Climate control - thumbwheel to vary temperature

I am confused by the thumbwheels present in the front center vents and in the rear ventilation system. If the system is in auto mode, with the air temperature being automatically regulated, why would there be a thumbwheel to vary the temperature?

This morning it was 51 degrees outside, and I had the system set at auto 72 degrees. While the other vents provided heating, the center vent, with the thumbwheel in the cooling (blue) position from the previous day, sent out colder air. I just don't understand why you need to manipulate this thumbwheel when you're setting your requested temperature in the auto mode of the climate control system.

Originally Posted by lsbuffs

I am confused by the thumbwheels present in the front center vents and in the rear ventilation system. If the system is in auto mode, with the air temperature being automatically regulated, why would there be a thumbwheel to vary the temperature?

This morning it was 51 degrees outside, and I had the system set at auto 72 degrees. While the other vents provided heating, the center vent, with the thumbwheel in the cooling (blue) position from the previous day, sent out colder air. I just don't understand why you need to manipulate this thumbwheel when you're setting your requested temperature in the auto mode of the climate control system.

It's a feature BMW has had for many years that gives you specific control over the air temp coming out of the dash or rear vents independent of the defrost / foot temps.

I've become used to it and like the extra and instant control.

In the 08 or so model years the physical red / blue wheel was missing but available through the idrive

Lets say you've been driving all day on a cold day and want to get colder air out of the top vents to keep you refreshed. These vents allow this while keeping your lower body at the set point.

Originally Posted by Michael Schott

Lets say you've been driving all day on a cold day and want to get colder air out of the top vents to keep you refreshed. These vents allow this while keeping your lower body at the set point.

Yes I find this feature very useful. On a cold day, once the car is warm it feels more comfortable to have the dash vents sending cooler air than the rest of the system. Not sure why, but it does!

this is easily one of the best features ive seen in a bmw and not in many other luxury cars.

So when it's cold and you got the heater pumping, do you want hot air blasting on your face? No, you want cooler air to keep your body temperature from overheating as you are already wearing heavy clothing like a jacket. cool air on exposed skin helps keep you more comfortable