Window Condensation When Using Auto 'Air Recirculate'

[kmorgan]

Hello,

This is my first Z4 and forum posting here at Z4-forum.

I've had the Z4 since November 2013, so I'm still becoming familiar with it.
The car seems to have a bit of a problem with condensation forming inside the windows especially rear when parked up with the 'air recirculate' set to auto. The problem has become worse with the recent colder and damp weather.
The problem seems to clear if 'air recirculate' is set to off i.e. not recirculating or set to auto.

Just to be clear the condensation will form when the car is parked up for a period of time (a couple of hours or more) or especially over night. Then the car is moving I have no problem with the condensation clearing and remaining clear.

I have a 1 series E87 2008, its 'air recirculate' is set to auto and has been for the past two years since ownership, the 1 has no such problems with condensation.

Does anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks,

 

[-Tom-]

Hi KMorgan. Welcome along.

Surely if set to recirculate then you are circulating already damp air around the car and thus won't really gain much until it really heats up in terms of condensation. Non-recirculation is always what I'd use.

Edit - sorry I didn't see this was in the e89 section on my phone. Ignore what I've deleted :roll:

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[Maniac]

=Tom= I think that's more applicable to e85's than e89's though. No issues with footwell/door leaks generally (there have been one or two cars in here about window seals, but its very rare).

OP I would suggest running your aircon almost all the time in this damp weather to remove moisture from the cabin. I tend to run mine occasionally, choosing rather to open the windows a crack to let fresh air through the cabin which does the trick. Without aircon or fresh air through such a small cabin you're going to get moisture. Bear in mind you can't compare it to a 1 series or any other 4 seater car as the interior space is so much larger to take the moisture. The e89 cabin is small and moisture will build up much more quickly. Just roll down your windows a bit (in dry weather lol) to keep the moisture down or use the air con regularly.

Auto recirculate will of course make this worse as the car will close vents to block contaminants, reducing the throughput of fresh air. When using auto recirculate I always use air con on.

 

[-Tom-]

Dam sorry I didn't see the e89 bit, wish tapatalk was more clear. Ignore all that rubbish other than the recirculate. Sorry.

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[kmorgan]

Cheers for the welcome Tom, and advice Maniac.
The Z4 is my weekend car so don't like the thought of it becoming damp, I'll continue to keep the air recirculation off and air-con on; this seems to do the trick.
I've checked for leaks in the cabin finding no evidence of dampness.
I agree the cabin is very small so will suffer, however, I would've thought BMW would been mindful of this during its design.

Thanks again