Quote:
Originally Posted by FourPointEight-is
I’m having some issues with condensation on the inside windows, but this only happens on cold days (45 degrees and lower).
I’ve to the A/C set to “auto”, the snowflake is “on”, and the recirc is on the “circle with arrows” mode. After a while all the windows start fogging up.
If I turn ON recirculating (i.e. allow outside air into cabin) then the fogging reduces and eventually disappears. I don’t like letting outside air in because of the awful smell and exhaust fumes from other vehicles. I don’t allow this in my other bmws an they don’t seem to have any trouble.
I’ve replaced the cabin air filter recently, I didn’t notice any issues. As far as I can see no drainage holes from above are blocked.
What gives? Car is a 2005 E53 4.8is
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You have recirculation concept backwards. You should normally have the recirculation set to automatic (light lit on left). Recirculation ON (right side) means keep air inside don't use outside air.
When you recirculate air, (the choice you describe as preferred) this is the normal method to reduce humidity when the AC is running.
The recirc button has three modes: Auto recirc (left light), only recirc (right light) and outside air (no light).
I'm quite sure you are using the control incorrectly from your description above. The automatic mode (left light) is designed to shut off outside air when needed (to help AC reduct humidity and to keep car smells out). Keeping the car on recirculation mode can not work to always keep out car smells FYI; it keeps them in as much as it keeps them out and fresh air is what removes the smells that are in the car, so I leave mine on auto almost always.
From your description you have inside/outside air backwards and have been fogging up by having too much outside air and inadvertently turning on recirculation mode thinking you were turning it off.
The left light (auto recirculation mode) should work to keep down the fogging and to keep out car smells when the AUC sensor notices them, but to force inside air, make sure the right light (recirculation air) is lit.
Oh also, the AC will only run when cold if you have defrost picked as the output mode and the temp is high enough above freezing. If you are fogging up and have the heat on you either need to run defrost to use the AC evaporator (example I run AC and heat always when it's raining out to keep the humidity down in the cabin). Also, OPPOSITE of when you are using AC in summer, when running heat and NOT AC in winter or when cold out, recirculating air will tend to cause the windows to fog because the humans are adding moisture to the air inside the cabin. Sit inside a car in the cold for a while and all the windows will be foggy from the breath of the people inside.
When not using AC/defrost you can't use full recirculation air in any car when it's cold outside or you will fog the windows. So, probably all you need to do is get the left light lit on the air control switch and it will fix itself… if that doesn't work you may have a problem with the AUC system or in/out flap though i doubt that based on your description your in/out air is working you just have it backwards how it functions.