Air Conditioning Issue

NEFARIOUS · 05-20-2014, 12:22 AM

OK... This wasn't as big a problem before the whole heat wave, but now I'm concerned... Since I can't take heat very well, not to mention I'm heading to even-hotter Las Vegas next month for a few days, I usually like to blast the air con full blast towards my face when it's 105°F (40.5°C if I can get some international support) outside. However, I know it's a common issue to have "MAX" on an E90 feel like the 2/5 fan at 75°F (24°C) temp of my Toyota, and Toyota's "COLD" could get you shivering within 10 minutes on a good day, whereas last week I drove an entire 25-mile commute with it on MAX and still felt hot inside; even the seats feel warmer for some reason (but then again my Toyota had perforated leather)... But while fumbling around with the vents, I noticed that if I only turn the front-facing vents on (middle button), is it normal to have air escape out the top vent (above the nav screen) despite the fact that you don't have it selected?

Also even at 60°F (15.5°C), sometimes I keep the windows closed and turn recirculation off in other cars and you'd get a nice cool air, but in the E90 it still feels kinda warm.

I know I'm comparing apples to oranges, but is it just me, or is this a problem with a solution other than a troll response along the lines of "STFU and buy a Toyota then" or "search" (I tried)?

PichaDis11 · 05-20-2014, 04:59 PM

Damn thanks for spoiling the responses with that last sentence lol..

Either way I'd say to get the system checked just to make sure everything is good. My car is no where near better in the AC dept either but I get luck into having the rear vents do some of the work by directing them both to the sides of the car. Eh just the though makes me feel better on that one though.

NEFARIOUS · 05-20-2014, 07:00 PM

Well, I was seeing if there are any solutions without having to consult a mechanic first.

NEFARIOUS · 05-23-2014, 11:20 AM

Bump... Anyone else?

UncleWede · 05-23-2014, 12:40 PM

On mine (2006) I have to ALSO select Auto to get the most cooling effect

NEFARIOUS · 05-24-2014, 01:47 AM

Well, MAX by default is AUTO, and I'm still having the issue.

chatoyer · 05-24-2014, 05:38 AM

Not sure about the venting and airflow question, but last summer when I was blowing warmish air, dealer fixed two shrater vales for me under warranty and topped up the freon. Yesterday was our first hot day here and thankfully I'm still getting cold air. I rarely use max. When researching my AC problem last year, I kept reading at how weak our AC systems were. Hope you get it fixed.

ThatRWD · 05-25-2014, 07:13 PM

I feel the same way as you OP, I've been in some cars and they blow ice cold air. Ours not so much. Fan isn't that hard either, and like you said on cold days when I turn the air on with AC off it throws hot air at my face unlike my 2000 corolla.

I got in my friends 2014 accord and it wasn't any colder than my 335i.

05-20-2014, 04:59 PM	#2
PichaDis11 Colonel 295 Rep 2,203 Posts Drives: E90 N52 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: NY iTrader: (3)	Damn thanks for spoiling the responses with that last sentence lol.. Either way I'd say to get the system checked just to make sure everything is good. My car is no where near better in the AC dept either but I get luck into having the rear vents do some of the work by directing them both to the sides of the car. Eh just the though makes me feel better on that one though. __________________ Retrofits: 322, 609, 6FL, 6NR, 6VC, 2TB.. Upgrades: Bilstein B8 Eibach Spring kit
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05-23-2014, 12:40 PM	#5
UncleWede Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner 18125 Rep 9,385 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i Dark Graphite Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oxnard, CA iTrader: (0)	On mine (2006) I have to ALSO select Auto to get the most cooling effect
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05-24-2014, 05:38 AM	#7
chatoyer First Lieutenant 80 Rep 333 Posts Drives: 2021 X3 m40i Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Not sure about the venting and airflow question, but last summer when I was blowing warmish air, dealer fixed two shrater vales for me under warranty and topped up the freon. Yesterday was our first hot day here and thankfully I'm still getting cold air. I rarely use max. When researching my AC problem last year, I kept reading at how weak our AC systems were. Hope you get it fixed.
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05-25-2014, 07:13 PM	#8
ThatRWD Major 109 Rep 1,062 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Northern VA iTrader: (0)	I feel the same way as you OP, I've been in some cars and they blow ice cold air. Ours not so much. Fan isn't that hard either, and like you said on cold days when I turn the air on with AC off it throws hot air at my face unlike my 2000 corolla. I got in my friends 2014 accord and it wasn't any colder than my 335i.
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