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Biggest Disappointment in My 550i

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Old 07-15-2008, 11:49 AM
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As the summer has finally warmed here in the Pacific Northwest, I'll echo what I've read elsewhere here about my biggest disappointment: the A/C capacity for cooling the cabin when two or more adults are in it. It is marginal when outdoor temps are 85+. MAX air is better, but untolerably loud. Even the normal A/C, when the two temp controls are set to coolest is marginal in cold air and too noisy to be enjoyable.

I have the ventilation settings set to maximum flow to the torso....

The other, somewhat distant 2nd biggest disappointment, is an irritating vibration of the dash area near the iDrive, above or within the ventilation ducts. I can't quite isolate it, but I'll say about 50% of the time it is noticeable and irritating.

Now, the list of most enjoyable items would be Extensive!
Old 07-15-2008, 12:14 PM
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Originally Posted by calpalmer' post='624692' date='Jul 15 2008, 02:49 PM
As the summer has finally warmed here in the Pacific Northwest, I'll echo what I've read elsewhere here about my biggest disappointment: the A/C capacity for cooling the cabin when two or more adults are in it. It is marginal when outdoor temps are 85+. MAX air is better, but untolerably loud. Even the normal A/C, when the two temp controls are set to coolest is marginal in cold air and too noisy to be enjoyable.

I have the ventilation settings set to maximum flow to the torso....

The other, somewhat distant 2nd biggest disappointment, is an irritating vibration of the dash area near the iDrive, above or within the ventilation ducts. I can't quite isolate it, but I'll say about 50% of the time it is noticeable and irritating.

Now, the list of most enjoyable items would be Extensive!
If your AC does not do the job in the PNW, there is a problem with it. My AC does a magnificent job in New Orleans in what is typically 90-95 degree heat combined with 90-95 percent humidity. I suggest that you have it checked by your dealer.
Old 07-15-2008, 12:41 PM
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That vibrating noise could be the fan for the temperature sensor. Mine is annoying and have asked service dept. to look into it. They told me that they could not find it. The noise appears after a while of driving and is more prominent when the fan is turned low. I am going back to the dealer soon for regular maintenance and will insist it gets fixed this time.
Old 07-15-2008, 12:47 PM
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My advice is to leave it set to automatic (don't override any settings) and, optionally, adjust the center vent temperature to all blue bars. I assume you have played around with the automatic mode where you can make it intensive, normal, or that third setting. Obviously, those three settings will affect the noise level. I always leave mine on normal and generally, the system works very well.

Also, just to be safe, double check the rear vent settings to make sure it's set to blue and on fully...
Old 07-15-2008, 12:48 PM
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Cal, I can make ice cubes in mine , there must be a problem , I'm luvin mine too !!
Old 07-15-2008, 12:49 PM
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I do intend to mention both of these items to the dealer when I do the 7500 mile oil change in a couple weeks. I'm a little disinclined to have those young service techs start tearing up my interior looking for the vibration... It seems like they know mostly how to unplug one component and plug another in, so to speak.
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Old 07-15-2008, 02:26 PM
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Same here...I find myself turning the AC up in temp after a while even when it is 90+ out. It's amazing how cold it can get
Old 07-15-2008, 02:35 PM
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As a full figured fellow and living in the arid part of the PNW, my air works great, up to and through 105. I would mention it to your SA. Use small words, with lots of hand gestures and symbols.

My biggest dissapointment with the 550i is my own fault, I thought I would get a higher standard of service from BMW than what I have experienced.
Old 07-15-2008, 04:09 PM
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I drove to and was in Vegas late June/early July where the temps were 113+. My AC kept me nice and cool, at least until I had to turn the damn thing off to park.
Old 07-15-2008, 05:07 PM
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Originally Posted by calpalmer' post='624692' date='Jul 15 2008, 03:49 PM
As the summer has finally warmed here in the Pacific Northwest, I'll echo what I've read elsewhere here about my biggest disappointment: the A/C capacity for cooling the cabin when two or more adults are in it. It is marginal when outdoor temps are 85+. MAX air is better, but untolerably loud. Even the normal A/C, when the two temp controls are set to coolest is marginal in cold air and too noisy to be enjoyable.

I have the ventilation settings set to maximum flow to the torso....

The other, somewhat distant 2nd biggest disappointment, is an irritating vibration of the dash area near the iDrive, above or within the ventilation ducts. I can't quite isolate it, but I'll say about 50% of the time it is noticeable and irritating.

Now, the list of most enjoyable items would be Extensive!
really... in my car i frezzzzzzzzzzzz.. i have to turn it up a little... i would check it out if i was u.....


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