For an R58, but I think this option exists for other R5X vehicles. When I was setting the options for modules using NCS, I set the Automatic Air Recirculation Sensor, to 'Active' (defaulted beforehand to 'Inactive') because my MINI has a toggle option for Auto-Recirc. After this module programming error codes showed up on the OBDII reader as an JBE: AUC sensor error, and a D376 Error -- Also related to the AUC sensor. I coded this option back to 'Inactive.'

The long and short of my surprise is, my 2015 R58 was built to NOT include an Automatic Air Recirculation Sensor:
RealOEM.com data:


I am perplexed no how the Auto-Recirc works without a sensor. The only thing associated with the Air Recirculation in my R58 is the Air Recirculation Actuator (see below). I can reconcile how the actuator works when the Recirc option is selected by closing the HVAC to outside air but not when the Auto-Recirc option is selected.
My question: How does a vehicle without an "air quality sensor" know when to selectively open or close the air recirculation flap? My BMW X5 has a similar A-Recirc function, so I understand the functionality and utility of the Auto-Recirc feature.

For context this digital Control Panel is featured in my R58

Actuator (No Sensor) (#3) is part of my R58 configuration

 

Following.
My R57 doesn't have auto climate, but the recirc disables at random on occasion.

 

I read about the Recirc timeout based on outside vs inside temp differences. I thought it was a glitch, but it turns out the timeout prevents condensation from building up on the interior. This information was in a service bulletin to MINI service techs, showing them how to recode this feature to Inaktiv using ISTA/INPA software. It can also be done with NCS.

I hope someone can help solve the sensor phenomenon unless it is driven by relative humidity (i.e., relative temp) and is not an air quality-dependent trigger.

 

Thanks, that makes sense, as it's usually with the fan on high & when I'm nearly home & the inside temp is near it's lowest.