I had a fairly big issue with my misted windows yesterday. Setting off was fine. But after a 30 mile journey and a 2.5 hours break after it, when I got back to th car, I could not see anything out. Outside temperature was about 6 degrees celsius, so not very cold but with lots of moisture in the air, a bit of rain at times, too. I do not have a digital climate control, just a manual one with round knobs.
No matter what I tried yesterday, the mist would not go away. I tried (1) air-con, (2) drive with an open window, (3) override the air blower to maximum power and cold temperature, and combinations of the above.
I have had this car for 10 years and although the windows do mist in cold weather, I found that air-con would clear it in a few minutes. But last night I drove for 55 miles with air-con ON and in the end there was still mist on all of the windows.
Could my air-con be broken? I have no messages on my i-drive. Is there any way of finding out if the air-con is working w/o taking my car to a garage?

 

The air-con in a E60/61 is always automatic. There is a high and low version where the high has dual climate with some aditional features, but both are automatic.

Yes normally I would expect the air-con would to take away the mist quickly.

 

By chance did you have air re-circulation turned on? That will cause the exact symptoms you describe.

If not, I would investigate that system that controls the flaps for the recirc to make sure you are getting fresh air into the cabin.

Even without air conditioning you should be able to easily get the windows clear. The only other thing that could be happening is you have a big water (or coolant leak via a heater core) leak into the cabin creating a very humid environment.

 

I would say the aircon compressor is not working. Have it checked for leaks and regassed. Hopefully that is all it needs.

Good point with the water leak. Check your scuttle drains, they are known to clog. Also door membrances will allow water in if the adhesive seal fails.