Airflow from side vents in 2011 X5 35d

[Lawfarm]

You can adjust how aggressive the entire system is by pressing the Auto button (between soft, medium and ______ (I can't remember the highest setting)). Because of the location of the vents and HVAC system, the central vents have the greatest flow because they have the least restriction. If you use the manual dampers, you can reduce flow from them, which increases flow to the other vents.

[jeremym]

Originally Posted by Lawfarm

You can adjust how aggressive the entire system is by pressing the Auto button (between soft, medium and ______ (I can't remember the highest setting)). Because of the location of the vents and HVAC system, the central vents have the greatest flow because they have the least restriction. If you use the manual dampers, you can reduce flow from them, which increases flow to the other vents.

Soft, medium and intensive.

[jeremym]

Originally Posted by smuggymba

Anyone? Is this standard or an issue?

While newer vehicles are better than older...a lot of other vehicles are the same....where've you been for the last XX years?

Almost every vehicle I've ever been in seems to blow less air out of the side vents than the center vents.

[smuggymba]

Originally Posted by jeremym

While newer vehicles are better than older...a lot of other vehicles are the same....where've you been for the last XX years?

Almost every vehicle I've ever been in seems to blow less air out of the side vents than the center vents.

The 2 cars I've had before this X5 blew same amount of air from all vents. The fact that side vents blow less air is breaking news for me.

[jeremym]

Originally Posted by smuggymba

The 2 cars I've had before this X5 blew same amount of air from all vents. The fact that side vents blow less air is breaking news for me.

Either I'm much more observant and/or picky than you are or you've had great luck over the years. Almost every vehicle, no matter the make or model, has had less pressure out of side vents than the center ones.

Come on, someone back me up here?

[smuggymba]

Originally Posted by jeremym

Either I'm much more observant and/or picky than you are or you've had great luck over the years. Almost every vehicle, no matter the make or model, has had less pressure out of side vents than the center ones.

Come on, someone back me up here?

I have owned 2 cars before (Honda's) and rented 50 types of cars (I used to be a consultant and traveled across the US)....I have NEVER witnessed "noticeable" air flow difference ever before.

This is my first BMW - hence the question - is this airflow thing a BMW thing or an issue?

[jeremym]

Originally Posted by smuggymba

I have owned 2 cars before (Honda's) and rented 50 types of cars (I used to be a consultant and traveled across the US)....I have NEVER witnessed "noticeable" air flow difference ever before.

This is my first BMW - hence the question - is this airflow thing a BMW thing or an issue?

I guess I'm just more observant and/or picky than you are. The physics of it are impossible. The path of least resistance is typically the large, center vents. Wouldn't airflow most likely take that path?

Regardless, it is what it is and I hope your problem gets solved.

[docsalr]

I totally agree with the OP. Side vent flow rate is ridiculously inadequate in my X5D. Never felt in any other newer model car that the side vents had noticeably less flow rate. My left side of the face gets almost sun-burnt if the airflow is at the lowest level!

[deutsch100]

Originally Posted by smuggymba

The 2 cars I've had before this X5 blew same amount of air from all vents. The fact that side vents blow less air is breaking news for me.

Our Range Rover, G55 and now the GL have basically the same airflow out of ALL dash vents...side and middle!!!

It must be more a model specific BMW thing, or an X5 thing. My 2007 750Li and now the 2010 750i...great side vent air!!

[smuggymba]

Originally Posted by docsalr

I totally agree with the OP. Side vent flow rate is ridiculously inadequate in my X5D. Never felt in any other newer model car that the side vents had noticeably less flow rate. My left side of the face gets almost sun-burnt if the airflow is at the lowest level!

I freaking freeze in the middle while being hot on the left side. The air flow is ridiculously inadequate.

Stupid BMW things things like Orange Peel, Battery issues, rattles and squeaks, air flow has made the joy of ownership fade pretty quickly. The freaking rear view mirror also squeaks when I hit some bump on the road.