A/C always on or off when driving
04-25-2006, 12:19 PM
#1
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A/C always on or off when driving
What is the norm around here A/C on or off with the ECO button. I used to drive around in my M3 with the A/C normally off. Being in San Diego close to the coast, it's needed only 90% of the time. How efficient from a power standpoint do you think running the A/C is?
04-25-2006, 12:38 PM
#3
Nordschleife Master
Just leave it on auto here unless the top is down, in which case it's on ECO or OFF. Also in Chicago. Not sure it effects milage too much either way. Probably a little but very little with a 355HP motor.
04-25-2006, 01:33 PM
#5
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My wife used to have a convertible 3 series and we would also use the A/C when the top was down because of how hot it was in the car in the open sun. Sounds silly but it works well even with the top down.
04-25-2006, 02:29 PM
#6
Three Wheelin'
If the wife is on board the A/C is always on. Normally, I'll drive with the window down to hear the great music coming from the engine & exhaust!
Also, I notice that if I keep the window down it's an open invitation for comments (hey dude nice car!).
Also, I notice that if I keep the window down it's an open invitation for comments (hey dude nice car!).
04-25-2006, 04:58 PM
#7
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I run the fan half speed or better in ECO unless it is humid in spring, summer, and fall. The 3.8 is large enough that I have not noticed A/C compressor drag even when it is running, but then my right foot tends to be heavy. 
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04-25-2006, 05:10 PM
#8
Burning Brakes
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Does anyone know if the A/C compressor shuts down automatically at a pre-determined RPM? I would think that it wouldn't make sense to run it in the high rev regime...
04-26-2006, 08:48 PM
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I got my car in November and every time I'd bring it home the first week it would leave lots (a small river) of condensate on the garage floor so I asked and read and turned on the ECO button. I think it must have some effect on mileage because I'm averaging 20 to 22 m.p.g. (Cab AND Tip) on twisty turny mountain roads, short trips, no interstates. When warm weather arrives the ECO button goes off and Auto goes on. I'll check my mileage again then.
04-26-2006, 08:52 PM
#13
Three Wheelin'
Originally Posted by dweiser
I got my car in November and every time I'd bring it home the first week it would leave lots (a small river) of condensate on the garage floor so I asked and read and turned on the ECO button. I think it must have some effect on mileage because I'm averaging 20 to 22 m.p.g. (Cab AND Tip) on twisty turny mountain roads, short trips, no interstates. When warm weather arrives the ECO button goes off and Auto goes on. I'll check my mileage again then.
04-26-2006, 09:41 PM
#14
The Penguin King
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Originally Posted by carreraboy
ON!!!!!
I am in Houston!!
carreraboy
'06 997 C4
I am in Houston!!
carreraboy
'06 997 C4
04-27-2006, 01:53 AM
#15
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I am just curious what the fascination with this thread is. Why does this matter? I am not being sarcastic I am just trying to understand why what others do with the AC is of any concern to the rest of us.