Recirculation/Fan Issue

[greggk]

Question,

This morning I notice (first time in two years of owning) that my interior air recirculation button cannot be turned on independently of the fan.

Normally I can turn my fan off and the green circulation light is on either in the auto mode (left) or complete air block mode (right) or I can turn off altogether.

Now, I cannot activate the left or right without activating the fan. Conversly, turning on the fan activates the green circulation light in the last mode used.

Took it by the dealer for a quick check and they have never seen the issue. But didnt get much comfort as the tech wasnt even sure if they are independent....which of course it is supposed to be.

I have scheduled to take it back in a week for them to diagnose but has anyone had this issue or am I not thinking of a way to correct this?

Thanks

[jparnes1]

I don't get it. If the fan is off, there's no air coming through to recirculate anyway. So why does it matter if those features are not independent?

[greggk]

Originally Posted by jparnes1

I don't get it. If the fan is off, there's no air coming through to recirculate anyway. So why does it matter if those features are not independent?

The recirculation feature controls outside air only coming in regardless of whether the fan is on versus the fan that generates its own air.

With the fan off the automated mode (left side) allows air to come in unless its too "polluted" or "dirty" then it blocks outside air from coming in until you drive further where the air is better then it lets it back in. Thats what the manual says.

The right side blocks out outside air altogether. Your choice to use either.

[Asbjorn]

Mine is the same, and I don't think it is a bug, but a feature... It is probably always closed when the fan is off.

I assume most people only turn off the fan when the roof is down? I don't see a reason to turn it off otherwise?

[ManiacGT]

So it's an 'Issue' that's not really an issue...

[Omni1234]

I have this same issue as well. By enabling recirculation to either auto or manual, the fan also turns on.

Is there an option to keep the fan off, and have outside air flow into the cabin? In my other cars, air can freely flow into the cabin with the windows and roof closed.

[Lurcher]

Originally Posted by Omni1234

Is there an option to keep the fan off, and have outside air flow into the cabin?

Yea, I'm with the not an issue "issue" crowd. If you want passive ventilation in the car - put the top or a window down.

Old school style...

[Omni1234]

Originally Posted by Lurcher

Yea, I'm with the not an issue "issue" crowd. If you want passive ventilation in the car - put the top or a window down.

Old school style...

I just find it strange the Z4 does not have this feature, maybe due to the small cabin size.