Strange Climate Control Behavior

fooster · 05-06-2007, 05:53 PM

2 week new owner of a E90 335i, and I don't understand what is happening w/ my climate control. In either mode (auto, or non-auto) the blower will distribute out of the assigned vent, but then after a bit (30 seconds or so) the assigned vent will decrease in volume and be redicted elsewhere, then shift back again to the assigned vent after a few seconds.

I don't know how to describe this better, but it seems to occilate for no apparent reason.

Is this normal (if so, what the hell is it doing, and why?)
If it's not normal than back into service it goes... :mad:

bmw0perat0r · 05-06-2007, 06:00 PM

Mine does this too. I went back to the manual and read through the climate control section. If you have iDrive you can adjust the intesity of the "Auto" control from ...eh, "light" - medium and intensive. If you set the temp and hit the auto button ...it still cools the cabin, but as you said directs the airflow somewhere else. The manual says that is automatically distributes airflow for optimum cooling/heating of the cabin. When it is on manual it directs airflow where I tell it to...at 4 bars of fan speed it comes out at a reasonable pace, not like what i'm used to...but there are vents in the rear as well that may be taking the punch out of the front vents. I haven't bothered to mess with it...the a/c and heating still work very well.

I think this is normal...just unusual how they designed it. Still cools and heats really quite well I think even though the air isn't blasting in your face all the time.

Even so, if you have the opportunity consult with the dealer about it and see what they say...i'd be interested to know.

fooster · 05-06-2007, 09:18 PM

Ok, good to know..

a) I'm not imagining this
b) My car is working 'correctly' (although mysteriously designed)
c) I'm not the only picky bastard who would notice.

I'll talk to the ONLY decent contact I have here in San Diego at the dealer - another thread on the dealer service nightmare later...

Chesmu · 05-06-2007, 09:25 PM

the auto function works great, IF you are patient. You won't get a blast of cold air in your face, but you will get cool after about five minutes.

zimbim · 05-07-2007, 08:55 PM

Last month I received the software update 25.00.02 and though my idrive responds with greater speed, my fan is now "cycling", which it didn't do before. Sounds like you need to get the latest software update which will handle the cycling problem. I'll be taking mine back in next week to handle this issue.

solex · 05-08-2007, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chesmu

the auto function works great, IF you are patient. You won't get a blast of cold air in your face, but you will get cool after about five minutes.

Does the A/C comes on automatically if required when set on auto?
Does the light on the A/C button lite up?

BK · 05-09-2007, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solex

Does the A/C comes on automatically if required when set on auto?
Does the light on the A/C button lite up?

Yes and yes. Once you hit Auto, the A/C button lights up and stays lit.

solex · 05-09-2007, 08:59 AM

Thanks, I have to hit the Auto button twice for both Auto and A/C lights to come on.

BK · 05-09-2007, 09:40 AM

Maybe they've changed the way climate control works on the 335i versus the 330i, but on mine, once I turn on "auto," both it and the a/c button light up.

fooster · 05-10-2007, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zimbim

Last month I received the software update 25.00.02 and though my idrive responds with greater speed, my fan is now "cycling", which it didn't do before. Sounds like you need to get the latest software update which will handle the cycling problem. I'll be taking mine back in next week to handle this issue.

Any idea which version of software you had before?? My car is in service this week trying to resolve this issue. I will drop them this 'hint' about the software.

I drove another 335i this weekend that did NOT exhibit this odd behavior. It only made me more frustrated to see it working correctly... :mad:

I've actually got a better description of the cycling issue: it seems that the system is cycling between fresh and recycled air. This is part of the 'auto recirculation' system, but seems to have a mind of it's own with this new software version.

Lassaxi · 05-10-2007, 07:50 AM

Also, check out the air quality/recirculation button. I found that if I have this in auto mode, and the car decides that the outside air quality is sufficiently poor that it needs to switch to recirculated air, it sometimes changes the vents it's using. I don't know why it does that, but it has happened once or twice, and it went away when I turned off the auto air monitoring feature.

fooster · 05-10-2007, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lassaxi

Also, check out the air quality/recirculation button. I found that if I have this in auto mode, and the car decides that the outside air quality is sufficiently poor that it needs to switch to recirculated air, it sometimes changes the vents it's using. I don't know why it does that, but it has happened once or twice, and it went away when I turned off the auto air monitoring feature.

If I understand correctly, in AUTO recirculate mode it sniffs the front end air and switches to recirculate if the 'fresh' air is no longer fresh. The it should switch back after the outside air improves. Imagine a bumper-to-bumper dirive scenario vs driving down the freeway.

Lassaxi · 05-11-2007, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fooster

If I understand correctly, in AUTO recirculate mode it sniffs the front end air and switches to recirculate if the 'fresh' air is no longer fresh. The it should switch back after the outside air improves. Imagine a bumper-to-bumper dirive scenario vs driving down the freeway.

That's how I understand it to work. I've found that sometimes when it switches between fresh and recirculated air, sometimes the force of the air coming out of the various vents changes. This becomes annoying when it's switching frequently. I don't know what that happens, but I'm sure there's a logical explanation for it.

fooster · 05-12-2007, 11:09 PM

When the dealer installed the iPod interface the box which contained the A/D and control was place in a location which interfered with the movement of the recirculation vent.

The result was that the recirculation vent was unable to close completely and would try then reset to the fresh air position. It would wait for a number of seconds and then try again; thus causing an oscillation in the system. Once the iPod interface box was moved the problem was resolved.

The shop foreman has entered a note to have the iPod installation updated to reflect this potential problem in the future.

bmw0perat0r · 05-13-2007, 08:14 AM

Strange. I didn't mention it at the time - my fathers 535xi does the same thing as my 335xi.

He does not have an iPod adapter like the 335's need. His comes with the USB port in the armrest and just has a part to connect the iPod and...anyway there was not "install" by the dealer such as there was with my iPod.

Maybe your particular dealer messed something up, but since the Auto program acts like this in the 535 - i'm inclined to think it is normal.

zimbim · 05-14-2007, 05:00 PM

Had progman 25.01.1 installed today and will pick her up tomorrow. The cycling issue with the a/c is supposed to be handled. We'll see and I'll let you guys know.

zimbim · 05-14-2007, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fooster

Any idea which version of software you had before?? My car is in service this week trying to resolve this issue. I will drop them this 'hint' about the software.

I drove another 335i this weekend that did NOT exhibit this odd behavior. It only made me more frustrated to see it working correctly... :mad:

I've actually got a better description of the cycling issue: it seems that the system is cycling between fresh and recycled air. This is part of the 'auto recirculation' system, but seems to have a mind of it's own with this new software version.

I think i had 25.00.01

bakdraft · 05-15-2007, 04:33 PM

My 320 D has had this issue from new.. March 2006. It was on progman 23 but was updated to 24.0 three months ago... but no better....

I reported it to my dealer.... they said it was definetly a component... but still it does it.

It only happens in very hot weather... not often here in the UK.... the cycling is very annoying.

I am due version 25 next week, so I will se how that goes...

05-06-2007, 05:53 PM	#1
fooster don't anticipate problems, look forward to them... 0 Rep 21 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	Strange Climate Control Behavior 2 week new owner of a E90 335i, and I don't understand what is happening w/ my climate control. In either mode (auto, or non-auto) the blower will distribute out of the assigned vent, but then after a bit (30 seconds or so) the assigned vent will decrease in volume and be redicted elsewhere, then shift back again to the assigned vent after a few seconds. I don't know how to describe this better, but it seems to occilate for no apparent reason. Is this normal (if so, what the hell is it doing, and why?) If it's not normal than back into service it goes... :mad:
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05-06-2007, 06:00 PM	#2
bmw0perat0r Lieutenant 53 Rep 582 Posts Drives: 2015 M4 Austin Yellow Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	Mine does this too. I went back to the manual and read through the climate control section. If you have iDrive you can adjust the intesity of the "Auto" control from ...eh, "light" - medium and intensive. If you set the temp and hit the auto button ...it still cools the cabin, but as you said directs the airflow somewhere else. The manual says that is automatically distributes airflow for optimum cooling/heating of the cabin. When it is on manual it directs airflow where I tell it to...at 4 bars of fan speed it comes out at a reasonable pace, not like what i'm used to...but there are vents in the rear as well that may be taking the punch out of the front vents. I haven't bothered to mess with it...the a/c and heating still work very well. I think this is normal...just unusual how they designed it. Still cools and heats really quite well I think even though the air isn't blasting in your face all the time. Even so, if you have the opportunity consult with the dealer about it and see what they say...i'd be interested to know.
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05-06-2007, 09:18 PM	#3
fooster don't anticipate problems, look forward to them... 0 Rep 21 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	Ok, good to know.. a) I'm not imagining this b) My car is working 'correctly' (although mysteriously designed) c) I'm not the only picky bastard who would notice. I'll talk to the ONLY decent contact I have here in San Diego at the dealer - another thread on the dealer service nightmare later...
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05-06-2007, 09:25 PM	#4
Chesmu Brigadier General 89 Rep 3,011 Posts Drives: 2013 X6 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Phoenix,AZ iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	the auto function works great, IF you are patient. You won't get a blast of cold air in your face, but you will get cool after about five minutes. __________________ "Teach the ignorant. Ignore the stupid."
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05-07-2007, 08:55 PM	#5
zimbim Second Lieutenant 12 Rep 215 Posts Drives: 335i Coupe Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Charleston,SC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 e350 Sport [0.00] 2007 335i Coupe [0.00]	Last month I received the software update 25.00.02 and though my idrive responds with greater speed, my fan is now "cycling", which it didn't do before. Sounds like you need to get the latest software update which will handle the cycling problem. I'll be taking mine back in next week to handle this issue. __________________ e92/Black Sapphire/Coral Red/Aluminium Trim and Pedals/Sport/Luxury/Nav/Keyless/Ipod Adapter/6MT/Sirius/Turbo Tuner
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05-09-2007, 08:59 AM	#8
solex Enlisted Member 0 Rep 36 Posts Drives: E90, 335i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Calgary, Alberta,Canada iTrader: (0)	Thanks, I have to hit the Auto button twice for both Auto and A/C lights to come on.
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05-09-2007, 09:40 AM	#9
BK Smiling politely 165 Rep 7,931 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Washington DC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [9.00]	Maybe they've changed the way climate control works on the 335i versus the 330i, but on mine, once I turn on "auto," both it and the a/c button light up. __________________ E90 330i Black Sapphire 6MT \| 991.1 C4 Platinum Silver 7MT
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05-10-2007, 07:50 AM	#11
Lassaxi Major 10 Rep 1,035 Posts Drives: April ED - E90 328xi Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	Also, check out the air quality/recirculation button. I found that if I have this in auto mode, and the car decides that the outside air quality is sufficiently poor that it needs to switch to recirculated air, it sometimes changes the vents it's using. I don't know why it does that, but it has happened once or twice, and it went away when I turned off the auto air monitoring feature. __________________ May 3, '07European Delivery, Redelivered on 6/11/07 - Monaco Blue/Beige, Steptronic, ZPP, ZCW, PDC, iDrive/Navi with RTTI, Logic 7, Xenons, HD Radio
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05-12-2007, 11:09 PM	#14
fooster don't anticipate problems, look forward to them... 0 Rep 21 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	RESOLUTION When the dealer installed the iPod interface the box which contained the A/D and control was place in a location which interfered with the movement of the recirculation vent. The result was that the recirculation vent was unable to close completely and would try then reset to the fresh air position. It would wait for a number of seconds and then try again; thus causing an oscillation in the system. Once the iPod interface box was moved the problem was resolved. The shop foreman has entered a note to have the iPod installation updated to reflect this potential problem in the future.
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05-13-2007, 08:14 AM	#15
bmw0perat0r Lieutenant 53 Rep 582 Posts Drives: 2015 M4 Austin Yellow Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	Strange. I didn't mention it at the time - my fathers 535xi does the same thing as my 335xi. He does not have an iPod adapter like the 335's need. His comes with the USB port in the armrest and just has a part to connect the iPod and...anyway there was not "install" by the dealer such as there was with my iPod. Maybe your particular dealer messed something up, but since the Auto program acts like this in the 535 - i'm inclined to think it is normal.
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05-14-2007, 05:00 PM	#16
zimbim Second Lieutenant 12 Rep 215 Posts Drives: 335i Coupe Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Charleston,SC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 e350 Sport [0.00] 2007 335i Coupe [0.00]	Had progman 25.01.1 installed today and will pick her up tomorrow. The cycling issue with the a/c is supposed to be handled. We'll see and I'll let you guys know. __________________ e92/Black Sapphire/Coral Red/Aluminium Trim and Pedals/Sport/Luxury/Nav/Keyless/Ipod Adapter/6MT/Sirius/Turbo Tuner
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05-15-2007, 04:33 PM	#18
bakdraft Private First Class 8 Rep 110 Posts Drives: 320 D, March 2006, Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Liverpool England iTrader: (0)	My 320 D has had this issue from new.. March 2006. It was on progman 23 but was updated to 24.0 three months ago... but no better.... I reported it to my dealer.... they said it was definetly a component... but still it does it. It only happens in very hot weather... not often here in the UK.... the cycling is very annoying. I am due version 25 next week, so I will se how that goes...
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