Before this 08 X5, the next latest bmw I had was 2003 so I was hoping that BMW would've caught up with other manufacturers on auto ac by 2008. Regarding german autos, I seem to recall my 2004 Audi A8 did not need the extra step of pushing "ac" button to get cool air, but I may have been mistaken.

Anyhow, it is strange that in the manual, it does say when it is set to "auto", temp control works without having to push "ac" button. Regardless, from what I hear, I guess I am not missing anything, BMWs still require pushing ac button for ac.

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2011 X3 35i
2008 X5 4.8i
2003 330xi -sold-
2001 X5 4.4i -sold-
2001 M5 -sold-
2001 M Roadster (SCed, Highly modified) -sold-
2000 M Roadster -sold-
1995 325is -sold-