Air Conditioner Cabin Circulation Switch

[musclehedz]

Guys,

I'de like to find out something about our car's air conditioner circulation. There is button on the air cond panel there that can cut out the outside air from coming into the cabin right? Hence cabin circulation mode only.

But when I do that, I can still smell the outside air coming in(and my place right now isn't exactly having a healthy air index due to the haze).

I've asked a lot of ppl and they tell me the same thing "BMW A/C circulation mode in don't work like other cars, it has got a sensor to determine how much outside air comes in even though it's in circulation mode". Is that true or is it that the sponge or whatever that covers the circulation flap to block outside air coming in is worn and needs replacement????

[SRFast]

Guys,

I'de like to find out something about our car's air conditioner circulation. There is button on the air cond panel there that can cut out the outside air from coming into the cabin right? Hence cabin circulation mode only.

But when I do that, I can still smell the outside air coming in(and my place right now isn't exactly having a healthy air index due to the haze).

I've asked a lot of ppl and they tell me the same thing "BMW A/C circulation mode in don't work like other cars, it has got a sensor to determine how much outside air comes in even though it's in circulation mode". Is that true or is it that the sponge or whatever that covers the circulation flap to block outside air coming in is worn and needs replacement????

The recirculation function does just that, recirculate the air in the passenger cabin. What you ever changed the microfilter in your HVAC system? If not, this could be the source of the unpleasant smell. If you can't replace it right away, it might be possible to wash it with mild detergent and drying is throughly.

Hope this helps....JL

[musclehedz]

Yes, I'm using a new micro filter..It's still the same :(

[SRFast]

Yes, I'm using a new micro filter..It's still the same :(

I am curious. When you have the A/C on and switch on recirc, does the volume of air coming through the vents increase? When the recirc is working properly, there is usually a change. At least this what happens on the E36, E46 and E39's I've been in. BTW, the green indicator light come on when you press the recirc button?

Regards...,JL

[musclehedz]

I am curious. When you have the A/C on and switch on recirc, does the volume of air coming through the vents increase? When the recirc is working properly, there is usually a change. At least this what happens on the E36, E46 and E39's I've been in. BTW, the green indicator light come on when you press the recirc button?

Regards...,JL


Yes, when the A/C is ON and its in recirc mode, the air volume increases. and the Recirc buttons works and lights up.

[SRFast]

Yes, when the A/C is ON and its in recirc mode, the air volume increases. and the Recirc buttons works and lights up.

Looks like everything is OK so I can't explain why you have a problem. Sorry I couldn't be more help.

Good luck....JL

[philippek]

The smell you're referring to could be from any number of sources, not just the outside air. Lots of stuff can live in your A/C, especially on a 10-year-old car. It can get pretty disgusting in there :eek:

We have a service that cleans the ducts and the condenser units for our PreOwned cars...I'm not sure though if you'd have something similar over there.

[1993BMW318i]

spray some LYSOL where the incoming air goes in why you have the A/C on high.