BMW Climate Control Issues: Faulty Flap Causing Fog?

Hi there! I've got some experience working on BMWs. Actually, I had a similar issue with my 2019 BMW 5 Series diesel (coming from a BMW 4 Series before that). The symptoms you're describing sound exactly like what I faced. The foggy windows and heating problems were driving me nuts! Took it to my regular workshop and turned out it was indeed a faulty connection in the climate control wiring. They had to replace some cables and reconnect the flap actuator properly. Cost me 95 Euro and worked like a charm after that. Before we dig deeper, could you share: Are you getting any specific error codes? Does the issue happen right from startup or after driving for a while? Have you noticed any unusual sounds from the ventilation system? Let me know these details and I might be able to help you further with more targeted advice.

Thanks for the detailed response! My BMW just had its latest service last month, and at 79450 KM, I hadn't experienced any issues until now. The error code I'm getting is "AC Malfunction" and it started happening right from startup about a week ago. There's also this weird clicking noise from behind the dashboard when I switch between different air settings. Sounds like what you experienced with your 5 Series. Did your workshop mention anything about this clicking sound? Honestly, the fogging is becoming a real safety concern, especially during morning drives. Good to hear it might just be a wiring issue, that sounds less scary than what I was imagining. Was your repair done under warranty? I'm still under mine and wondering if this would be covered.

Hey again! Thanks for those extra details about your BMW, that clicking sound you mentioned? Yeah, that's exactly what mine was doing too! It's actually pretty typical when the flap actuator starts acting up. In my case, I wasn't as lucky with the warranty since mine had just run out (typical timing, right?). But since you mentioned you're still under warranty, you should definitely be covered for this. The "AC Malfunction" error code is the same one I got, and it's usually covered under the standard warranty terms. Just a heads up though, when I had mine fixed, they initially thought it was just the wiring, but they found the actuator itself was also wearing out. The clicking noise was basically the actuator trying but failing to move properly. The workshop ended up replacing both the wiring and the actuator to completely solve the issue. Quick tip while you're waiting to get it fixed, if you're dealing with the fog, try running both the AC and heater at the same time. It's not a fix, but it helped me manage until I could get it to the shop. The whole repair took about 2-3 hours for them to complete. Let me know how it goes when you get it checked out, I'm curious if it's the same exact issue. These BMWs can be quirky with their climate control systems!

Thanks so much for all the info! I just called my BMW dealer and managed to get an appointment for next week. Really relieved to hear this is likely covered under warranty, the clicking noise is exactly as you described, and running both AC and heat together has been helping manage the fog issue temporarily. It's actually getting more noticeable now, the clicking sound seems louder, especially when switching between defrost and normal ventilation. I'll definitely mention both the wiring and actuator to the technicians when I take it in, based on your experience. Makes total sense that both might need attention. I'll update this thread once I get it sorted. Thanks again for sharing your experience, it's been super helpful in understanding what I'm dealing with! Really hoping it's a straightforward fix like yours was.