Two HVAC Vents on Driver and Passenger Sides by Doors

[dbs600]

Anyone know the purpose for the two vents (stacked top and bottom) on the driver and passenger sides by the doors on the X5?

I don’t see this in any other models…

Thanks.

[Taran.J]

X5 styling. I personally think they should've changed them in the F15 and kept them conservative.

[artem123]

I like it. I aim one toward wheel and another one to the window.

[akhter]

I like it to...i have one towards the body and one towards the face.

x5 is a huge car (with open trunk *******. so many vents and it still takes longer than my e90 to cool the car.

[dbs600]

Thanks for everyone's prompt replies.

If simply a styling cue, weird.

For those who point one towards the window, what's the point of doing so?

Don't like how one has a louver and the other not, weird.

Thanks again.

[Doanster]

Originally Posted by dbs600

For those who point one towards the window, what's the point of doing so?

Faster defrost. I rarely run the A/C in the winter unless I need super fast defrosting/de-humidifying.

[artem123]

Originally Posted by Doanster

Faster defrost. I rarely run the A/C in the winter unless I need super fast defrosting/de-humidifying.

Bingo!

[wjbender]

Originally Posted by Doanster

Faster defrost. I rarely run the A/C in the winter unless I need super fast defrosting/de-humidifying.

You may consider running the AC all the time, or at least weekly. The internal seals and bearings are lubricated by oil that circulates with the refrigerant.

[wjbender]

There is also a third center vent - barely noticeable. Look for a very narrow slit just under the two adjustable center vents

[dbs600]

Originally Posted by Doanster

Faster defrost. I rarely run the A/C in the winter unless I need super fast defrosting/de-humidifying.

Originally Posted by artem123

Bingo!

Not so sure about this, as there's already the stationary vent on top of the dash that points to the door window for defrosting...

[RaslDasl]

I picked my X3 on a 100 degree day. I was definitely wishing for an extra set of vents at that location. The single vent was barely keeping up.

[Doanster]

Originally Posted by dbs600

Not so sure about this, as there's already the stationary vent on top of the dash that points to the door window for defrosting...

It's not an absolute, just what I personally use it for...

[Doanster]

Originally Posted by wjbender

You may consider running the AC all the time, or at least weekly. The internal seals and bearings are lubricated by oil that circulates with the refrigerant.

Really? Internal bearings and seals of what, the compressor? Are you talking "initial" use so that the bearings/seals seat correctly or are you saying to prevent failure down the road? I've never had a compressor in any car fail so will prob continue my method of only using it as needed. There's just not a huge need for full auto mode year round here in the PNW (for me anyway).
I've had other lively debates on this subject with a fellow car enthusiast (2series owner now) and we've agreed to disagree.

[wjbender]

Originally Posted by Doanster

Really? Internal bearings and seals of what, the compressor? Are you talking "initial" use so that the bearings/seals seat correctly or are you saying to prevent failure down the road? I've never had a compressor in any car fail so will prob continue my method of only using it as needed. There's just not a huge need for full auto mode year round here in the PNW (for me anyway).
I've had other lively debates on this subject with a fellow car enthusiast (2series owner now) and we've agreed to disagree.

Yes the compressor - there is no such thing as "bearings/seat" the compressor uses ball bearings, and seals do not need to seat either. In all Freon (any variety) based systems the lubrication oil circulates to the internal components with the refrigerant, thus it is good practice to periodically run the system. I tend to be more conservative with my cars, like changing oil and rotating tires every 5k, letting the engine warm up before using strong acceleration, etc.

[Doanster]

Originally Posted by wjbender

Yes the compressor - there is no such thing as "bearings/seat" the compressor uses ball bearings, and seals do not need to seat either. In all Freon (any variety) based systems the lubrication oil circulates to the internal components with the refrigerant, thus it is good practice to periodically run the system. I tend to be more conservative with my cars, like changing oil and rotating tires every 5k, letting the engine warm up before using strong acceleration, etc.

Good to know. Probably won't change my A/C habits, but I'm definitely with you regarding the other items such as no heavy acceleration/higher revving until the engine has come up to temp.