Heater, ventilation and air conditioning of the passenger compartment (BMW 3 Series E46)

Heater and ventilation of the passenger compartment

Automatic air conditioning*

Air supply

The air supply can be adjusted in steps (from 1 to 4). The stronger the air supply, the more efficient the heating and ventilation. In position O the fan and heating are off. In position O the air supply can be completely stopped by pressing the circulation mode button.

Temperature

To increase the air temperature in the cabin, turn the regulator to the right (red marking). For faster heating, turn the regulator to the extreme right position. Then select a comfortable temperature for you.

Air distribution

You can direct the air coming into the cabin to the windows , to the upper body and to the feet . Can be set to all intermediate positions. If the air is directed to the feet , then a small amount of air is also applied to the windows to prevent them from fogging up. The "6 o'clock" position is recommended as a standard setting (refer to the illustration above).

Rear window heating

When the rear window heating is on, the indicator lamp lights up. The rear window heating switches off automatically, refer to Section Rear window defroster.

Circulation mode

If there are unpleasant odors in the outside air, you can temporarily stop it from entering the cabin. In this case, only the air in the cabin will be used.

If the windows fog up when the recirculation mode is on, turn off the recirculation mode and increase the air supply if necessary.

Draft-free ventilation

You can adjust the air flow to your upper body according to your wishes.



The grooved wheels 1 allow you to smoothly open and close the nozzles. The levers 2 allow you to change the direction of the air entering the passenger compartment.

Adjust the nozzles so that the air flow does not hit you directly, but passes by.

Microfilter

The microfilter installed in your BMW traps dust particles and pollen present in the air taken in from outside. It is replaced during maintenance. The need for early replacement of the filter can be determined by a significant reduction in the maximum air flow.



For more information on replacing the filter, see Section Replacing the cabin air filter element.

Quick ventilation

1. Set the air supply fan regulator to position 4.

2. Set the temperature regulator to the far left (blue marking) position. Then select a comfortable temperature for you in the cabin.

3. Set the air distribution regulator to position .

4. Open the nozzles to supply air to the upper body.

Quick warm-up of the interior

1. Set the air supply fan regulator to position 3.



2. Set the temperature regulator to the far right (red marking) position. Then select a comfortable temperature for you in the cabin.

3. Set the air distribution regulator to position.

Defrosting and drying glass

1. Set the air supply fan regulator to position 4.

2. Set the temperature regulator to the far right (red marking) position.

3. Set the air distribution regulator to position.

4. To defrost the rear window, turn on its heating.

Heating

If the windows are not frozen or fogged up, the following installation is recommended:

1. Set the air supply fan regulator to position 2.

2. Use the temperature controller to select a comfortable temperature in the cabin.

3. Set the air distribution regulator to position . A pleasant temperature in the cabin in any weather conditions ensures comfortable conditions on the road. This contributes not only to your well-being, but also to road safety. A large number of nozzles, their location, and the possibility of individual adjustment ensure such air distribution that is not accompanied by drafts. A microfilter and an activated carbon filter clean the outside air entering the cabin. And the use of a freon-free refrigerant in the air conditioner helps protect the environment.

Good microclimate for good health

Use the automatic system - press button 7. Select a temperature that is comfortable for you, for example 22°C. You can use the air conditioner (12) as soon as the outside temperature exceeds 5°C. The air conditioner dries the air, prevents the windows from fogging up if, for example, people get into the car in wet clothes. Adjust the nozzles (2) so that the air does not hit you directly, but flows around you on the sides. Turn the knurled wheel between the nozzles (2) to the middle position, since some amount of cold air helps you not to get tired while driving.

More detailed information on setting up the automatic air conditioner is given below.

# You can set up your car so that when you unlock it using your personal key remote control, the automatic air conditioning will turn on according to the settings you have set in advance.

Automatic air distribution

The automatic program (AUTO) will relieve you of the burden of adjusting the distribution and supply of air and, in addition, will bring the temperature parameters you entered into line with external conditions (summer, winter). The system will provide pleasant climate comfort in the car at any time of the year. Select a comfortable temperature in the cabin, for example 22°C. The parameters you entered, as well as the AUTO inscription for air supply, are displayed on indicator 10. Open the deflectors of the air supply nozzles to the upper part of the body. In the warm season, turn on the air conditioner. Maximum cooling is provided by setting the knurled wheel 3 to the "Cold" position.

Individual air distribution

You can set the air distribution mode yourself and thus turn off the automatic system. Air is supplied to the glass , to the upper body , to the feet .

Temperature

The numbers on the indicator are the temperature in the cabin. It is advisable to set the temperature to 22°C, including with the air conditioner on. Once the car starts moving, the selected temperature - both in summer and winter - is set very quickly and maintained at a constant level.

Turn the knurled wheel 3 (subsection "Draft-free ventilation") to the middle position, as a certain amount of cold air helps you not to get tired while driving. Use this opportunity to make slight adjustments to the microclimate in the cabin.

By setting the temperature to 32°C, you thereby turn on the maximum unregulated heating power. Selecting 16°C with the air conditioner on turns on the full cooling power.

Air supply

By pressing the left or right side of the key, you can adjust the air supply. The automatic air supply mode is turned off, but the automatic air distribution mode is maintained.

If you press the left side of the key at the minimum fan level, all the indicators will go out: the fan, heater and air conditioner will turn off, the air supply will be blocked. By pressing any key of the automatic air conditioner you can turn the system on again.

Defrosting and drying glass

This program will provide quick defrosting and drying of the windshield and side windows.

Conditioning

When the air conditioner is switched on, the incoming outside air is cooled, dried and, if necessary, - depending on the selected temperature - heated again.

Depending on weather conditions, the windshield may fog up for a while after starting the engine.

When the outside temperature is below +5°C, turn off the air conditioner. This will help you avoid fogging up the windows.

If the windows fog up after turning off, turn the air conditioner back on.

Water condensation settles in the air conditioner and drains under the car. Therefore, traces of water on the road are not a sign of a malfunction.

Circulation mode

If there are unpleasant odors in the outside air, you can temporarily stop it from entering the cabin. In this case, the system will use only the air in the cabin.

If the windows fog up when the recirculation mode is on, turn off the recirculation mode and increase the air supply if necessary.

Automatic Outdoor Air Pollution Control (AUC)

If there are unpleasant odors in the outside air, you can stop it from entering the cabin. In this case, the system will use only the air in the cabin. Pressing the button successively allows you to select one of three operating modes:

Indicator lights do not light: outside air is entering.

The left indicator lamp is on: AUC mode. The system has detected an increased concentration of harmful substances in the outside air and has blocked its flow into the passenger compartment. Only the air in the passenger compartment is used.

Subsequently, depending on the quality composition of the air, switching is carried out from the circulation mode to the supply of outside air and back.

Right indicator lamp lights: Outside air supply is completely stopped. Only air from inside the vehicle is used.

If the windows fog up when the recirculation mode is on, turn off the recirculation mode and increase the air supply if necessary.

Rear window heating

When the rear window heating is on, the indicator lamp lights up. The rear window heating switches off automatically, refer to Section Rear window defroster.

Draft-free ventilation

You can adjust the air flow to your upper body according to your wishes.

The grooved wheels 1 allow you to smoothly open and close the nozzles. The levers 2 allow you to change the direction of the air entering the passenger compartment.

Adjust the nozzles so that the air does not hit you directly, but flows around you on the sides.

The knurled wheel 3 allows you to add more or less cold air to the air supplied to the upper part of the body.

Microfilter, activated carbon filter*

Your BMW is equipped with a microfilter that traps dust particles and pollen present in the air taken in from outside. The activated carbon filter removes gaseous harmful substances from the incoming air. The combined filter* is replaced during maintenance. The need for early replacement can be determined by a significant reduction in the maximum air flow.

For more information on replacing the filter, see Section Replacing the cabin air filter element.

Information obtained from this online resource BMWman.ru