[lo_cheng]

I got my G01 back in May 2019, and recall feeling this AC behavior, but as weather warming up I started to notice it again.

It is very odd behavior, Sometime (mostly spring and fall) I like to turn the temp setting to 16 (Lowest) and keep the AC OFF, which mean it is not heating, not cooling, just fan to bring in outside air.

All the car I own and driven before, including E90 work this way.
But G01 is not, when I set to 16 or 17, whatever temp is, even the AC light is off, the AC will turn on from time to time.

Anyone having some issue? I asked the dealer once and I think they give me a BS answer. They told me G01 is no manual mode, it is only AUTO, doesn't matter what the light is on or off.

I what like: really???

[freshxdough]

From my understanding, especially with recirculating air mode on and AC off, the AC can come on by itself for short periods to dehumidify the air. With recirculating air you're just reusing the air and not bringing any new fresh air from outside.

[lo_cheng]

Originally Posted by freshxdough

From my understanding, especially with recirculating air mode on and AC off, the AC can come on by itself for short periods to dehumidify the air. With recirculating air you're just reusing the air and not bringing any new fresh air from outside.

I have the recirculation OFF

[clivem2]

Originally Posted by lo_cheng

I got my G01 back in May 2019, and recall feeling this AC behavior, but as weather warming up I started to notice it again.

It is very odd behavior, Sometime (mostly spring and fall) I like to turn the temp setting to 16 (Lowest) and keep the AC OFF, which mean it is not heating, not cooling, just fan to bring in outside air.

All the car I own and driven before, including E90 work this way.
But G01 is not, when I set to 16 or 17, whatever temp is, even the AC light is off, the AC will turn on from time to time.

Anyone having some issue? I asked the dealer once and I think they give me a BS answer. They told me G01 is no manual mode, it is only AUTO, doesn't matter what the light is on or off.

I what like: really???

You’re trying to use it like an old fashioned A/C. Nowadays they try to make sure it gets used enough to prevent expensive problems. I don’t know why nowadays with very efficient A/C why you’d want to turn it off unless you have the windows open.

[IslandDriver]

I don't remember having a reason to actually turn the AC. If it's cold, just turn the temp up. With windows down I guess, but in that case just turn the ventilation off entirely.

That said, I've never found reason to blast air just for the sake of blasting air.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by lo_cheng

I got my G01 back in May 2019, and recall feeling this AC behavior, but as weather warming up I started to notice it again.

It is very odd behavior, Sometime (mostly spring and fall) I like to turn the temp setting to 16 (Lowest) and keep the AC OFF, which mean it is not heating, not cooling, just fan to bring in outside air.

Got to ask why? What are you trying to accomplish? Are you trying to 'cool' the cabin without AC assistance?

BTW, what's the ambient temperature when this happens? Maybe it is impossible to get to 16C, (or lower, as you are on the minimum unregulated setting) without AC function. The latest systems do appear to use AC as part of the Auto function when demand is there.

You can't really compare to older systems, that didn't automatically switch AC on when really required.

For example, older systems set at 16C without AC switched on, can be in situations where they would be working hard all day, but never drop the cabin to the selected temperature. Ambient air could be too warm to drop the temperature to the selected value.

Latest systems (it appears) just kick in the AC, to achieve the desired temperature. If you don't really want 16C (or lower), dial it up a bit, see if the same happens.

[383vett]

I also like control over the climate system. I will adjust the fan speed, choose which vent(s) I want the air to be directed to, set the temperature and turn the AC on or off as needed. Call me old fashioned but it works for me and in my cars.

[lo_cheng]

Main reason for my use case is when outside temp is around 14-18. I don't need AC, just need some fresh air from outside, but want to keep window up to avoid wind noise, so I can enjoy my music.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by lo_cheng

Main reason for my use case is when outside temp is around 14-18. I don't need AC, just need some fresh air from outside, but want to keep window up to avoid wind noise, so I can enjoy my music.

I thought that may be the case. Been raised and discussed before.

What seems to be the issue, older cars with less complex HVAC systems, could often get more fresh air to the cabin, without picking up too much heat soak from the engine bay. Today's systems are deeply imbedded into the structure and do show signs of having to deal with a lot of heat soak.

I know from experience in my current car (F11) there is something like a 4C loss through the system with A/C off. Say you set at 17C and the outside air is 16C, it is impossible to get down to 17C from the vents, vents will be something like 20 - 21C, even after a few miles.

Now dial in 16C, (the unregulated setting, it is trying for maximum cooling), even if the ambient temperature is 16C it is impossible to cool the cabin, without A/C. 19 - 20C will be the minimum temperature from the vents.

It is climate control after all and you are asking for 16C maximum. Logical to see why the latest systems use A/C in auto mode to achieve target temperatures.

[lo_cheng]

It all make sense if think about from "climate control" point of view.
So it is just want of thinking why I set 16c. I do NOT mean I want to go to 16c, it is just older system when I set 16c (Or other brand 18c) and turn AC off, it will just blow air only. No heating, NO AC, just fan only.
I guess FAN ONLY option don't exist anymore. If that's the case, why they make the AC on/off button.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by lo_cheng

It all make sense if think about from "climate control" point of view.
So it is just want of thinking why I set 16c. I do NOT mean I want to go to 16c, it is just older system when I set 16c (Or other brand 18c) and turn AC off, it will just blow air only. No heating, NO AC, just fan only.
I guess FAN ONLY option don't exist anymore. If that's the case, why they make the AC on/off button.

You probably have something like the following statement in your user manual.

Temperature
Concept
The automatic climate control achieves the set temperature as quickly as possible, if needed, by using the maximum cooling or heating capacity, and then keeps it constant.

If the set temperature demands cooling to achieve the target, it will temporarily use A/C. There are clearly some situations that don't require A/C, so an on/off switch is fine.

I'd try it at 16.5C, see if it still uses A/C in the regulated mode.