Is "auto" climate full auto?

[deutsch100]

It seems that all German cars (especially BMW and Mercedes) have 'Auto' climate controls, yet require the "snowflake" or AC button to be activated/illuminated at the same time. American and Japanese cars seems to just use Auto.

It has been my experience with 12+ BMWS and 20+ MBZs, that BMW HVAC is a little behind Mercedes and for sure Lexus and most American cars (surprisingly). BMW always seems a little weak, not as even and not as well performing in terms of HVAC (especially A/C). But, their engines and most of their transmissions make up for it!

[bimmerpwr]

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.

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by deutsch100

It seems that all German cars (especially BMW and Mercedes) have 'Auto' climate controls, yet require the "snowflake" or AC button to be activated/illuminated at the same time.

Well, I haven't had my X5 is the Summer yet, but whenever I press the "Auto" button, my A/C snowflake key lights-up, i.e., it seems that auto does make the A/C available without another button press, at least on my X5.

I actually find that irritating, as I want to decide when the A/C should be used, rather than cooler outside air, and would prefer the auto button to not activate the A/C.

[bimmerpwr]

Originally Posted by Penguin

Well, I haven't had my X5 is the Summer yet, but whenever I press the "Auto" button, my A/C snowflake key lights-up, i.e., it seems that auto does make the A/C available without another button press, at least on my X5.

I actually find that irritating, as I want to decide when the A/C should be used, rather than cooler outside air, and would prefer the auto button to not activate the A/C.

This is what I wanted to find out. To see if AUTO should engage AC and show the indication by lighting up the button. On the same token, when conditions are met, the AC button should turn off by the auto program, thus preserving what unnecessary energy it doesn't have to waste.

Which is not the case with my X5. I would have to manually select the button as London indicated to get any cool air.

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by bimmerpwr

On the same token, when conditions are met, the AC button should turn off by the auto program, thus preserving what unnecessary energy it doesn't have to waste.

I don't think that having the A/C button lit-up green means the A/C is actually working, it just means that it is available and will be used if the auto program deems it necessary, e.g., if you press auto and the A/C light goes green, it doesn't mean the A/C compressor is actually engaged, using energy.