on the auto climate control AC.

anyone know why they made this change? where the off used to be, it is now the defrost button.

i now have to use the "-" & "+" button to cycle down through the fan speeds to turn off the AC. :(

i JUST picked up my car (5-28-2004).

thanks.

That does not sound correct - this pic (from a 2002 MC) shows "OFF" on the right half of the top left button:
http://gbmini.net/images/albums/OriginalGBMINI/Interior_Stereo_and_AC.sized.jpg (http://gbmini.net/gallery/OriginalGBMINI/Interior_Stereo_and_AC?full=1)

The top left switch can be pressed on the left or right half ...

oh but it is. ;)

see attached pic. (this was taken yesterday, 06-01-2004)

i will add that i did receive a "supplement" owners manual which explains the operation of the new AC configuration.

i was just wondering why they made the change???

Wow! Thanks for the pic - fascinating to see the little changes to the MINI ...
I did not order auto a/c when I upgraded from my MC to MCS, because I found the auto a/c awkward to use. Apparently they are trying to change that.

On the older units, you would press the defrost button to get max fan, and loads of air to the screen. You would have to press AND HOLD the button for a few seconds to get normal air flow to the screen (which you could then combine with air flow to feet if you wished).
They have apparently (from your pic) changed it so that the screen air flow button works the same as the other two, not needing to be held pressed to get control.
Thus they moved the "max defrost" to where it is.

What if you press the "AUTO" button twice? Does it toggle on/off?

Very interesting!

Added a new function (arrow going up from the drivers feet) and then they ran out of buttons, so they had to get rid of one. The easies one to get rid of is the off button.

ya, pressing the auto, just toggles the auto. doesn't turn the blower off. :(

so...if i've got the blower on "level 3" and want to turn it off, i've got to button "down" three times. not a BIG deal, just pressing an off button would be easier. ;)

thanks for the replies guys.

From my understanding that's a change that was to be introduced for the 2005 model year actually. Interesting that it's slipped into '04 production.

I guess they ran out of the '04 parts, so they just slipped them in?

In any event what on earth is arrow from feet up? That doesn't even make sense as an option. Did they suddenly add air vents in the floor that blow air upwards? So if you have sweaty feet, you have the option of blowing stinky feet smell into your face?

Otherwise seems like a reasonable change, since by my logic (and experience) I rarely turned the system off anyway... Either left it on auto, or switched to to manual occasional. If you want off - then perhaps you should buy the non-automatic A/C

On the older units, you would press the defrost button to get max fan, and loads of air to the screen. You would have to press AND HOLD the button for a few seconds to get normal air flow to the screen (which you could then combine with air flow to feet if you wished).

Thanks for that information. It always seemed strange to me that you could only have it full on or not on at all. Should make motoring in the winter much better (not that the heated seats don't do a GREAT job)!

I guess they ran out of the '04 parts, so they just slipped them in?

In any event what on earth is arrow from feet up? That doesn't even make sense as an option. Did they suddenly add air vents in the floor that blow air upwards? So if you have sweaty feet, you have the option of blowing stinky feet smell into your face?

I just picked up my MCS today and my MA told me that this was going to be the new A/C unit going into the '05 models, and since my Mini was on the tail end of the '04 run it was rolled into it at no extra charge. Apparently there was also some change with the door handles rolled out as well.

If I remember right when we went through our walkthrough today, the buttons were for...
- arrow going from feet upwards: air for the windows
- arrow going to face: air for face
- arrow going to feet: air for feet

I think they could have redesigned the first button to make more sense graphically, but I don't know how else they could have designed it... oh well.

Is it because you have the visibility pack and heated front screen. In comparing the two and the fact it has a light against it, I just wondered.

[Edit] Nope, ignore me. The demist on mine has a light against it.

If I remember right when we went through our walkthrough today, the buttons were for...
- arrow going from feet upwards: air for the windows.
Who on earth designed that one?!

:eek:

The graphic to indicate windshield defrost function has been used on most BMW's since the late 80's. The figure isn't meant to be taken literally, more of an indication of airflow in relation to the occupant of the car.

I dont remember the demister for the screen blowing air anywhere near my shins though!

;)

I just picked up my MCS today and my MA told me that this was going to be the new A/C unit going into the '05 models, and since my Mini was on the tail end of the '04 run it was rolled into it at no extra charge. Apparently there was also some change with the door handles rolled out as well.

what change is on the door handles? do you mean interior or exterior?

I am curious about the 2005 spec items finding their way into the late production 2004 models. I've read of a new owner discovering the new, 2005 Auto AC control panel fittted in a recently received 2004. Elsewhere I've read of what sound like 2005 door panels, with ergonomically improved door pulls, installed on a recently delivered 2004. Has anyone received new style xenon headlights, or the up-sized rear view mirrors on their fresh 2004? I am wondering how far this will go. Do you think any 170 hp engines or new superchargers will get slipped into any of the late 2004 units?

Yup! My 328i has the same graphics for the airflow direction.

Theo :yellow:

I am curious about the 2005 spec items finding their way into the late production 2004 models. I've read of a new owner discovering the new, 2005 Auto AC control panel fittted in a recently received 2004. Elsewhere I've read of what sound like 2005 door panels, with ergonomically improved door pulls, installed on a recently delivered 2004. Has anyone received new style xenon headlights, or the up-sized rear view mirrors on their fresh 2004? I am wondering how far this will go. Do you think any 170 hp engines or new superchargers will get slipped into any of the late 2004 units?
I think the a/c and door pulls was the same person/same car.

I'd sure like a 2005 dash in my S being built this month...

Let you know in a month or so what I get.

Its nice its standard BMW stuff, but as there's two switches right below the auto A/C that are for the windows and have window icons, why doesn't the window mode have the same icon with an arrow? Clearly this is oddball german logic at its best, but I guess we all get used to it eventually.

[QUOTE=iancull]

On the older units, you would press the defrost button to get max fan, and loads of air to the screen. You would have to press AND HOLD the button for a few seconds to get normal air flow to the screen (which you could then combine with air flow to feet if you wished).
QUOTE]
OMG Ian - I have had the car 18 months & never new that
Off outside now to play with my new found feature:)

:D :D :D


That's what (MINI) friends are for ...

wouldn't surprise me if they're gradually phasing in certain functional items that aren't options, like the new door pulls and the dash, perhaps the new rear view mirrors or storage areas. I wouldn't expect any mechanical upgrades like the SC or exhaust or lights until the July builds tho :)

So does this mean these models are 2004 3/4's? (not unusual in the English car biz)

2005 Auto AC control panel fittted in a recently received 2004.

Hmnn, I think I missed something, I didn't even realise this was changing, anyone got pics / info?

I just picked up my MCS today and my MA told me that this was going to be the new A/C unit going into the '05 models, and since my Mini was on the tail end of the '04 run it was rolled into it at no extra charge. Apparently there was also some change with the door handles rolled out as well.

If I remember right when we went through our walkthrough today, the buttons were for...
- arrow going from feet upwards: air for the windows
- arrow going to face: air for face
- arrow going to feet: air for feet

I think they could have redesigned the first button to make more sense graphically, but I don't know how else they could have designed it... oh well.

Congrats, Glenn! I get mine tomorrow.

Do you know what week production yours was? I wonder if I got the new layout.

I've got the CC in my 3er, and I never turn it off, so I won't miss that button at all. Set it and forget it is my motto...

I saw it on motoringfile, linked to here:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=60410 (2005 auto AC)

Interesting - hopefully someone can tell us if you can actually turn the thing off with a button now.

Congrats, Glenn! I get mine tomorrow.

Do you know what week production yours was? I wonder if I got the new layout.

I've got the CC in my 3er, and I never turn it off, so I won't miss that button at all. Set it and forget it is my motto...

Thanks! :D I'm not sure what week production it was, but if I remember right I got my VIN on May 7... the other Minis that my dealer recieved also had the new features rolled into them as well.

Merged a couple of threads as they're basically about the same thing.

I get my IB/W R90s JCW MCS tonight. The dealer is delivering it on a car carrier. Can't wait.

From the looks of the supplementary owner's manual that covers the AC, the top right button is the "Air volume/blower and switches the AC on/off." Switch to the lowest blower speed, the minus side, and then off. I guess that way it comes on at the the low blower speed. It also says, "Switch the automatic climate control on with any button."

Jim

Well, I gotta admit, I am really curious now to see what happens, I have a Mini on order with a possible b-day of today, in fact, waiting for Mini to call me back right now....So I am wondering what extra added '05 goodies will be on mine. Only time will tell, unless someone on here does first.
Just got the call, from the dealer, production date of tomorrow June 5th. Doesnt think that I'll get the new headlights (bummer), I guess it really will only be little things...Oh well, anyone else that picks up a recently made Mini, I'd sure like to know what else you find.