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Thread: Ideal way to use A/C

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Location
    Mountain View, CA, USA
    Posts
    41
    My Cars
    2006 E90 330xi

    Ideal way to use A/C

    I have a 2006 E90 330i and I'm curious to know what your ideal settings are for A/C and climate control. I've read online that it's recommended to leave the A/C on ALL the time (good for the seals and lifespan of refrigerant). I would like to get an opinion from the expert community. I wouldn't think leaving the A/C on ALL the time is fuel efficient; I only use my A/C when necessary.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    Ca
    Posts
    6,981
    My Cars
    2001 525it
    The new ac compressors are completely diffferent as far as how they operate compared to my e39. Just use it, it's there for a reason, if your worried about fuel efficiency, buy a Prius they have a fully electric compressor

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Vancouver Isl, BC, Canada
    Posts
    4,173
    My Cars
    98 Euro M3, 04 M3, 06 M5
    If it hot or you need to defog turn it on, otherwise leave it off. Mine usually stays on most of the time during the summer, and then is off for 5 or 6 months straight. Never had an issue and honestly dont even think about it.
    Last edited by legoman67; 05-20-2018 at 01:54 PM.
    Current:

    - 09 335i MSport, FBO.
    - 98 Euro M3, Estoril Blue
    - 04 M3, Carbon Black, 6 Speed Coupe
    - 06 M5, Black on Black, Full Leather.
    - 73 3.0CS, Tagia Green, 5 speed M30b35 converted

    Ex's: 1984 325e, 1988 325IX, 1992 525I, 1995 540i/6, 2002 330i, 2005 330xi, 1992 850i, 2003 330i #1, 2003 330i #2, 2002 330ci, 2004 330ci, 2007 328CI, 2007 335i, 2001 M3, 2006 M5 6 speed

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Location
    Mountain View, CA, USA
    Posts
    41
    My Cars
    2006 E90 330xi
    Thanks for the response - I see a similar trend in other forums where folks are divided between just leaving it on or using it only when it is needed. I also use the air con heavily during the summer but for 5 - 6 months, it stays off for the most part. I've had my car for 5 years and never had an issue with the air con. I just got my air con serviced today - full discharge, cleaning and refill: I figured 5 years is a reasonable amount of time to do this. Was just looking to hear opinion from the expert community on how everyone may be using theirs.
    Last edited by julls; 05-21-2018 at 02:58 PM.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Kilmarnock, VA
    Posts
    1,873
    My Cars
    E53, E90, Triumph GT6
    Just having the snowflake button lit (A/C button) Does not mean the compressor is on. Having the button lit means you will let the car turn the AC on when the CAR thinks it needs it. If the temperature is below a certain point the AC will not come on regardless of the button position. Likewise turning on Defrost will turn on the AC if the temperature is warm regardless of the snowflake position. If you enjoy AC leave the HVAC controls set to full auto and forget about it :-)

    How I use mine... I dislike 50 F degree air on me. I have to be pretty hot to want that. I only turn the snowflake button on when it is hot out. Then I use the temperature dials to set the cabin temp a bit higher.

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