I played around, read, and think I finally understand how the whole climate control works in my car now. I *think* I have SW 13.3, but can't be sure. My dealer gave me a printout that said something like "Operating Software 3.3.0". In any case here's what I've found and would like to know if hey are TRUE or FALSE:

1. When in AUTO mode, adjusting the temp dials leaves it in AUTO mode (makes sense)

2. When in AUTO mode, adjusting the fan speed dial takes it out of AUTO mode, but *ONLY* for auto fan speed - auto air distribution is still active. I verified this by looking at the iDrive Vent Settings while playing with the controls. And also it says that AUTO does two things. One, it controls the vent settings/air distribution dynamically and two, it controls the fan speed dynamically. It then makes sense that if I manually adjust the fan speed dial to only disable that part of the AUTO mode, while AUTO air distribution is still active. No?

3. The red/blue bar is similar to the red/blue dial in for the back seats in that it only controls the middle vent temerature setting - cooler or warmer. This setting applies to both AUTO and manual mode.

4. The only way to get into FULL manual mode (both manual fan speed and manual air distribution) seems to be to go into iDrive and change the settings there as needed.

This is now my understanding and I just want some confirmation, since even though it makes sense, my SW could be different or I could still be wrong.

 

By George I think he's got it!

 

Somewhere, a German engineer, in all his Rube Goldberg glory, is smiling.

 

I/it may sound stupid, but it wasn't that obvious at first Maybe this should go in the FAQ section?

 

You've got it

 

 

I went through the exact same thing when I first got my car. I played around, read the manual and asked some questions on (...that other forum) and finally figured it out.