I'm really ol'school, too: I run my HVAC as a "manual
operation".
From a post I made in a similar thread...
" ...Our '01 A/C is
never on, at start...
it's set to 60/60F both sides, with fan to one light, when
I get in.
If I want more fan or other vent outlets I poke the buttons.
If I want A/C I poke the snowflake button. I usually turn
off A/C for the mtn road climb home, as the temps drop 10 degs.
and the 10 min climb, minus a/c, keeps the musty smell
down.
A/C on, A/C off...mine does not come on by itself."
And, see this very similar thread to your question:
http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...g-turning.html