Is "auto" climate full auto?

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Penguin

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.

Exactly. The system is designed for the snowflake button to be always on. The compressor clutch doesn't engage unless it is required. Other threads have posters complaining that the snowflake always comes on when they turn the key on, which is related to this issue.

The system has far too many adjustments and controls. It isn't intuitive. That said, the best thing to do is to get it set right, and then never touch it again. It is fully automatic, but some want to fiddle with it and then is when it becomes semi-automatic.

I haven't had any issues with the BMW automatic HVAC system on any vehicle, but I do take the time to get it set right when I get a new vehicle. After that, the only thing that gets adjusted is the left and right temperature. Snowflake button is on all year, as it was designed to be.