Ventilation temp control

[Richmond325CI]

For the life of me, I can't get a consistant temp when auto climate control is off (manual mode). In my other cars, if you adjusted the temp control, the air coming out the vents would be at that temperature.
Not my BMW....the manual dial between the two upper center vents seems to override any setting on the heating/cooling system.
What gives?

 

[GGM]

Isn't that what the dial is supposed to do? If it's in the center (white line) then i believe it should come out the selected temp and then you can adjust the dial to have it colder or warmer out of the top vents then the rest of the cars vents. Some people like to have 2 different temp zones.

 

[salvo]

but if you turn the vent dial all the way to RED with the A/C on (snowflake button) then the air is warm? Moreover, if you want to maintain 80C on a cold day, the A/C light is always on...and the air is freaking cold...? Some things can get too complicated for their own good! It works really well when it is hot outside, but too maintain a comfortable temp on a cold day is somewhat difficult...maybe im just picky. I like the windows open anyways!

 

[salvo]

but if you turn the vent dial all the way to RED with the A/C on (snowflake button) then the air is warm? Moreover, if you want to maintain 80C on a cold day, the A/C light is always on...and the air is freaking cold...? Some things can get too complicated for their own good! It works really well when it is hot outside, but too maintain a comfortable temp on a cold day is somewhat difficult...maybe im just picky. I like the windows open anyways!

 

[snowsedan04]

Salvo

The air conditioning/heating system is a bit confusing. After a couple of months with my '04 e46, I've found out how to use it and it really does work well. First, set the system to auto and put in whatever temperature setting you prefer. The dial in between the vents adjusts the temperature from those vents, leaving the rest of the car at the other temperature setting. That allows you to have a warm car overall, but a more refreshing (cooler) stream in your face and/or upper body. I think that is a great feature.

In terms of the snowflake, that is more of a function that reduces humidity levels in the car. When it's lit, that doesn't mean the A/C compressor has been turned on and cold air will blow.

 

[tablet]

I think the snowflake button turns on the A/C (hence humidity is reduced), but you won't necessarily get cold air because that depends on the temperature setting and how much warm air is being mixed in with the cold A/C air.

 

[bmwrocks]

The snowflake is strictly to engage the A/C compressor. Without the snowflake indicator on, you will not get any A/C, hence no dehumidification.

The center wheel between the vents is strictly for changing the temp of the CENTER face vents only. The wheel does not affect any other vent temperature. In the coolest position (3 blue dots) the center vent will be at the same temp as the side vents in cooling mode.

BMWs climate control design (this goes for all their cars and SAVs) is to pump cooler air out the face vents and warmer air out the floor vents in a heating mode (hot air rises and cool air sinks creating a good air mix at all times. One of the tricks is to never point a vent directly at anyone. Point all vents to open areas for the designed effect. In a cooling mode, the floor vents are generally off, and the face vents are cool. Unless you adjust the wheel and make the center vent warmer.

I love my BMW climate system.

 

[salvo]

Okay...im used to my '92 toyota pickup...a very crude vent system, at best...thanks for the info! I've only had the 330 for 2 weeks....im still getting used to the whole thing! night and day.

 

[mscoins]

... I love my BMW climate system.

I agree with one exception - when it drained my battery (ref: BMW SIB 61 11 03).

 

[donmbmw]

I also like the climate control, except for one thing. The car can be very comfortable except for my left leg. Its colder than the rest of the car so after the car warms up I swith off the auto control and put on the down facing to direct the flow to the feet. This keeps my legs warm and because warm air rises the whole car stays comfortable. I keep the AC engaged at all times to keep the windows from fogging.

 

[Krafty04]

I keep the AC engaged at all times to keep the windows from fogging.

I distinctly remember the sales rep telling me, just leave the snowflake on, your better off all around.
He was right. Luvin' it.