How does AC work with top down on verts?

heavysixer · 08-01-2008, 02:40 PM

Hey 'vert owners, does the AC do a good job of keeping you cool with the top down, or is it a lost cause on hot and humid days?

You see, I've been driving around lately, dreaming about owning a 1'er vert. Every sunny day I imagine what it would be like to be driving with the top down.

As summer has heated up, there are hot and humid days on which I find myself rolling up my windows and cranking the AC. These are the days that I wonder if I'd cave in and put the top up. I know, it's a sin!

One solution that came to mind was rolling up the windows, putting up the wind blocker and cranking the AC, figuring that the AC might provide enough relief from the humidity.

Is the AC up to the challenge or is it horribly overmatched?

As you can see, I'm a bit obsessed with the 1'er. You could even say I'm addicted! :biggrin:

nordique14 · 08-01-2008, 03:53 PM

There is a "convertible mode". Here is what has been written about it:

Quote:

The climate-control system in the 1 Series Convertible has an additional convertible mode (compared to the system in the BMW 1 Series Coupe) designed for open-roof conditions. The three standard modes; gentle, medium and intensive, react primarily to interior sensors, while the convertible mode reacts less to interior temperature and more to the exterior temperature and sunlight factors to establish the intensity of the ventilation.

I think the HVAC has to be set to auto to get the "convertible mode". Since I never do that I have not seen it in action yet.

The windblocker really reduces the wind in the cockpit. In colder weather, the blocker and the heated seats can extend the top-down season well beyond what most people would think is sane.

Andys120 · 08-01-2008, 06:52 PM

how well the specific system in the Oner convertible works but having owned several convertibles and lived on the East Coast most of my life I doubt if you'll want to put the top down except for short drives on a 90 degree day with high humidity.

OTOH putting the windows up and setting the AC on the proper setting will probably work on a warmish mid-80s day.

Driving top down on cool days with the windpows up and the heater blasting works well on cool days. I've done it on 30 degree winter days, it's great fun.

warmtoes · 08-01-2008, 07:16 PM

The convertible mode certainly works as I notice on a hot day when I get in the car and put down the top the vents are blasting until the top is fully stowed and then suddenly it cranks back down.

I haven't tried it with the AC on as I just try to drive faster to cool down.

x97Melbourne · 08-01-2008, 07:22 PM

i have a 135i convertible and live in florida.

to answer your question, the A/C is CRAP with the top down. the convertible mode sounds cool on paper, but it doesn't keep the car cool.

with the top down, which i do almost all the time, even in the hot sun, the A/C is completely useless. it is so useless in fact, that I usually just turn it off. the good thing is, with the top down, you get plenty of wind, (which i like), so you stay very cool, even at 90+ degrees. your back gets sweaty though!! i just bought a seat attachment that keeps your back a little cooler.

i actually just took my car into the dealer for them to look at the weak A/C this week. everyone who has been in my car, even with the top up, has said the A/C is very weak. they are right. the dealer found nothing wrong wtih it, ("up to BMW standards") and thus, did nothing to correct it. the A/C in the 1 is the only downfall of the "1". my old car was a Nissan Alimta with Black Leather....i had no problem staying cool in the hot florida sun....i can't say this with the new 1 series...saying that it is still a sweet ass ride.

one side note == i have found that women do not like having the top down because they get their hair messy. needless to say, girls who ask me to put the top up do not get a second ride....

send me a private message if you want to know more!!!! enjoy the car.

Miata13 · 08-01-2008, 10:29 PM

[quote=x97Melbourne;210224]i have a 135i convertible and live in florida.

to answer your question, the A/C is CRAP with the top down. the convertible mode sounds cool on paper, but it doesn't keep the car cool.

Boy...I hate to hear that as I'm vacilating between a 'vert and coupe and currently drive a 4-season Miata in Iowa. It's been mid-upper 80's and soon to be mid-90's with near Florida humidity...our State Fair opens next week

I do fine in my Miata with top down and A/C blasting....

Hmmmmm...

MikeCCrutchfield · 08-02-2008, 05:41 AM

[quote=miata13;210323]

Quote:

Originally Posted by x97Melbourne

i have a 135i convertible and live in florida.

to answer your question, the A/C is CRAP with the top down. the convertible mode sounds cool on paper, but it doesn't keep the car cool.

Boy...I hate to hear that as I'm vacilating between a 'vert and coupe and currently drive a 4-season Miata in Iowa. It's been mid-upper 80's and soon to be mid-90's with near Florida humidity...our State Fair opens next week

I do fine in my Miata with top down and A/C blasting....

Hmmmmm...

two words...
test drive

heavysixer · 08-02-2008, 08:09 AM

[QUOTE=MikeCCrutchfield;210469]

Quote:

Originally Posted by miata13

two words...
test drive

I'm going to take a test drive at some point, but I'm not buying until next summer. I feel like it's too early and I'd be wasting some CA's time (and make myself more obsessed with the car than I already am!)

But you're right, a test drive will answer many questions, including the biggie: 128 vert or 135 coupe. Right now I'm 90% in favor of the vert, but I may be seduced by the N54!

heavysixer · 08-02-2008, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warmtoes

The convertible mode certainly works as I notice on a hot day when I get in the car and put down the top the vents are blasting until the top is fully stowed and then suddenly it cranks back down.

I haven't tried it with the AC on as I just try to drive faster to cool down.

That's the other solution, for sure!

warmtoes · 08-02-2008, 10:27 AM

heavysixer, if you like the 128 vert, don't drive the 135i coupe because you'll want the 135i vert shortly afterwards. The N54 is, as someone else aptly put before, intoxicating.

heavysixer · 08-02-2008, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warmtoes

heavysixer, if you like the 128 vert, don't drive the 135i coupe because you'll want the 135i vert shortly afterwards. The N54 is, as someone else aptly put before, intoxicating.

I'm willing to take that chance. :smile:

EmeraldRx · 08-02-2008, 11:28 AM

I have an 05 M3 vert. The A/c does help, with the wind coming in from the vert, it mixes with the coldair and helps slightly. Its not freezing but it feels a bit better

Texasgirl · 08-02-2008, 12:02 PM

I live in Texas and it's 105 today. I drive all the time with the top down, a/c blowing. It does cool you down a bit, but I've noticed that if I have the air going to my feet, it really helps. By the way, I've had zero problems with the a/c and mine cools the car perfectly.

lovemywhip · 08-02-2008, 01:04 PM

^^ im the same as texas girl (but in ny)lol

Qube · 08-02-2008, 01:51 PM

Works great. The key is knowing WHEN to keep the top up. Midday 3-4PM, the AC won't do JACK because the sun is toasting you. Morning and dusk is best. Any other time, you can roll up the windows with the AC on mid and low blowing. With the windows down, just keep it low to keep your feet cool (feels like yer at the beach with your feet dipped in the water). For maximum cooling, windows up, windscreen up, AC mid and low vents on.

Verts are neat, but know when to have it closed to avoid frying yourself!

Sadie114 · 08-02-2008, 03:03 PM

Mine arrived at the preparation center today, so I'll let you know! It's 100 degrees every day in August here in sunny SC, so the A/C will be put to the test.:roundel:

larryn · 08-02-2008, 04:12 PM

You guys didn't order the enhanced A/C function?

x97Melbourne · 08-02-2008, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larryn

You guys didn't order the enhanced A/C function?

What is this? I am not fimiliar???

08-01-2008, 02:40 PM	#1
heavysixer New Member 0 Rep 12 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jul 2008 iTrader: (0)	How does AC work with top down on verts? Hey 'vert owners, does the AC do a good job of keeping you cool with the top down, or is it a lost cause on hot and humid days? You see, I've been driving around lately, dreaming about owning a 1'er vert. Every sunny day I imagine what it would be like to be driving with the top down. As summer has heated up, there are hot and humid days on which I find myself rolling up my windows and cranking the AC. These are the days that I wonder if I'd cave in and put the top up. I know, it's a sin! One solution that came to mind was rolling up the windows, putting up the wind blocker and cranking the AC, figuring that the AC might provide enough relief from the humidity. Is the AC up to the challenge or is it horribly overmatched? As you can see, I'm a bit obsessed with the 1'er. You could even say I'm addicted! :biggrin:
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08-01-2008, 06:52 PM	#3
Andys120 Enlisted Member 1 Rep 48 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 iTrader: (0)	I can't tell you... how well the specific system in the Oner convertible works but having owned several convertibles and lived on the East Coast most of my life I doubt if you'll want to put the top down except for short drives on a 90 degree day with high humidity. OTOH putting the windows up and setting the AC on the proper setting will probably work on a warmish mid-80s day. Driving top down on cool days with the windpows up and the heater blasting works well on cool days. I've done it on 30 degree winter days, it's great fun.
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08-01-2008, 07:16 PM	#4
warmtoes Lieutenant Colonel 31 Rep 1,917 Posts Drives: EBII 435i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (1)	The convertible mode certainly works as I notice on a hot day when I get in the car and put down the top the vents are blasting until the top is fully stowed and then suddenly it cranks back down. I haven't tried it with the AC on as I just try to drive faster to cool down. __________________ *2014 EBII 435i xDrive M-sport* Gone: 2011 TiAg F25 X3 xDrive35i M-sport Gone: 2008 TiAg w/Coral Red E88 135i Cab M-sport
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08-01-2008, 07:22 PM	#5
x97Melbourne Molar World 47 Rep 916 Posts Drives: 2016 435i Coupe Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	i have a 135i convertible and live in florida. to answer your question, the A/C is CRAP with the top down. the convertible mode sounds cool on paper, but it doesn't keep the car cool. with the top down, which i do almost all the time, even in the hot sun, the A/C is completely useless. it is so useless in fact, that I usually just turn it off. the good thing is, with the top down, you get plenty of wind, (which i like), so you stay very cool, even at 90+ degrees. your back gets sweaty though!! i just bought a seat attachment that keeps your back a little cooler. i actually just took my car into the dealer for them to look at the weak A/C this week. everyone who has been in my car, even with the top up, has said the A/C is very weak. they are right. the dealer found nothing wrong wtih it, ("up to BMW standards") and thus, did nothing to correct it. the A/C in the 1 is the only downfall of the "1". my old car was a Nissan Alimta with Black Leather....i had no problem staying cool in the hot florida sun....i can't say this with the new 1 series...saying that it is still a sweet ass ride. one side note == i have found that women do not like having the top down because they get their hair messy. needless to say, girls who ask me to put the top up do not get a second ride.... send me a private message if you want to know more!!!! enjoy the car.
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08-01-2008, 10:29 PM	#6
Miata13 Second Lieutenant 87 Rep 288 Posts Drives: '23 BMW x3 M40i (on order) Join Date: May 2008 Location: Midwest iTrader: (0)	[quote=x97Melbourne;210224]i have a 135i convertible and live in florida. to answer your question, the A/C is CRAP with the top down. the convertible mode sounds cool on paper, but it doesn't keep the car cool. Boy...I hate to hear that as I'm vacilating between a 'vert and coupe and currently drive a 4-season Miata in Iowa. It's been mid-upper 80's and soon to be mid-90's with near Florida humidity...our State Fair opens next week I do fine in my Miata with top down and A/C blasting.... Hmmmmm...
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08-02-2008, 10:27 AM	#10
warmtoes Lieutenant Colonel 31 Rep 1,917 Posts Drives: EBII 435i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (1)	heavysixer, if you like the 128 vert, don't drive the 135i coupe because you'll want the 135i vert shortly afterwards. The N54 is, as someone else aptly put before, intoxicating. __________________ *2014 EBII 435i xDrive M-sport* Gone: 2011 TiAg F25 X3 xDrive35i M-sport Gone: 2008 TiAg w/Coral Red E88 135i Cab M-sport
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08-02-2008, 11:28 AM	#12
EmeraldRx Private First Class 10 Rep 165 Posts Drives: Join Date: May 2008 iTrader: (0)	I have an 05 M3 vert. The A/c does help, with the wind coming in from the vert, it mixes with the coldair and helps slightly. Its not freezing but it feels a bit better __________________ 135 Convertible 6MT Cashmere Silver/Terra Interior/Black Top/All Options(except Active Steering and HD radio)[/COLOR][/FONT] 1987 Corvette Convertible-29k mi 1989 Bronco Eddie Bauer 2008 Nissan Armada (wifes)
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08-02-2008, 12:02 PM	#13
Texasgirl Private 0 Rep 62 Posts Drives: Join Date: Apr 2008 iTrader: (0)	I live in Texas and it's 105 today. I drive all the time with the top down, a/c blowing. It does cool you down a bit, but I've noticed that if I have the air going to my feet, it really helps. By the way, I've had zero problems with the a/c and mine cools the car perfectly. __________________ Black Sapphire Metallic 135i Convertible Premium Pkg Sport Pkg Cold Weather Pkg Ipod/USB Black Boston Leather
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08-02-2008, 01:04 PM	#14
lovemywhip Private First Class 6 Rep 131 Posts Drives: Join Date: May 2008 iTrader: (0)	^^ im the same as texas girl (but in ny)lol
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08-02-2008, 01:51 PM	#15
Qube Lieutenant 34 Rep 531 Posts Drives: E39 540 :: 09 STi Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Right here. iTrader: (0)	Works great. The key is knowing WHEN to keep the top up. Midday 3-4PM, the AC won't do JACK because the sun is toasting you. Morning and dusk is best. Any other time, you can roll up the windows with the AC on mid and low blowing. With the windows down, just keep it low to keep your feet cool (feels like yer at the beach with your feet dipped in the water). For maximum cooling, windows up, windscreen up, AC mid and low vents on. Verts are neat, but know when to have it closed to avoid frying yourself! __________________ :: www.HIDCanada.com
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08-02-2008, 03:03 PM	#16
Sadie114 New Member 1 Rep 28 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jul 2008 iTrader: (0)	Mine arrived at the preparation center today, so I'll let you know! It's 100 degrees every day in August here in sunny SC, so the A/C will be put to the test.:roundel: __________________ 128i Vert Blue Water/Savannah Beige Premium, Sport, Xenons, USB, Sat
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08-02-2008, 04:12 PM	#17
larryn Lieutenant General 2148 Rep 10,176 Posts Drives: '97 332ti, '21 X5 45e, '16 GT4 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Seattle iTrader: (2)	You guys didn't order the enhanced A/C function?
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