A/C Button in temps <0deg C?
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Midlands, UK
My Ride: 525i E61 123 wheels auto leather heated seats auto tailgate business navigation
I have a pre LCI model with (UK) standard auto climate control. This is not the advanced (pay more) option. I drive using the climate control in AUTO at all times.
Question: should I switch the A/C button to off when the outside temperature gets below freezing? Or should I not bother?
I cannot see anything in the manual that says 'yes' or 'no'.
Question: should I switch the A/C button to off when the outside temperature gets below freezing? Or should I not bother?
I cannot see anything in the manual that says 'yes' or 'no'.
Contributors
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 0
From: Chippenham, Wiltshire UK
My Ride: F11 535i M-Sport,, Silver, Black Leather, LED Adaptive headlights
Model Year: 2015
Engine: N55
Always on.
1. Helpd keep inside air dry so less risk of glass 'steaming'up.
2. Air-con coolant contains lubricants that keep the air con seals in good condition, so system is better maintained.
1. Helpd keep inside air dry so less risk of glass 'steaming'up.
2. Air-con coolant contains lubricants that keep the air con seals in good condition, so system is better maintained.
Senior Members
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: Colorado USA
My Ride: 2004 545i, 6-speed Manual, Silver Grey Metallic, Grey Dakota Leather, Cold Weather Pkg, Premium Sound Pkg, Sport Pkg, Lumbar Support
Originally Posted by las77' post='506777' date='Dec 14 2007, 10:34 AM
Question: should I switch the A/C button to off when the outside temperature gets below freezing? Or should I not bother? I cannot see anything in the manual that says 'yes' or 'no'.
Members
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: West Sussex, England
My Ride: 520d saloon, manual 6 ratios, olivin metallic, star spoke 122 alloys, delete boot badge, bi-xenon adaptive headlights including washers, graduated tinted windscreen, exterior and interior mirror auto dimming plus electric folding door mirrors, extended light package, dakota beige leather, dark poplar wood, electric seat adjustment including memory function, heated front seats, advanced climate control, velour floor mats, sliding front armrest, lumbar support for front seats.
Originally Posted by 530xda' post='506832' date='Dec 14 2007, 08:48 PM
if you don't have it on always to save fuel or whatever. just make sure you turn it on every week or once in a while. Just for flow maintenance
Members
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: upstate, NY
My Ride: 530i n52
Model Year: 2006
I keet it off even when it's well above freezing. It takes longer for air inside the cabin to warm up when A/C is on. I would switch it on once in a while to lubricate the seals.
Contributors
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore, MD
My Ride: 2004 BMW 530i - no mods. Pretty basic really. I mean it has tires, windows, and a sweet look, what more could a man want? Honestly, I'd like to improve the sound system mildly, and possibly find a worthy engine mod that would increase my BHP by 100 without giving an arm and a leg for. I don't think it's out there, so I'll stay stock and love driving my 530i.
The AC doesn't just mean COLD air. It works with three elements. 1 Evaporator, 1 Heater Core, and 1 Dryer. The evaporator warms the compressed freezing coolant as warner air as it's drawn through the system. It then heads back to the compressor to start the cycle over. The heater core works the same way - somewhat. The coolant from the motor passing though this element is what gives us the warm air, as well cool the engine coolant and AC also helps also. The heater core also works independently of the AC. The dryer works with the AC because the coolant generates condensation, which the dryer helps evaporate. When the AC is off so is the Dryer... Really the point is if there's moisture in the air, snow on the shoes, rain on the jacket, etc will bring moisture into the cabin of car. Having the AC on will help remove moisture from the car, fog from the windows, etc... To answer the question, as long as there is no humidity in the car I run with the AC off and the heat around 72 degrees in the winter months. Otherwise in the winters it only on when I need it. Summer is a no brainer...
Now I believe the Dryer is under rated in the E60, because it's not evaporating all the moisture the AC generates, which is what I believe causes the moldy smell some experience.
Now I believe the Dryer is under rated in the E60, because it's not evaporating all the moisture the AC generates, which is what I believe causes the moldy smell some experience.
Contributors
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 0
From: Chippenham, Wiltshire UK
My Ride: F11 535i M-Sport,, Silver, Black Leather, LED Adaptive headlights
Model Year: 2015
Engine: N55
Originally Posted by Iceman' post='507035' date='Dec 15 2007, 11:12 AM
You guys know how much fuel it cost, right? 
Must be at least 0.1 mpg off the economy...................scandalous!