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.

[Denis O]

Do you have the dial on blue for cold as opposed to red for hot. I don't know the location on the e46 but on the e36 and e39 it's between the air vents in the centre of the dash above the climate controls.

You should run your climate all the time or at least once a week, even in the winter, to keep all your seals lubricated. Otherwise they dry out and leak gas meaning you are forever recharging the system.

[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.

[Vee]

shell320 said:

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.

Google 'BMW hedgehog'.
Its a resistor which often needs replacement on BMWs.
I cannot remember the syptoms exactly but this might be your problem if the regas has been done.

[mwy1964]

Had a similar problem with my 330i... Take a look at the front electric fan is it running while stationary (At a high speed)with aircon on, if not it could well be your problem... Fairly common problem I am led to believe..

[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