Temperature Control - whats wrong?

[shell320]

Hi all,

Not sure what is going on with my temperature control in a 99 E46. The temp can be lowered to min of 16 degrees however the air coming out is medium warm/hot. When I turn it up to 18.5 the air seems cooler. I have just replaced the pollen filter and had the Air-con recharged, but I am now having to use the air-con all the time which isnt very economical and therfore very annoying.
I never seemed to be like this until the air-con gas started to run out.
Is there anything I can check or do I need to get windows tinted to stop the sun getting in! as it is hotter than a sauna whenever i get in the car and takes an age to cool to a manageable temperature.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[shell320]

Yes it is on 3 blue dots for cold but still why is 18.5 cooler than 16 and is 16 normal for the lowest temp you can get. I do run the AC quite regularly but it gets a bit thirsty on juice when I need it on constant for a 360mile round trip.

[shell320]

Thankyou all,

I must say I thought I was having my leg pulled when I read Hedgehog but, I did google it and low and behold I would be tempted to agree however I am going to try resetting it first by removing the fuse. If that doesnt work then I will get a new 'hedgehog'.
One question still remains though, is 16 degrees the lowest it is meant to go? or is this another symptom of the problem.

Cheers
Shell