Thanks for all the detail. I'm betting the 5 series has the same heater cores as the X5 and half the cabin space. I used to have z28 with a very similar motor and heater / Ac as the Chevy suburban. I could keep warm with the top down at 45-50° ambient.

Why not use the auto temp control ? I find the BMW climate control does a very good job especially in that it knows not to blow cold air before the engine is at least a little warm , and knows to use recirc air with ac to defrost when temp is high enough for evaporator not to freeze.

Funny about the daughter probably wondering if can it go higher.

Even though the 5 series is smaller air space it does seem pretty possible to get the cabin up to 85, which does surprise me. I did get close on my 30 minute test.

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2011 E70 • N55 (me)
2012 E70 • N63 (wife)