed), and air distribution (which vents will have air flowing through them). IOW, I control the system.

I'm most comfortable when I'm directing at my face the right amount of cool air at the right temperature. I think the only way that can be maintained is by turning off the car's AUTO program and doing everything myself. It's very much a set-it-and-forget-it for this driver, with the typical adjustment being a resetting of air speed up or down via a single press of the "intensity control" button.

I don't know if any of that helps you, but I do think you can get the system to do what you need it to do if you set it to operate according to your manual settings.

[grocerylist]

What annoys me is when I have it set to auto climate, but select air Manual (recirculate) to force air recirculation, it always switches back to Auto (recirculate) after a relatively short time. Other cars I've had I was able to select auto and it would stay at fresh air or recirculate depending on that button. I don't understand how they call it "Manual" if it automatically switches back to Auto.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by grocerylist

What annoys me is when I have it set to auto climate, but select air Manual (recirculate) to force air recirculation, it always switches back to Auto (recirculate) after a relatively short time. Other cars I've had I was able to select auto and it would stay at fresh air or recirculate depending on that button. I don't understand how they call it "Manual" if it automatically switches back to Auto.

They don't call it manual anywherre, but that must be what the 'M' means. The entire switch is identified as "Automatic recirculated-air control/recirculated-air-mode", with the left-hand part of that belonging to the 'A' and the right-hand part to the 'M'. This is the text detailing the switch's operation:

[Sportstick]

I cannot relate at all to this concern. I set it to AUTO 70 about 8 years ago, and except for the occasional MAX AIR on really hot initial entries, have found no need to touch it since I moved away from areas with occasional DEFROST requirements. It's always doing the right thing and there's never a time when I don't want it on in some manner.

[Kernel Kurtz]

Th A/C is not just for cooling, it is a dehumidifier also. My A/C stays on all winter, even when it is -30C out to keep the windows from fogging. Continuously recirculating air will gradually raise the humidity due to occupants breathing unless you either use the A/C or bring in fresh air.

You could open a window or the sunroof (if you have one), but by using the climate control fresh air flows through the cabin filter, so is probably healthier and certainly keeps the interior cleaner.

[Ajowhan]

Well, I have to set the ac to 72 and hot every morning and 60-64 cold every afternoon every day so I cant relate as well. Never on auto

[morphomeman]

BMW has had pretty much the same controls for 25 years and in all that time I have set all my cars to Auto 71 F A/C and simply forgot about it. That works for me.

[atek]

sounds like your using auto when you should have it in 'manual'. hit the m and set the temp and fan speed where you like it, should stay that way until you make the next change.

[Shovelman]

morphomeman you are blissfully insensitive, unlike us winey types who want to feel the heat.

[German1967]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

I cannot relate at all to this concern. I set it to AUTO 70 about 8 years ago, and except for the occasional MAX AIR on really hot initial entries, have found no need to touch it since I moved away from areas with occasional DEFROST requirements. It's always doing the right thing and there's never a time when I don't want it on in some manner.

Same here…set it and forget it.

[ggggbmw]

I always leave mine in auto, but on really hot days I will nudge the fan to a higher fan setting. It's still auto temp, but this forces more air through the system for a bit more cooling.

I also use the temp bias control (the red/blue dial between the center vents) to set the upper vents a bit cooler. I vary the set temp a bit based on outside weather too. 72 summer, and 65-68 winter, depending on how heavy my winter coat is.

Only think I dislike about my wife's VW Sportwagon is the lack of auto-temp. It's just barbaric to have to manually keep track of temp and adjust the controls.