I think turning it off is unnatural. It is designed to be on. Improves ventilation, reduces humidity in winter. I haven't turned an airconditioner off in 20 years.

You can't raise the windows because BMW disabled that feature in the USA. You get it in Europe. They apparently were nervous of being sued by people who got their neck trapped in the window when they sat on their key fob.

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue