For almost a year now whenever the car has been off over night, the first time the air conditioning (AC) starts it takes a long time for the air to become cold. I can start sweating before it gets cold, living in South Florida. I had my dealer look at it and they said BMW knows about this and says it is normal. Supposedly it can take up to 2 minutes to start cooling the air because of something in the AC system. Is this true or should I have it looked at again? Anyone else with this issue? I don't know if I should just deal or not... THANKS!

 

Hi Moocow......I don't know of any car that instantly starts cooling. The inside of the car is hot, so its going to take a few minutes to cool it off. My 2005 e60 is just fine. I don't mind the few minutes to start cooling down. But that just my 2 cents of course.

 

We can help you better if you give us the year and model etc. of your car.
cheers
vern

 

actually how will that help? did they have a better AC system in 04? than in 07? were there known problems with the AC system that I'm not aware of? or you're thinking a V8 will be able to drive the compressor faster so hence will cool the car faster?

To the original poster: Actually... have you checked the iDrive to make sure you're on the coolest setting? Main Menu > Click Left and count how many blue bars there are in the middle. SHould be 4.

 

I've noticed my AC takes a while to cool also. I find myself pushing the max AC button often.

 

Hi all!!
I've found the same problem, but I think it has more to do with the engine temperature
than the system itself.
When the so-called temp indicator reduces one line, then the compressor starts-up and
cools down the air.
So the best way to get quick freezing is kickin' down the accelerator to warm the car engine
as fast as possible (you know BMW sporty concept )
greetings from warm Spain

 

I do the same and that's in the UK which is not known for it's very warm weather although I do live on the South Coast and our Summers do seem to be getting very much warmer!

I've noticed this ever since getting my E60. Had 2 Audi A6's before and they were noticeably much quicker to get cold, one was petrol and the second was a diesel so that did not affect the efficiency.

Even my wife's Rover 75 cools much more quickly and as far as I'm aware most parts on that car are BMW as it was they who helped develop the car with Rover and supplied most of the components.

However, the E60 was developed after the 75 and so perhaps the new A/C system that BMW uses is not as efficient in order to improve engine economy which seems to be more on the agenda now than aver before and BMW seems to be at the forefront of improving their engines for ever greater economy and lower emissions.

It would be interesting if someone could compare this issue with the previous E39 or older BMWs in general - were they any better?

 

I think this is a very "hot" tip. It took me some days before I discovered that different settings for the cooling level. The same applies for the 3 levels of fan speed.

..sigbjoe,,

 

Ok, well, I had 4 bars but they were all red. Now they are blue and the AC kicks pretty good. I'm an idiot.

 

Hi, I had a 2001 530SE E39 the air conditioning worked fine instant cold, then replaced by 530D E60 in 2004 and the air conditioning produced warm air for approx 2 or 3 minutes before cooling I complained to BMW and they say it is the refrigerant they now have to use. Have just taken delivery of 2007 535D (E60 LCI), this also takes 2 or 3 minutes to go cool.